Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The fund set up by Downtown Springfield Inc. to help businesses and individuals affected by the Adams Street fire is about to pay out its first $10,000. The fire on June 19, destroyed the 413 E. Adams St. building and damaged nearby buildings. The Benefit for Businesses Affected by the Adams Family Fire Fund at INB received donations at bank locations and online and through events in the community including a benefit at the Brinkerhoff Mansion.

Anyone who rents or owns property within the square block affected by the fire, from the corner of 4th and Adams, to 4th and Washington, to 5th and Washington, to 5th and Adams can apply. Applications are due by noon on Wednesday, July 10.

Link to Business Application
Link to Resident Application

DSI announced a committee, including the following, will review applications on July 10 and authorize payments by July 15:

Rachael Thomson, Founder of the Kidzeum of Health & Science
Melissa Hansen Schmadeke, former Executive Director of Memorial Foundation
Lisa Clemmons Stott, former Executive Director of DSI
Brett Jackson, Assistant Vice President at BOS and DSI Board Member
Jay Shanle, Corporate Administrator at Conn’s Hospitality and DSI Board Member

DSI Executive Director Carlos Ortega is serving as an ex officio member.

A second payout is expected to be awarded in early August, and 100% percent of the funds will be paid out to affected individuals and businesses, according to DSI.