The street car line serving Springfield was built in 1882.  By 1893 approximately 100 significant residences were built, primarily along Main, Hubbard, Market, and Laura streets.  The architecture was mainly Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles with some Victorian residences still remaining.

   A fire burned most of the downtown area in 1901, which led to a building boom downtown and in Springfield.  Over 65% of the residences in Springfield were built before 1921.  The houses built during this time were mainly Bungalow, Prairie, and transitional Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles.  The development of Springfield began its decline in the late 1920's with the passage of a  comprehensive zoning ordinance in 1925 that designated the area a business district.

   SPAR is the Springfield Preservation and Restoration neighborhood organization founded in 1975 to reverse the decline in the neighborhood.  SPAR has been one of the driving forces behind the revitalization of Springfield within the last couple of years.

   Check out the Springfield Community web site at www.HistoricSpringfield.com for more detail and information on the happenings in Springfield.