SBJ.net Poll

If you were a Springfield TIF commissioner, which development proposal for downtown’s former arena site would you say makes the most sense, and why?

For poll results, click here.

What Readers Think

Five-story office

John Q. Hammons has done so much for this city and given back so much and at his age, has nothing to gain other than the pleasure of seeing the results of a job done right. Why not let JQ do it? It would be done first class, something that future generations could be proud of and probably would be self-supporting.

—George Loveland, Carol Jones, Realtors

I don’t believe a four-star hotel will all of a sudden draw numerous people to Springfield. John Q. Hammons would have already built it if there were demand.

—Chris Myer, Myer Hotels

Four-star hotel

Thank you to the media for giving this issue the exposure that it deserves. My personal opinion … appears to follow the majority of Springfieldians. Springfield is growing, but Branson is growing faster in regard to upscale developments. The Expo is a beautiful facility, but there is not a hotel in the area that is large enough or nice enough to complement the Expo. I also agree that the new hotel would enhance the Springfield skyline. The downtown area is the perfect place. … Let’s complete the package with a beautiful four-star hotel.

—Carl Long, Long Limousines LLC

To truly be an expo/convention center, there needs to be a hotel attached to the Springfield Expo Center and not just available across the street. Any large convention I have attended allowed for internal connection from my hotel.

—Kyle Terrell, Oxford Healthcare

Just a thought ...

There is another option. Hotel, residential condos, sufficient office space for BKD and some retail use.

—Ken Schwab, Wilhoit Properties Inc.

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