A historic 19th-century flour mill in Springfield, Missouri, is reopening to the public after sitting vacant for nearly 50 years. The property, located on North Prospect, has been transformed into a new restaurant and retail space, with a grand opening planned for October 20.
The project gives a new purpose to the Springfield Flour Mill, a recognizable city landmark that ceased operations around 1974. New owners Sheri Perkins and Renee Textor purchased the site in 2022 with the vision of revitalizing the iconic structure for the community.
Key Takeaways
- The historic Springfield Flour Mill, closed since 1974, is being repurposed.
- A new restaurant, The Table, and additional retail space will operate on the site.
- The grand opening for the new establishment is scheduled for October 20.
- The project is led by new owners Sheri Perkins and Renee Textor, who acquired the property in 2022.
A New Chapter for a City Landmark
The Springfield Flour Mill has been a fixture of the city's landscape since the 1800s. Throughout its operational history, the mill changed hands several times before its machinery stopped permanently in the mid-1970s. For the next five decades, the building and its prominent silos stood as a silent reminder of a bygone industrial era.
The transformation began in 2022 when local entrepreneurs Sheri Perkins and Renee Textor acquired the long-neglected property. Their goal was to preserve the site's historical character while introducing a modern commercial venture that could serve the Springfield community.
Historical Significance
The Springfield Flour Mill was an important part of the local economy for much of its existence. Its location and distinctive silos made it an easily recognizable landmark. The closure in 1974 marked the end of an era for local industry, and the site remained untouched by development for nearly half a century until this recent project.
After years of planning and renovation work, the first phase of their vision is now complete. The main building has been converted to house a new restaurant and areas designated for future retail partners.
Introducing 'The Table' Restaurant
The centerpiece of the revitalized property is a new restaurant named The Table. A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Monday officially marked the completion of the initial renovation phase. The restaurant is a personal venture for both Perkins and Textor, who plan to feature recipes that hold personal significance to their families and history.
The new owners emphasized their connection to the property's past as a driving force behind the project. They see themselves as stewards of a significant piece of Springfield's heritage.
"We love the location, but also just the history that sits on this ground," said Perkins. "Just the silos themselves and the history that they have. It’s such an iconic piece of property. It’s just so recognizable in our city. We’re just full of gratitude to get to be a part of the next phase of the silos."
This sentiment reflects a broader commitment to not just developing the property, but honoring its legacy within the community. The restaurant aims to provide a welcoming space that acknowledges the site's industrial roots.
Project Timeline
- 1800s: Springfield Flour Mill first opens.
- c. 1974: Mill operations cease, and the property becomes vacant.
- 2022: Sheri Perkins and Renee Textor purchase the property.
- Oct. 14, 2025: A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for the new restaurant.
- Oct. 20, 2025: Grand opening of The Table restaurant.
Future Plans and Community Impact
While the restaurant and retail space mark a significant milestone, the new owners have indicated that their work on the property is not finished. They have expressed a strong desire to address the preservation of the large, iconic silos that dominate the site.
According to Perkins, they hope to find a way to preserve the silos for their historical value. However, there are no definitive plans for this part of the project at this time. The focus remains on successfully launching The Table and establishing the location as a new community hub.
The redevelopment of the Springfield Flour Mill represents a significant example of adaptive reuse, where historic structures are repurposed for contemporary uses. Such projects often have a positive impact on local economies by creating new jobs, attracting visitors, and revitalizing underutilized areas of a city.
The grand opening on October 20 will be the first opportunity for the public to experience the transformation of this historic site. The project breathes new life into a property that has been dormant for generations, aiming to create a new landmark for Springfield's future while respecting its past.