Old South Town Back To Life

An historic side of Springfield comes alive tonight (Wednesday). Its part of the "Old South Town" redevelopment project on the east side. The first phase ... Lighting up the newly redeveloped Old South Town Theater ... Then building new business. For some Old South Town used to be known as a little suburb of Springfield ... Buying grocerys .. going to the movies .. visiting at a cafe ... all on one block. Then stores shut down and the neighborhood went downhill. But tonight (Wednesday)... This old movie theater is hoping to add new life to South Grand Avenue. Over 200 thousand city dollars went to re-building and renovating the outside of this theater...Now it a stained glass shop. This is just the start of a new beginning ... Down the street these three vacant buildings attract crime ... So theyre coming down. Across the street this long-time tavern owner says hes ready for the change. "I am looking forward to that happening thats a dark, dark area at night and just to brighten that up would make a brand new .. you know new look on that corner. " Said Bourbon Street Tavern Owner, Bruce Clark. The city plans to tear down these buildings within the next month. One interested business pulled out of the deal... But the city says theres other potential buyers. Other ongoing projects include ... Store front improvements along the 11th and South Grand corner as well as streetscaping. The citys planner says itll still have the old town character with a modern look to blend in easier with the citys new developments.