Springfield 87M: A Comprehensive Guide to Its History and Value in 2026

Springfield’s ambition to build a new convention and event center, often referred to as the 87m project, has been a topic of discussion for a while. This guide looks into the history, funding, and potential impact of this major undertaking. We’ll explore how the city plans to finance this ambitious project and what it means for Springfield’s future by 2026.

• The 87m project aims to create a large convention and event center with features like a 65,000 sq ft exhibit hall and a 30,000 sq ft ballroom.
• Funding for the 87m initiative involves a mix of sources, including a proposed hotel/motel guest tax increase, sales tax, state appropriations, and public-private partnerships.
• Voter decisions played a significant role in shaping the funding strategy for the 87m project, leading to adjustments in the financial plan.
• The 87m center is expected to boost the local economy by attracting more visitors, supporting jobs, and energizing downtown businesses.
• Past city development projects, like historic building renovations and wastewater system upgrades, provide context for Springfield’s approach to large-scale initiatives like the 87m center.

The idea behind the Springfield 87m Convention Center was pretty straightforward: give the city a place to host bigger events, the kind that bring in people from all over. Think conventions, big concerts, maybe even sports tournaments. Right now, Springfield just doesn’t have the space for a lot of that. The goal is to make it a central spot, not just for visitors but for locals too, a place for gatherings and celebrations. It’s meant to be a game-changer for downtown, sparking more development and bringing more life to the area.

When they were planning this thing, they had some pretty specific ideas about what it needed. The main draw is a huge exhibit hall, about 65,000 square feet, which they figured could be split up for different uses. Then there’s a large ballroom, 30,000 square feet, and a smaller one, 14,000 square feet. Add in another 16,000 square feet for meetings, and you’ve got a lot of flexible space. They also planned for about 1,000 parking spots right there, connected to the center. A big part of the plan was also to have a hotel nearby, though that’s a separate project. The whole building is supposed to be around 250,000 square feet and designed to meet LEED Silver standards, meaning it’s supposed to be pretty energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Here’s a quick rundown of the planned spaces:

• 65,000 sq ft Exhibit Hall (can be divided)
• 30,000 sq ft Ballroom
• 14,000 sq ft Junior Ballroom
• 16,000 sq ft Meeting Space
• 1,000 Connected Parking Spaces

The thinking is that this center will do a lot for Springfield’s economy. By attracting larger events, it’s expected to bring in more tourists, which means more money spent at local hotels, restaurants, and shops. It’s also supposed to create jobs, both during construction and once the center is up and running. Beyond the money side of things, it’s seen as a way to boost community pride and give residents a new, modern venue for events. It’s not just about business; it’s about giving Springfield a better place to gather and connect.

The project is viewed as a significant step forward, aiming to put Springfield on the map for larger-scale events and boost the local economy through increased tourism and job creation. It’s about building something that benefits the city for years to come.

Getting a project as big as the 87m Convention Center off the ground takes serious cash, and Springfield has explored a few different avenues to make it happen. It’s not just about finding the money, but finding the right money that makes sense for the city and its residents.

One of the ideas floated was a small increase to the hotel and motel guest tax. The thinking here is that visitors who use the new facilities would contribute directly to their upkeep and development. It’s a common practice in many cities that host large events. The proposed increase was modest, aiming to be competitive with other regional destinations while still generating needed revenue.

The idea is that those who directly benefit from the tourism infrastructure should help pay for it. This approach aims to spread the cost burden beyond local taxpayers.

Beyond the guest tax, the city looked at other revenue streams. The "Spring Forward SGF" half-cent sales tax, approved by voters, plays a big role. This tax generates a good chunk of change annually, around $30 million, and is earmarked for various city projects, including capital improvements. A portion of these funds was considered for the 87m project. Additionally, the city actively pursued state appropriations, which are funds allocated by the state government, often for projects deemed beneficial to the wider region.

Here’s a look at how the Spring Forward SGF sales tax is planned to be allocated for Fiscal Year 2027:

No big project gets done these days without some form of partnership. The city has been keen on exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs). This means working with private companies who might invest in the project, perhaps in exchange for naming rights, operational control of certain aspects, or other benefits. These partnerships can bring in private capital and expertise. The city also looked at how the convention center itself, once operational, would generate future revenue through event bookings, concessions, and related services, creating a sustainable financial model.

Key strategies for funding the 87m initiative included:

• Exploring a modest increase in the hotel/motel guest tax.
• Allocating a portion of the voter-approved "Spring Forward SGF" half-cent sales tax.
• Actively seeking state appropriations for regional development.
• Developing public-private partnerships to bring in private investment.
• Planning for future revenue generation from the convention center’s operations.

The process to pick the right team to build the Springfield 87m Convention Center was a big deal. It wasn’t just about finding the cheapest bid; it was about finding a group with a solid track record and a clear plan. The city put out a request for proposals, and several construction management firms threw their hats in the ring. They all had to show how they’d handle the project, manage the budget, and keep things on schedule. After reviewing everything, a selection committee made its recommendation. This choice was a critical step, setting the stage for the actual building phase.

So, when does the actual building start and finish? Well, it’s been a bit of a moving target, as these big projects often are. The initial plans aimed for a groundbreaking in late 2024, with the hope of opening the doors by early 2027. Of course, things like securing final funding and getting all the permits in place can shift those dates. Right now, the most recent projections put the start of major construction in the spring of 2025, with a target completion date in the fall of 2027. It’s a long haul, but people are eager to see it happen.

Keeping the public in the loop is super important for a project this size. There have been a few key moments and planned events:

• Initial Concept Unveiling: Early 2023, where the first ideas and renderings were shared.
• Public Hearings on Funding: Throughout 2024, to discuss the proposed tax measures and gather feedback.
• Construction Manager Announcement: Expected mid-2024.
• Groundbreaking Ceremony: Projected for Spring 2025.
• Community Information Sessions: Planned quarterly during the construction phase to provide updates.
• Project Completion and Grand Opening: Aiming for Fall 2027.

It’s easy to get lost in the big picture of a convention center, but remembering the smaller steps and the community’s involvement makes it feel more real. Each milestone, from picking a builder to the final ribbon-cutting, represents a lot of work and planning.

Here’s a look at some related city projects and their timelines, which gives us a sense of how things move:

Springfield’s economy is a complex picture, and the 87m Convention Center project is really meant to be a big piece of its future. It’s not just about building a new venue; it’s about how this project fits into the bigger economic picture for the city and the surrounding region. We’re talking about jobs, tourism, and how Springfield stacks up against other places people might choose to visit or hold events.

One of the key funding pieces for the 87m project involves a hotel/motel guest tax. It’s interesting to look at how Springfield’s proposed rates compare to other cities. The idea is to make sure Springfield remains competitive while still generating needed revenue. Even with a proposed increase, Springfield’s rate would still be lower than many larger cities. This is important because you don’t want to price yourself out of the market.

Here’s a quick look at some potential comparisons:

This comparison shows that even with the proposed adjustments, Springfield aims to stay in a reasonable range, making it an attractive option for visitors and event planners alike. It’s a balancing act, for sure.

The 87m Convention Center is projected to have a significant positive effect on local employment and the tourism sector. Think about all the construction jobs needed to build the center itself. Then, once it’s open, there will be ongoing jobs in hospitality, event management, security, and maintenance. More visitors mean more business for local restaurants, shops, and hotels that aren’t directly part of the convention center. It’s a ripple effect that can really boost the local economy. This project is intended to be a catalyst for more development, strengthening Springfield’s position as a place for events and bringing in long-term benefits. We’re talking about a real boost to the tourism industry.

Beyond the convention center, Springfield has a history of undertaking projects that aim to spur economic growth. Past initiatives, like the renovation of the Historic City Hall and improvements to the wastewater system, show a commitment to improving infrastructure and the city’s overall appeal. More recently, securing a Brownfields Grant from the EPA is a big deal. This grant helps identify and assess potentially contaminated sites, turning them into opportunities for new housing, business development, and job creation. These kinds of efforts, alongside the 87m project, paint a picture of a city actively working to revitalize key areas and build a stronger economic future.

The city’s approach seems to be a mix of attracting new opportunities through large-scale projects like the convention center, while also focusing on cleaning up and redeveloping existing areas. It’s about creating a more vibrant and functional city for everyone.

These efforts are all part of a larger vision to make Springfield a more attractive place for residents and visitors, driving economic activity and creating a more dynamic community.

Springfield’s journey toward growth and modernization isn’t a new story. The city has a history of tackling big projects, often involving significant infrastructure and the preservation of its past. Looking back helps us understand the groundwork laid for future developments, like the 87m Convention Center.

The building we know as Historic City Hall has seen a lot of changes. Originally built as a U.S. Customhouse and Post Office, it opened its doors back in 1894. It’s a grand structure, designed in a style called Richardson Romanesque Revival, with limestone from Indiana and a distinctive tower. Over the years, it’s been expanded and adapted. A fire in 1922 caused some damage, and additions were made in 1914 and again in the 1930s, including loading docks and even an elevator that’s still in use. It officially became City Hall in 1938 after the federal government moved out. It’s been home to museums and city offices, and its importance is recognized with spots on both the Springfield Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Because of these designations, any work done on the building has to be careful about keeping its historic look, especially the outside.

The ongoing renovations, estimated at around $23.24 million, are a big undertaking. They’re being paid for by the city’s property tax, some federal pandemic relief funds, and money the city had saved. The goal is to keep this landmark useful for many more years.

While not as visible as a new convention center or a historic building renovation, Springfield has also invested in its essential services. Upgrading the wastewater system is a behind-the-scenes effort that’s vital for public health and environmental protection. These kinds of projects, though perhaps less glamorous, are the backbone of a growing city, allowing for new development and ensuring a good quality of life for residents. They often involve complex engineering and significant public investment, similar to other large-scale city initiatives.

Springfield has actively pursued grants to clean up and redevelop areas that were previously used for industrial or commercial purposes, often referred to as brownfields. In 2025, the city received a substantial $500,000 grant from the EPA. This funding is specifically for assessing potential brownfield sites, like old foundry complexes or former auto repair shops, in areas such as the Chase Street and College Street Corridors. The plan is to identify these sites, figure out what environmental work might be needed, and create plans for their future use. This initiative aims to turn neglected properties into opportunities for new housing, businesses, and jobs, breathing new life into parts of the city. Hammons Field, home of the Springfield Cardinals, is a good example of a successful brownfield redevelopment, built on a site that was previously contaminated.

The road to getting the 87m Convention Center built hasn’t exactly been a straight line. A big part of that journey involved asking the voters to weigh in on how to pay for it. There have been a few different ideas floated over the years, and each time, the community had to make a choice. It’s a pretty big undertaking, so it makes sense that people want a say in how it’s funded.

Let’s be real, big projects like this always run into bumps. When the initial funding plans didn’t quite pan out, the city didn’t just throw in the towel. They had to get creative. This meant looking at different ways to bring in money, maybe adjusting the scope a bit, or finding new partners. It’s a process of figuring things out as you go.

Despite the hurdles, the idea of the 87m Convention Center has stuck around. It shows that there’s a real belief in what this project could do for Springfield. Even with the changes and the time it’s taken, the goal remains the same: to bring this facility to life. It’s a testament to the long-term thinking involved.

Here’s a look at some of the key moments that show how the project has adapted:

• Initial proposals for hotel/motel tax increases. These were some of the first ideas put on the table to generate revenue.
• Exploration of sales tax adjustments and state funding. When one door closed, others were opened to see if different revenue streams could be tapped.
• Shifting focus to public-private partnerships. Recognizing that the city can’t do it all alone, bringing in private investment became a more prominent strategy.

The journey of the 87m project highlights the give-and-take involved in large-scale public development. It’s a story of plans being made, tested, and then adjusted based on real-world feedback and financial realities. The persistence in moving forward, even when faced with setbacks, is a key characteristic of this initiative’s evolution.

So, that’s the rundown on the Springfield 87M. It’s been a bit of a journey, hasn’t it? From its early days to the potential big changes coming with the new event center and infrastructure work, things are definitely moving. The city’s been working on a lot, like that convention center project and upgrades to the wastewater system. Even with some funding hiccups, like the hotel tax vote, they’re still figuring out ways to make things happen. It’s clear Springfield is trying to grow and improve, and by 2026, we’ll likely see some of these plans taking shape. Keep an eye on how these developments play out – it’s going to be interesting to see how it all comes together.

The main goal is to build a new convention and event center in downtown Springfield. This center is expected to bring more visitors, create jobs, and boost the local economy by hosting bigger events like conventions, concerts, and sports tournaments.

The plan involved several parts: a new 3% tax on hotel stays (which voters did not approve), money from a sales tax approved in 2024, funds from the state of Missouri, and partnerships with private businesses. Even without the hotel tax, the city is looking for other ways to fund the project.

The center is planned to have a large exhibit hall, a big ballroom, a smaller ballroom, and meeting rooms. It would also include a parking garage, with a hotel planned for later. The whole place would be about 250,000 square feet and designed to be eco-friendly.

A proposed 3% increase in the hotel and motel guest tax was put to voters, but they voted against it. Because of this, the city is now working on a different plan to try and fund the convention center.

Yes, Springfield has been busy with other improvements. They’ve been fixing up the historic City Hall, upgrading the sewer system, and using grants to clean up old industrial sites (brownfields) for new uses.

Construction was planned to start as early as 2026 if the hotel tax was approved. Since that didn’t happen, the city is figuring out a new funding plan and timeline. They still want to move forward and are looking for ways to make it happen.