DECATUR — The Decatur City Council voted to take a tentative step toward the revival of downtown’s most prominent address: the 12 story Barnes Citizens Building.
The Barnes Citizens building rises high above downtown Decatur.
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A growing number of developers are considering converting empty office towers into housing as part of an effort to revive struggling downtown business districts that emptied out during the pandemic. Many politicians see these conversions as a potential catalyst to bringing new housing to these dormant neighborhoods and, with that, restaurants, shops and other businesses serving these new residents. Some also see a chance to diversify neighborhoods with much-needed housing that is affordable to low- and middle-income residents. Conversion projects are underway in cities like New York, Washington, Pittsburgh and Dallas.
Through the years in downtown Decatur through 13 archival photos
A LOOK BACK
1981: An M-110 Howitzer invaded downtown Decatur for Armed Forces Day.
A LOOK BACK
1978: Reindeer flew into Decatur with an important passenger, Santa Claus. Santa made his annual appearance in downtown Decatur for the Decatur Jaycees-sponsored Community Christmas Parade.
A LOOK BACK
1950: The Newman's ladies ready-to-wear store at the corner of Water and William streets opened in downtown Decatur on Aug. 14.
A LOOK BACK
1991: Auctioneer Larry Stevens, center, accepts a bid on shelving display units in the defunct F.W. Woolworth & Co. at 239 N. Water St. The 86-year-old landmark in downtown Decatur closed its doors permanently after public auction of everything from shopping carts to the store safes.
A look back
1974: This is what downtown Decatur looked like Jan. 4, 1974, after a heavy snowfall. This picture is of Main Street looking north toward Eldorado Street.
History Corner: A Look Back
1939: The downtown Decatur Post Office concession stand is operated by Frank Howse.
History Corner: A Look Back
1968: Children in downtown visited this giant plastic Easter egg in Central Park. The human sized rabbit show was sponsored by the Downtown Decatur Council.
History Corner: A Look Back
1989: Cameron Barnett, 3 1/2, perched on the shoulders of his dad, Dave, studies an exhibit Saturday at the Downtown Decatur Art Fair in Central Park. The fair, featuring everything from oil paintings to pottery to jewelry, continues today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
HISTORY CORNER: A LOOK BACK
1931: This aerial view of downtown Decatur shows the Citizen's Building and Central Park.
HISTORY CORNER: A LOOK BACK
1984: This aerial view of downtown Decatur shows Central Park in the foreground and Sears to the left.
HISTORY CORNER: A LOOK BACK
1992: Members of the VIP Singers from Illinois Power Co. entertain at the Merchant Street Christmas Walk in downtown Decatur. From left, Lavonne Bethard, John Peters, Jeanette Manney, Mary Davidson and Marilyn Cox.
HISTORY CORNER: A LOOK BACK
1990: F.W. Woolworth & Co. at 239 N. Water St. will be closing its doors in January after 86 years in downtown Decatur. The store opened about 1904 at 147 N. Water St. and moved to its current location in 1910.
HISTORY CORNER: A LOOK BACK
1989: Yoyo the Clown, alias Tom Payne, ties a leprechaun's hat to the whistle on his vehicle prior to the start of the St. Patrick's Day parade through downtown Decatur. Payne is with the Ansar Shrine, which supplied the clowns for the annual event.
Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid
Tony Reid
Macon County Courts Reporter
