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Date: 6/2/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Donald Mitchell of Renaissance Development LLC presented a commercial and residential development concept for the long-dormant Kavanaugh Furniture space on State Street during the City Council’s May 23 meeting.
The building operated on State Street for 135 years before closing in 2008. Since Kavanaugh’s closure, the space has existed without a use.
Mitchell, who serves as the project’s primary developer, said he is in the process of finalizing the purchase of the property. Mitchell envisions the vacant structure transforming into a mixed-use building if his special permit request is approved.
“About 9,500 square feet of that would be commercial square footage on the first floor for several retail tenants. The remaining portion of the building would be redeveloped into 31 one-bedroom units, approximately 600 square feet per unit,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell said the project garnered support from the Maple High Six Corners area via a letter from their neighborhood council in 2019.
In describing his background, Mitchell shared that he formerly worked in city government and spearheaded several projects under the Office of Community Development. “I am familiar with project management and neighborhood development, so this gives me an opportunity to do it a little differently where I am doing it as a private citizen,” said Mitchell.
The project partners Mitchell with the local nonprofit Mental Health Associates. Mitchell informed the council that the nonprofit plans to utilize half the commercial space for their programing. They will also acquire at least 25 of the 31 affordable housing units.
Mitchell explained that the project “checks a lot of boxes” for the city and will involve “a lot of diverse participation.” He also detailed potential partnerships that could form between the redevelopment and Springfield High School of Commerce, Springfield Public Schools and Springfield Technical Community College.
City Council members expressed support for the project. City Councilor At-Large Kateri Walsh said she is happy to support Mitchell’s concept for the space, while City Councilor At-Large Justin Hurst highlighted Mitchell’s investment in the space as a local resident.
“I fully support this project…I also want to highlight that it is a rarity that we have individuals who are investing this magnitude of money actually reflect the community that they serve,” said Hurst.
City Councilor At-Large Sean Curran expressed some concern with the traffic impact the project could have on State Street, which endured several casualties via a busy intersection near Springfield City Library. Planning Director Philip Dromery said the redevelopment is occurring farther north from the problem area, but could not comment on the project’s specific traffic impact.
The council ultimately approved the continuation of the project in a 10-1 vote. The council will have a final vote during their next hearings meeting.