5th Street GEM, 221 S. Fifth St., is an event space for birthday gatherings, baby showers, holiday parties and social events in downtown. Signage for the new space went up on May 14.

Downtown Springfield has also seen a decrease in foot traffic. According to data provided by Downtown Springfield Inc., annual visits in 2017, 2018 and 2019 were over 600,000.

Rev up those engines. The Birthplace of Route 66 Parade is set to sweep the streets of downtown Springfield at 6 p.m. Friday, ...