The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association supports the business welfare of MacArthur Boulevard area businesses and promotes, develops and preserves MacArthur Boulevard through community involvement, as a desirable place to work, shop and live.

The extension of MacArthur Boulevard two miles south to Interstate 72 will be complete in the fall of 2009, with increased traffic through the MacArthur corridor.  Our organization is working to improve the northern portion of MacArthur Boulevard and surrounding businesses and neighborhoods to revitalize the area and to reap the benefits of the new extension as an economic generator for the historic MacArthur corridor.

The Third Annual MacArthur Boulevard Business Association Artists Market was a great success. The Market offered handmade arts & crafts at the T&C Shopping Center Saturday mornings in June.  The Market's goal is to attract shoppers to the MacArthur area and to market the MacArthur business district as a destination for shoppers.

Our investment in increased publicity and great weather resulted in a record shopper turnout.  The new location within the T&C shopping center parking lot allowed more space for the addition of food & entertainment and was well received by vendors.  Over 70 vendors, including alpaca farmers and caricature artists, sold their handmade art and craft work.

A big thanks go to our coordinators - Laurie & David Farrell, Cory Jobe, Carol Kneedler and Julie Dirksen.  Thanks to Sharon Whalen of the Illinois Times for advertising & signs. Thanks to all who volunteered to help at the Market by greeting vendors and shoppers. Laurie Farrell deserves special recognition for setting up the show and providing a personal & consistent point of contact for artists - thank you, Laurie!

The Committee will soon begin planning for next year's market.  Plans include an earlier start for artist registration, more diverse art work, and more food and entertainment.  Anyone interested in assisting with the Market can contact Cory at Info@ShopOnMacArthur.com

Click here for more information or contact Info@ShopOnMacArthur.com.

Thanks to Jonathan Kirshner of Lovelight Photography.

Bordered by charming neighborhoods, a classic urban park, golf courses and some of Springfield’s highest profile real estate, MacArthur Boulevard stands in the center of it all. 

In the early days of the 20th century, this dynamic expanse was known asWest Grand Boulevard, and enjoyed it’s heyday in the triumphant period following World War II, when it was renamed in honor of General MacArthur. 

Businesses that located along the Boulevard were as vibrant and exciting as the consumers who frequented them. The city’s firstMcDonald’s restaurant was born here, soon to be joined by the first shopping center. It was an exciting time, as residents of Springfield and the surrounding areas discovered the unique offerings along MacArthur. 

Today, MacArthur Boulevard is poised for renewal; eager to embrace the same vibrant spirit of adventure and entreprenuership, and ready to provide a whole new generation with a place to eat, shop, and play.

Government

• Debbie Cimmarosa, Ward 7 Alderman  debcimalderman@yahoo.com
• Mark Mahoney, Ward 6 Alderman mmahoney67@hotmail.com
• Jen Dillman, Sangamon County Board jen.dillman@comcast.net

Beat 500 Neighborhood Police Officers

• Officer Don Bivens, Donald.bivens@cwlp.com
• Officer John Shea, John.shea@cwlp.com
• EMERGENCY call 911
• Non-emergency call 788-8311

Citizens should call either the emergency or non-emergency number to have an officer respond.  Particular officers may not be on duty at any one time.