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.
If this place is where I think it it, it is right across the street from the Curve Inn, which has been placed on the Route 66 Association of Illinois’ Hall of Fame last year.
I agree, the place had to go and was beyond saving, as is the Bel-Air Motel about a half-mile north.
The Curve Inn sits on a CORNER. I worry that with the proposed develoment and the Super Wal Mart and other things planned for the area might put the Curve in danger from Walgreens.
The Curve Inn was doing a great business the last time I was there back in September, but, at the time, Southern View still allowed smoking and Springfield didn’t, so a lot of smokers were in there.
However, this might not be a problem, as there is already a nearby Walgreens on the original site of the Cozy Dog, which, as we know then moved to the site of the old Lincoln Motel next door. Maybe a CVS?
What can be done about developers; building the same chains all over this precious U.S. I have traveled all over, To- many, many OUT of the way cities and it does not look good for folks like me and You who are very concerned about this type of monopoly….It needs to stop.. How many Coffee places do we need- for example.. Look around everyone, this needs to be more than just- curbed… CLTISDALE (cltisdale@gmail.com)