City Approves Transfer of Y Block to State

The Springfield City Council has approved the transfer of the Y Block property to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, clearing the way for the state to move forward with plans for a downtown public park and outdoor event venue.

The council voted on July 21 to donate the 2.35-acre property, located between Fourth and Fifth streets and Capitol Avenue and Jackson Street, to the state agency. The site, which sits just north of the Governor's Mansion, has remained largely undeveloped for years despite numerous redevelopment proposals.

Before the final vote, alderpersons considered an amendment introduced by Ward 3 Ald. Roy Williams Jr. that would have required the state to complete all work and improvements on the property within two years.

The proposed amendment resulted in a 4-4 tie among alderpersons. Mayor Misty Buscher cast the deciding vote against the measure, allowing the original ordinance to move forward without the additional requirements.

Williams, along with Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory, Ward 4 Ald. Larry Rockford and Ward 5 Ald. Lakeisha Purchase, supported the amendment. Ward 1 Ald. Jeff Cox, Ward 7 Ald. Brad Carlson, Ward 9 Ald. Jim Donelan and Ward 10 Ald. Ralph Hanauer voted against it. Ward 8 Ald. Erin Conley voted "present" because she is employed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Ward 6 Ald. Jennifer Notariano was absent.

The approved agreement allows the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to proceed with a planned $4 million investment in the property. Current plans include a natural limestone amphitheater with seating for between 1,500 and 1,800 people, a permanent performance stage, native Illinois landscaping, ADA accessible walking paths, open green space, shaded gathering areas and a natural play area for children.

The project is also expected to include interpretive signage recognizing the history of the former YWCA building that once occupied the site and a designated area for vendor tents, food trucks and other event support during concerts and community gatherings.

The Y Block has served as the home of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series since 2019. Organizers say the addition of a permanent stage would eliminate the need to assemble and remove a temporary stage each week, reducing annual costs by about $10,000.

The city purchased the Y Block from the State of Illinois in 2014 for $1.5 million using downtown tax increment financing funds. Since then, multiple redevelopment concepts have been proposed, but none advanced beyond the planning stage.

With the property transfer now approved, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will assume ownership of the site and oversee development of the new park. Construction timelines have not yet been announced.