Downtown Springfield Inc. and its volunteer Design Committee has partnered with AIA Illinois, Illinois REALTORS®, and Visit Springfield to launch a new Architecture Scavenger Hunt series on Tuesday, September 8 with prizes, which include new “Downtown Bucks” redeemable at participating downtown businesses.

 

The Architecture Scavenger Hunt challenges participants to find the location of eight architectural features in downtown Springfield using only a small, visual clue, with the opportunity to win prizes for their efforts.

 

“We are excited to be a partner in this scavenger hunt and encourage participants to explore, wander, and uncover the cool details of the historic fabric of our architecturally rich buildings. We know you’ll find some surprising design elements of storefronts you may have walked by many times,” said Stacey Pfingsten, Executive Vice President of AIA Illinois, the statewide association of architects.

 

“Springfield offers a treasure trove of architecture,” said Kristen Butcher, Executive Vice President of Illinois REALTORS®, the statewide association of realtors. “Our architectural offering adds to the richness of the community and honors President Lincoln’s vision of equality for all.  Our organization has been a proud sponsor for several years and will continue to support DSI’s efforts.”

 

People can participate in any or all of the three Hunts, taking place over one week each, starting September 8, September 22, and October 6. The first twenty people to turn in their completed forms for each Hunt will receive $10 in Downtown Bucks. Downtown Bucks are equal to the cash equivalent and are redeemable at participating downtown businesses.

 

“This is a fun, socially-distanced activity for people of all ages, including families who are home-schooling or who need a change of pace from remote learning,” said Ben Paoletti, DSI Program Coordinator. “We’ve created a unique opportunity to explore your downtown through the lens of architecture, while giving participants an extra incentive to check out and support our locally-owned shops that they may not have visited before.”

 

At the end of each Hunt, all completed forms will be entered into a drawing for prizes. The first name drawn receives $100 in Downtown Bucks, second receives $50 in Downtown Bucks, third receives $20 in Downtown Bucks, and the remaining winners will receive gift cards and merchandise from downtown businesses. 

 

People can stop by and pick up the first eight clues on Tuesday, September 8 from 4 – 7 PM at the DSI Booth located on the Old State Capitol Plaza at the corner of 6th and Adams Street. Visit Springfield representatives will also be on hand to talk about their new #SPI7in7 program that encourages people to check off Fall activities, use social media and win Springfield swag.

 

People can also pick up a form at the Visit Springfield Visitors Center (6th and Adams) Wednesday through Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM. The last opportunity to participate in the first Hunt is at the Old Capitol Farmers Market on Saturday, September 12, where participants can pick up and drop off their completed form at the Market Information Tent between 8 AM – 12:30 PM.

 

Downtown Springfield Inc is the 501c6 downtown business association and nationally accredited Main Street organization with a mission to increase the economic and cultural vitality of Downtown Springfield. Visit www.downtownspringfield.org or follow our events on Facebook @DowntownSpringfieldInc.