Marion, Ill (KFVS) – The new development could breathe new life into the old shopping center of Illinois Center.
The Marion Municipal Council approved the issuance of $ 150 million in Star bonds to create a new leisure destination.
City leaders hope that the obligations will pay in the form of a long -term economic boost.
The owner of the small business, Jay Webb, is optimistic that the city’s decision to issue Star obligations not only will help its small business, but throughout the region.
“It will be an economic boost for our region as we have never seen,” said Webb.
Star obligations are a local and local economic development tool aimed at compensating for the cost of starting a business in Marion.
“We are going to build a concept of household with a practical simulator, a semi-professional putt course of 18 holes and a large interior / outdoor pickleball complex and another hotel,” said Cody Moake, chief of staff from Marion.
The plans also include a complete overhaul of the old shopping center of Illinois Center.
“The construction of the shopping center will be complete with a retail space, a family entertainment center, with karts and laser labels and bowling and all kinds of things,” added Moake.
City leaders say that the Star obligations worked very well in other parts of the country.
“There are models across the country where it worked. We feel strategically placed at all these crossroads of the i-64, i-24, i-57 and route 13. If you go to a big city, you are probably going through this area and we think that is an opportunity to Capitalize on this, “said Moake.
Webb said it was delighted to present its small business to new visitors to the region.
“Just the amount of new people and people from outside the state?” It’s going to be great, “he continued.
The first phase of the project includes the Field House concept and the overhaul of the old shopping center.
The two projects should be completed by the summer of 2026.
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