Moving Pillsbury Forward has announced a major milestone in the long-awaited cleanup of the former Pillsbury Mills site. Contracts have been signed for the full demolition of all remaining structures on the property, with the work expected to be completed within the next 12 months.
Select Demo Services will begin mobilizing on-site next week to start the removal of asbestos and lead paint chips, a process expected to run from April through early September. This phase of the project is supported by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Cleanup Grants, which have allowed the project team to develop a cost-effective plan that will recycle over 70,000 tons of concrete from the site’s 160 silos.
Following the environmental cleanup, GreenTrac, an Illinois-based demolition and site rehabilitation company, will begin removing structures starting in late April. Their work is scheduled to be completed by March 2026. GreenTrac has a history of successful projects in Springfield, including improvements to the State Capitol Complex and the demolition of several high-profile buildings.
Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental is overseeing site coordination and management, ensuring safety through soil, water, and air sampling throughout the project’s duration. The team has also implemented a strict site monitoring protocol to address community concerns.
To allow residents to observe the demolition process, a designated viewing area has been set up at the former Pillsbury employee parking lot along 15th Street. Most weekdays, the site will include seating, shade canopies, and bottled water, offering a space for the community to gather while witnessing the transformation of the property.
A public meeting is being planned to address community questions and provide further updates on the Pillsbury Project. A date, time, and location for the meeting will be announced in the coming days.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Chris Richmond in the announcement. “An incredible community effort has finally made it happen.”
For more information on the project and upcoming community meetings, visit Moving Pillsbury Forward.