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Fire leaves East Adams St. block closed; Old Capitol Farmer's Market adjusts

Mayor Misty Buscher stands behind podium along 4th St.
Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher addresses reporters Thursday.

Cleanup after a fire that destroyed much of a building at 413 and 415 E. Adams St. in Springfield's downtown will be delayed as engineering specialists determine the stability of the structure and those nearby. The top three floors were torn down this week because of safety concerns.

The fire broke out Wednesday morning in the location that housed The Cat's Pyjamas cat cafe, the Elf Shelf book and music store on the second floor and an art studio. A museum exhibit that featured art and artifacts related to the Pillsbury Mills facility were on the third floor and officials was a total loss. Some residents were also displaced.

The 400 block of E. Adams St. is expected to be closed at least through the weekend.

Mayor Misty Buscher said during a news conference that Saturday’s Old Capitol Farmers Market will be moved west along 4th. Buzz Bomb Brewery will remain open, but patrons will need to enter on the side of the building facing 4th St.

"The rest of the street needs to remain closed including the sidewalks for your safety." Buscher said.  

A “Benefit for Businesses Affected by Adams Family Fire” fund has been set up through Illinois National Bank and donations are being accepted at any of the bank's locations to help the affected residents and business owners.

Ad Astra Wine and Tapas Bar has listed more ways to help through its Facebook page.

Maureen Foertsch McKinney is news editor and equity and justice beat reporter for NPR Illinois, where she has been on the staff since 2014 after Illinois Issues magazine’s merger with the station. She joined the magazine’s staff in 1998 as projects editor and became managing editor in 2003. Prior to coming to the University of Illinois Springfield, she was an education reporter and copy editor at three local newspapers, including the suburban Chicago Daily Herald, She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in English from UIS.
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