Springfield tavern being razed January 8, 2008
Posted by Ron in Businesses.2 comments
I know next to nothing about this property, except that it was on an alignment of Route 66 in Springfield, Ill.
According to the Journal-Register, the long-closed Sneaky Pete’s tavern on South Sixth Street soon will be torn down to make way for redevelopment. It’s been closed for nearly a decade, and has been in terrible shape. Here’s a brief history:
Sneaky Pete’s Tavern was named for longtime owner Pete Rynkiewicz. Both the tavern and adjoining Southern View Motel closed in 1999. The site on Sixth Street at the south edge of Springfield is in the village of Southern View and also is on a section of Old Route 66.
Demolition began in 2000, but the work was halted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency after asbestos was found in drywall and flooring. The vacant buildings remained on the market, but it was not until last fall that a local development group bought the property.
Based on the comments with the story, it sounds like few people will miss Sneaky Pete’s. But they’re not too thrilled with the prospect of ubiquitous chain stores replacing it, either. Good for them.
