C-Street Market

Vital, vibrant, and inviting, the downtown area of Springfield, Missouri is bursting with activities, commerce and things to explore. Three specific districts comprise the area, each with its own unique characteristics, history and culture. Commercial Street, affectionately known as C-Street, was where the town began, where the railroads brought the people and goods that started an upstart community, a jumping off point to the West. Exciting in its regentrification, this district is home to a world-renowned chocolate company, vintage shopping, cafes, chic lofts and America’s oldest and longest footbridge. Historic Walnut Street, designated a National Historic District for its architectural history, is a magnificent three-block neighborhood of late 19th Century homes with decorated Queen Annes as the centerpiece. One can imagine the clip-clop of horse-drawn wagons, well-kept lawns and splendid gardens. Now, some of the structures house restaurants and fine shops, and the district hosts two lively festivals each year—ArtsFest and Cider Days. Downtown is built around the charm of the old city square, currently being updated with waterfalls and a performing stage. Here reside movie theatres, a wide range of casual and fine dining, live music, unique shops and this district’s share of 6,000 parking places, making everything convenient. The Discovery Center is a great destination for kids with lots of hands-on learning. Founder’s Park, Jordan Valley Park, the Mediacom ice skating arena and Hammon’s Field, home of the Springfield Cardinals all welcome visitors. First Friday attracts hundreds each month to galleries in the district. And historic theaters provide stages for the community’s robust performing arts. The Urban Districts Alliance (UDA) brings all three of these districts together in this website. UDA capitalizes on downtown’s new momentum created by an influx of new businesses and investors. It strengthens downtown’s competitiveness by creating a clean, safe and inviting destination. It establishes private sector control of enhanced services. We invite you to explore our website and to take in the myriad activities available to you here in Springfield, because, if you’re looking for something historical, cultural, fun or uplifting, it’s all downtown.