Bringing good times to Springfield for everyone. As unambiguous as the statement is, it defines the mission for the three minds behind what will be Springfield’s promising new addition to the downtown entertainment scene. Joel Shear, Blake Stilwell, and Zac Johnston have been working to restore one of the city’s oldest buildings from the turn of the century to transform it into what will become LifeBar Arcade.
Located next to the Springfield fire station, at 300 North Fountain Avenue, this near 5,000 square-foot building was originally constructed in 1916 and has seen many businesses file through its doors over the last century. The list includes a used car lot, a floral manufacturing company, a gas station, a social services building, a print shop, a canvas/tarp factory, and a pawn shop.
As LifeBar Arcade, the beloved downtown Springfield building will house some 30 classic arcade games as well as a fully stocked and creatively curated bar. But the brainy, and somewhat zany, bar-arcade concept came before its location.
As Stilwell explains, “We had a really good realtor who heard our ideas and suggested this destination. I think all of Springfield is familiar with the building— just not with how big it actually is. We liked the amount of space and the garage access in the back for the arcade machines.”
Johnston adds, “What was really great was that when you pulled all of the leftover junk, the fixtures, the drop-ceiling, what you’re left with is this really beautiful interior made of stone, wood, and iron. If you go in you can see its wear and tear. But it is, at its heart, a really beautiful space. And we’re happy to restore it for the city.”
The trio had originally known each other on more friendly and informal terms, and each plays a foundational part in the genesis of LifeBar Arcade. After Shear and Johnston established a business plan upon coming up with the idea, Stilwell was welcomed to the partnership as an investor. As Shear explains, “When Blake [Stilwell] moved back to the area in 2021, he had expressed some interest in investing in a bar in the Oregon District in Dayton. Considering that we had graduated from high school together, he was my first consideration as a business partner.”
To which Stillwell quipped, “Joel has always been one of the best bartenders in town, and after helping win a 4th consecutive Best Cocktail award at the Best of Springfield, his reputation is still growing. This is really their brainchild. I took a look at the business plan, and it seemed really well done. I really liked it. It's clear these two are very passionate about what they do and starting this thing up. It’s not just an arcade or a cocktail bar, it's a chance for those involved to live what they’re passionate about.”
Shear had become acquainted with Johnston while serving him as his patron at COhatch’s late Market Bar. Johnston will spearhead a streetwear shop which will be on sight, and has been primarily involved in the remodeling of the building’s interior.
All three hope for this establishment to honor the community it will serve and only amplify its success. As Stilwell says, “When I was a kid, no one was walking from [Wittenberg] University to town. I’m amazed to see how that has changed. What we offer is a place to go, an alternative to merely sitting around and drinking. Who wouldn’t want just one more option to enjoy yourself in town? What’s more important than building the cityscape is that we’re one more business who is really concerned about the local area. We aren’t trying to be a competitor, but attempting to cooperate with the established business already present. Everybody who is deciding to open up shop here is good for the community as a whole. A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Each partner agrees that the support from the local community has been paramount in the cultivation of their vision.
Stillwell names in particular, New Carlisle Federal Savings Bank, as he recalls, “After months of working with a large-scale banker only for that route to fall through, New Carlisle Federal Savings Bank offered a refreshing way of maneuvering the financing, and helped shepherd us through the process within a month. My advice to anyone starting a new business, and going the loan route, is to go to a local bank. Someone you can talk to personally who knows the area and can walk you through it, because they will if you ask. This is the advantage to sticking local.”
They also would like to hat-tip Covenant Presbyterian Church and its representatives for welcoming them to the neighborhood and sharing a parking lot with the bar-cade.
As Johnston says, “Once we were able to put into words what we’re trying to accomplish it has only gained traction. I think a lot of people here are interested in fostering a supportive community.”
LifeBar Arcade is looking to open its doors to the community by summer of this year. Games will include everything from classic games like
Street Fighter, and
Cruis’n World, to more modern takes on arcade games, like wall-projected golf simulation.
As Shear sums it up, “We're going to offer the same kind of local flare, but with a unique vibe. We want to provide an environment for everyone, including families and organizations. Fun is for everyone.”
For updates on the progress of LifeBar Arcade find them on
Facebook, or for more information visit their
website.