SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Twelve new businesses are expected to open in Downtown Springfield between winter 2025 and fall 2026, according to Jay Shanle, executive director of Downtown Springfield Incorporated.

Shanle took over as executive director in April and has changed how business owners and community members see the area. 

"Downtown is a unique environment," Shanle said. "It's something that you can't get anywhere else in Springfield. It's a special place that the people want to be a part of."

Since winter 2025, several new businesses have opened up. These include Long Nine Junction, Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop, Vondra Social House, and Arrowroot Coffee. 

Recently, Elderberry and Plumb Bookstore and Vault 66 Pinball opened their doors to the Springfield community. Shanle says Triple Blend Nutrition, Creole Smoke, The Bus Stop, and three yet-to-be-announced businesses will all open by the end of 2026. 

"I believe that a better understanding of our downtown is what's needed," Shanle said. "Just because businesses may close means it's another opportunity for someone else. It's not a failure. It's someone making an attempt and trying, and we want to celebrate that as well." 

Shanle also sees a lot of potential with the new ownership of the Y Block. New plans include permanent infrastructure, giving guests a different idea of the area. 

"Having a park and an amphitheater there makes it explicit that this is a place to be used, to be activated," Shanle said. "And I think a lot of organizations will seize upon that and start putting their programming there as well."

For the future, Shanle and other downtown groups see the potential for changes in residential opportunities and new jobs in the medical district. Many of these changes are attached to legislation that didn't pass in the recent legislative process. 

"It would be something that could truly change how we look at downtown, having more residential down here," Shanle said. "Also, the expansion of the medical district — there's potential there to diversify our employment base."

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