Commercial Street Continues Revitalization Efforts

As Springfield continues to revitalize its historic Commercial Street district, the Urban Districts Alliance has planned a night of holiday cheer and a ceremony to mark a new addition to C-Street’s future. KSMU’s Nathan McVay has more.
I’m standing here in Commercial street where tonight is a special First Friday Art-walk. They will have a special lighting ceremony and Christmas carols to celebrate the festivities. For Jina Gorham, the co-owner of Decades Vintage Boutique and Resale Shoppe, it’s not just a special night due to the ribbon cutting of her store, but also because it is First Friday Art-walk. “I’m excited, I’m crazy excited. It is a great place to be, especially on first Fridays.”Gorham’s shop is one of three new businesses on Commercial Street. Decades, Pizza House and Lynn’s Gifts & More all celebrated with a ribbon cutting earlier today at 4.Gorham says she feels honored to have a store on Commercial Street, which has been taking steps to revitalize its image. “I love it, I’m excited. I have always shopped on Commercial street. I love everything going on downtown and in this area.” she said. Gorham says she believes that events like First Friday Art-Walk help clean up the image of Commercial street. ‘I know in the past there have been issues on the location of where we are at and stuff going on. But it makes people feel a lot more secure and know this is a safe place to be, even at night time.” She said. At 5 pm this evening the Commercial Street storeowners and guests will gather at the Farmers’ Market Pavilion to celebrate the lighting of the pavilion and the Jefferson Ave. Footbridge Plaza.Following the lighting ceremony many businesses will remain open to host First Friday on C-street. A shuttle will take pedestrians from the downtown First Friday Art Walk to Commercial Street district tonight. For KSMU news, I’m Nathan McVay