The Springfield YWCA was demolished in 2017 as seen in this photo from the Illinois REALTORS® headquarters. Since the demolition, dirt and grass have replaced the building, making the entire block empty.

Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder announced his support for a design proposal to develop the city block just north of the Illinois Executive Mansion into a park that will become a tourist attraction.

Langfelder will officially make his recommendation to the Springfield City Council, which would have to vote on the proposal before construction would begin, according to a Dec. 29 article in the State Journal-Register. The group that presented the proposal, North Mansion Y Block Development, will continue refining its plan in the meantime.

The block – which used to include the Springfield YWCA but is now vacant – is west of the Bicentennial Plaza – a REALTOR® Community Partnership project, which is now under construction. The Executive Mansion is undergoing renovation.

The park proposal also has the backing of Gov. Bruce Rauner.