Second Beam Signing Held for Springfield–Sangamon County Hub

Sangamon County hosted a second public signing event on Tuesday, December 23, for a structural steel beam that will become part of the Springfield–Sangamon County Hub. The beam is currently displayed on the first floor of the Sangamon County Building and will remain available for public signatures prior to its installation in the Hub’s structure.

County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter joined County Board members, local officials, and state leaders for the event. Attendees included State Senator Steve McClure, former U.S. Congressman Rodney Davis, former State Representative Mike Murphy, State Representative Mike Coffey, and State Representative Wayne Rosenthal. Brief remarks were shared before those in attendance signed the beam.

Chairman Van Meter noted that the Hub project reflects years of collaboration across local, state, and federal levels of government and thanked members of the legislative delegations whose support helped secure funding. Speakers highlighted the bipartisan cooperation required to advance the project and emphasized its long-term importance to Sangamon County residents and visitors.

The Springfield–Sangamon County Hub will consolidate Amtrak, Greyhound, and Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) services into a single transportation center located on 9th Street. A pedestrian bridge spanning the 10th Street railroad tracks will provide a direct connection between the Sangamon County Building and the Amtrak station, improving access to county services and regional transit.

Beyond transportation services, the Hub will include a parking garage, enhanced streetscapes, consolidated county office space, and public amenities such as a grab-and-go coffee area and digital information screens. The building will also feature permanent exhibits highlighting local history, including an exhibit dedicated to the 1908 Springfield Race Riot. Artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations tied to the rail relocation project will be incorporated through a partnership with the Illinois State Museum, with a community-centered approach to exhibit design. Plans also include space for the Springfield–Sangamon County Sports Hall of Fame.

Members of the public are invited to visit the Sangamon County Building to sign the beam before it is installed as construction on the Hub continues.