Springfield Celebrates 40 Years of the Iconic Willard Ice Building, Honoring Legacy of Illinois Public Servant

The Illinois Department of Revenue’s headquarters, the Willard Ice Building, celebrated a significant milestone on November 13th, marking 40 years since opening its doors. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield at 101 W. Jefferson, the building has been a prominent feature in the city’s skyline for decades. Governor JB Pritzker and many others gathered in the lobby of the six-story, open-atrium edifice, spanning 750,000 square feet across three city blocks, to honor the building’s history and the man it was named after, as reported by the

Illinois Department of Revenue

.

Willard Ice, after whom the building was named, worked for IDOR for almost 35 years and briefly held the position of director. The edifice, the first of its kind to be completed by 1984, stands as a testament to Ice’s legacy, who, despite losing his sight at age four, went on to become a noteworthy figure in Illinois governance. “Our history is shaped by the everyday heroes – like Willard Ice – who do all sorts of unseen work that lays the foundation of our future,” Governor JB Pritzker said in a statement obtained by the

Illinois Department of Revenue

. He praised Ice as “a giant of Illinois government, a passionate public servant, and a remarkable person.”

The celebration also acknowledged the Willard Ice Building as more than just the headquarters of the IDOR but as a vessel of memorable community events, including high school proms. Demonstrating protected by the law degree he earned from the University of Illinois, Ice was known as “Mr. Revenue” for his vast understanding of revenue statutes. Celebrating this anniversary brought together government officials and locals alike, recognizing not only the decades passed but also looking forward to the continuity of service and community engagement within the WIB’s walls.

David Harris, IDOR Director, touched upon the inclusive history of the Willard Ice Building during the festivities. He mentioned, “The Willard Ice Building is cherished by everyone who has worked here and holds a significant place in the Springfield community, having hosted high school proms and other memorable events over the years,” in an event captured by the

Illinois Department of Revenue

. The building’s 40-year anniversary serves as a beacon of the collective efforts spanning across Illinois’ fabric, shaped and molded by the hands of dedicated public servants such as Willard Ice.

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