Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – It’s been a struggle in the 400 block of East Adams Street in Springfield to recover from a fire almost two years ago that changed the face of that part of the street.

But Springfield Business Journal publisher Michelle Ownbey tells the WTAX Morning Newswatch the owner of the building fire started at is hoping again, he can get that building fixed.

“(Chris Nickell) is now hoping to access some TIF (Tax Increment Financing District) funds to help with, at least, the facade portion of the building there at 413-415 East Adams,” said Ownbey.  “You may remember, they had to demolish…there was a three-story section that had to be demolished due to the extensive fire damage.  But, then, the five-story north portion of the building was preserved.”

This, after Ownbey says the owner was denied for a historic preservation tax credit, and there also were issues with insurance.

“He is requesting assistance from the Downtown TIF to help with that facade work, because he said the goal is, by the fall, he hopes that people just walking by would not be able to tell that there had been previous damage,” said Ownbey.  “He’ll still have to do the second phase of the project — which is the interior work — on his own.  But, hoping at least with tourist season getting under way soon, to have that exterior looking a lot better.

No word on when the City Council might take up such a request.