Former Norb Andy’s Property Has Been Sold
The historic Springfield building at 518 E. Capitol Ave. is under contract for $95,000.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Commercial
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A buyer has placed the historic building at 518 E. Capitol Ave. in Springfield under contract. The property, once home to the iconic Norb Andy’s Tabarin, was most recently listed for $95,000.
Why it matters
The sale marks a potential new chapter for the landmark site, which has sat vacant since the restaurant Anchors Away closed in 2023. The new owner intends to renovate the building, which was damaged by a fire earlier this year.
The property at 518 E. Capitol Ave. was listed for $95,000 and is currently on the National Register of Historic Places. The site originally served as a mansion built in 1839 and later hosted Norb Andy’s Tabarin for 40 years.
The players
David Ridenour
He served as the owner of the historic property at 518 E. Capitol Ave. since 2010.
Virgil Hickox
He was a 19th-century figure who built the mansion in 1839 and famously laid out the city of Lincoln, Illinois.
Norb Andy’s Tabarin
This was a long-running local establishment that operated in the building for 40 years starting in 1938.
The details
The building sustained damage to the third level rear area during a fire on February 28, 2026, which necessitated a temporary removal of the property from the market. Owner David Ridenour, who held the title since 2010, has now moved forward with the sale to a buyer based in Lutz, Florida.
Timeline
1839: Virgil Hickox built the original mansion.
1938: Norb Andy’s Tabarin began operating in the building.
2023: The Anchors Away restaurant ceased operations.
February 28, 2026: A fire damaged the third floor of the building.
October 2026: The sale is scheduled to close.
Roadmap
This transaction reflects a broader trend of private investment in historic downtown corridors, where buyers seek to restore aging structures to modern utility. The property's status on the National Register of Historic Places underscores the ongoing industry push to balance historic preservation with commercial development.
Residents in Springfield can expect to see renewed construction activity at the 518 E. Capitol Ave. site following the closing. The renovation of this fire-damaged landmark aims to restore a piece of the city's downtown history for future commercial use.
The takeaway
Preserving historic sites requires significant capital and adherence to architectural standards, which can lengthen the time between ownership transfers. Future developers should ensure that renovation plans respect the building's original design to maintain its historic classification.
What happens next
The sale of the property is scheduled to reach a final closing by the end of October 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local development, see Springfield Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Illinois Times, the capital city's weekly source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture.
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