SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The former Pillsbury plant in Springfield has a new addition to a running yearly Independence Day tradition.
Demolition of the plant began in September 2025 after non-profit group Moving Pillsbury Forward acquired the 18-acre site.
Leaders of the organization said the site has had a series of American flags placed along the three blocks in front of the former plant the last three years to celebrate the 4th of July.
This year, the plant now has a 50-foot flag hanging from the crane at the spot where the demolition started and where the 160-foot smokestack stood for over 90 years.
The flag will be in place until Monday.
Leaders said overall plant demolition is now 65-70% complete. They said demolition of the remaining tall structures will start next week, including the 100-foot-tall north silos, the 120-foot-tall Bakery Tower and the 224-foot-tall Headhouse.
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