Horace Mann makes new investment in downtown Springfield
President and CEO Marita Zuraitis highlights Horace Mann commitment to economic development through its purchase and renovation of historic Witmer-Schuck building.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 15, 2022 – Horace Mann is investing in downtown Springfield with the purchase and renovation of the historic Witmer-Schuck building at the southwest corner of Washington and Seventh Streets. Springfield’s only publicly traded company, Horace Mann is renovating the building for mixed use.
"Horace Mann has been located in downtown Springfield since it was founded by two Springfield teachers nearly 80 years ago. This is another opportunity to invest in the community that is home to our headquarters," said Horace Mann President and CEO Marita Zuraitis. "Springfield is rich with history and has enormous potential. Investing in the Witmer-Schuck building continues our commitment to supporting the heart of Springfield."
Springfield Sangamon County Growth Alliance President & CEO Ryan McCrady is hoping Horace Mann’s investment spurs other corporations to invest in downtown buildings as part of the effort to increase economic activity in downtown Springfield.
"Downtown Springfield will grow and thrive in the next five years as the whole community comes together to work toward a revitalized and resilient downtown. Investments such as Horace Mann’s, which fully utilize a historic downtown building, align with the Next 10 Community Vision and are key to taking it from a vision to action," added McCrady.
Last year, the Community Foundation of the Land of Lincoln released a community visioning plan called Next 10 that prioritized creating a revitalized and resilient downtown as one of its projects. The Community Foundation, the Springfield Sangamon County Growth Alliance, the city of Springfield and DSI (Downtown Springfield Inc.) are currently working with a consulting group, Houseal Lavigne, to develop a Downtown and Mid-Illinois Medical District Master Plan. We join these organizations and business leaders who are committed to the revitalization of Springfield.
The Witmer-Schuck building, located at 630 East Washington, is a three story, Italian structure built in 1867. Over the years, the building has played a prominent role in the City’s history, including serving as the home of the City of Springfield’s first economic development organization. Its first floor was most recently occupied by a real estate management group, but Horace Mann plans to put the whole building to use, improving the commercial/retail space on the first floor and remodeling the second and third floors into residential space. Renovations are expected to be complete by early 2023. Hageman Family Insurance, a Horace Mann agency, has already moved in and is leasing the office space on the first floor.
"Horace Mann’s investment in the historic Witmer-Schuck building shares a strong message with other companies regarding the vibrancy of our downtown and what our community has to offer," said Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder. "Horace Mann’s commitment and adaptive reuse of downtown space is another example of how others can think about their potential opportunities and personal investment in downtown Springfield."
"Horace Mann has been located in downtown Springfield since it was founded by two Springfield teachers nearly 80 years ago. This is another opportunity to invest in the community that is home to our headquarters," said Horace Mann President and CEO Marita Zuraitis. "Springfield is rich with history and has enormous potential. Investing in the Witmer-Schuck building continues our commitment to supporting the heart of Springfield."
Springfield Sangamon County Growth Alliance President & CEO Ryan McCrady is hoping Horace Mann’s investment spurs other corporations to invest in downtown buildings as part of the effort to increase economic activity in downtown Springfield.
"Downtown Springfield will grow and thrive in the next five years as the whole community comes together to work toward a revitalized and resilient downtown. Investments such as Horace Mann’s, which fully utilize a historic downtown building, align with the Next 10 Community Vision and are key to taking it from a vision to action," added McCrady.
Last year, the Community Foundation of the Land of Lincoln released a community visioning plan called Next 10 that prioritized creating a revitalized and resilient downtown as one of its projects. The Community Foundation, the Springfield Sangamon County Growth Alliance, the city of Springfield and DSI (Downtown Springfield Inc.) are currently working with a consulting group, Houseal Lavigne, to develop a Downtown and Mid-Illinois Medical District Master Plan. We join these organizations and business leaders who are committed to the revitalization of Springfield.
The Witmer-Schuck building, located at 630 East Washington, is a three story, Italian structure built in 1867. Over the years, the building has played a prominent role in the City’s history, including serving as the home of the City of Springfield’s first economic development organization. Its first floor was most recently occupied by a real estate management group, but Horace Mann plans to put the whole building to use, improving the commercial/retail space on the first floor and remodeling the second and third floors into residential space. Renovations are expected to be complete by early 2023. Hageman Family Insurance, a Horace Mann agency, has already moved in and is leasing the office space on the first floor.
"Horace Mann’s investment in the historic Witmer-Schuck building shares a strong message with other companies regarding the vibrancy of our downtown and what our community has to offer," said Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder. "Horace Mann’s commitment and adaptive reuse of downtown space is another example of how others can think about their potential opportunities and personal investment in downtown Springfield."
About Horace Mann
Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest financial services company focused on helping America's educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.