SPRINGFIELD — Once a former motel and restaurant could soon be transformed into a gas station.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30, the former Executive Inn at 325 West Columbia Street could be demolished soon, making way for new life.
Michael Day described the property as an “eyesore.”
“Anything that’s going to better Springfield is what they need right now,” Day said.
It’s in the middle of downtown, across the street from Springfield Regional Medical Hospital.
“I feel that area needed to have something there. I still feel that a filling station would make a difference,” Day said.
The property previously served as a homeless shelter from 2023-2024.
Since then, it has sat empty.
Springfield’s city commission sold the property to Wawa gas station developers for $1.7 million.
News Center 7 reached out to the developers but has not received a response at the time of reporting.
Tom Tackett lives in Springfield, he’s on the fence about the sale.
“I’m 50/50 on that they should either fix it up, like they used to help people, or tear it down,” Tackett said.
The new owners have until mid-October to let the city know they will go through with the idea.
We will continue to update this story.
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