SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) —The Wyndham Springfield City Centre is temporarily closed one day after WAND News reported that lawmakers had to leave their stays early due to water pouring through the elevators.
Springfield Fire Chief Ed Canny told WAND News that the hotel does not currently have working sprinklers, fire alarms, or elevators. Due to the code violations, no guests will be allowed to stay until the issues are resolved.
SFD was initially called for a fire alarm, but found no fire. It was during this investigation that the department found the broken equipment.
The Springfield Police Department is currently investigating the damage to the hotel as intentional vandalism.
“For the safety of overnight hotel occupants, SFD uses placards to indicate that the building does not meet the standard for safe occupancy,” said Canny in a release. “We are in contact, along with other City agencies, with the Wyndham staff to see they understand the issues and we will do what we can to assist in seeing they take the steps needed to return the hotel for safe condition for overnight occupancy.”
Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau is actively working with the Springfield Hotel & Lodging Association and tourism partners to develop a contingency plan for conventions, meetings, and events that could be impacted if convention space isn’t available for any large duration.
“Springfield remains open and ready to welcome visitors with our world-class historic sites, Route 66 attractions, and over 40 hotels continue to provide outstanding experiences for travelers,” said Scott Dahl, SCVB Director. “We are prepared to help make new arrangements for any groups needing overnight accommodations until hotel repairs are complete and the Wyndham is fully returned to service.”
Illinois State Representative Joyce Mason told WAND News that she and her dog were woken up Thursday morning to the sound of running water in the elevator shaft. She said the front desk was unable to give her any information regarding the incident.
“They told me all elevators—including the freight—were down. I asked, ‘Are we talking a couple hours or a couple days?’ And the answer was: ‘I have no idea,’” Mason said.
The lawmaker made the trip down 17 flights of stairs with her dog in tow and left her hotel stay early.
Sue Scherer, State Representative of the 96th District said constituents reached out to her about the displacement on Thursday.
Scherer said, "It's not just the reps and senators, its the lobbyists, its the people that work at all of these businesses that do extra during session. The list just goes on and on."
WAND News has reached out to Wyndham Springfield City Centre for more information.
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