New Developments in Southwestern Illinois

Southwestern Illinois is a dynamic real estate and development market that has experienced significant economic growth over the past several years. To illustrate this, the Leadership Council’s most recent Market Review and Investment Update details almost $9.4 billion in public and private investments that were announced, under construction or completed during the 12-month period which ended September 30, 2008. The following projects are examples of just some of the most recent significant industrial, commercial, public, and office & institutional developments in Madison and St. Clair Counties.

Please select a sector:

Industrial Sector | Commercial Sector | Office & Institutional Sectors | Public Sector

The information in this section is compiled from local media sources.  The Leadership Council assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. If you know of other significant projects that you would like to see included, please follow the format of the following examples and e-mail the relevant details to kwilson@siue.edu for consideration.

Industrial Sector Developments

ConocoPhillips begins multi-billion dollar refinery expansion in Wood River, Ill.

With final approval of its environmental permit in hand from the Illinos EPA, ConocoPhillips is moving forward with the first phase of a $4 billion project to convert its local refining operation to process Canadian oil sands into a variety of fuels. The company will continue to work with the state and federal regulatory agencies to secure the permits for the remaining phases of this landmark project, which will strengthen our nation’s energy security. The major re-investment project will require an estimated 1,500 – 2,000 skilled craftsmen. Completion of the project will create the need for another 100 permanent jobs. (Posted September 2008)

Abengoa Bioenergy’s new ethanol facility is underway in Madison, Ill.

Construction work is moving full steam ahead on a new ethanol plant in Madison, Ill, which recently received  a $4 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce’s Renewable Fuels Program.  Being built by Abengoa Bioenergy, the $200-plus million ethanol production facility plans to be operational by the end of 2009.  Located with the Tri City Regional Port District, the new facility will employ 60 people, produce up to 88 million gallons of ethanol each year, and will use 32 million bushels of grain each year. (Posted September 2008)

Tri-City Regional Port District plans $35 million in investments

The Tri-City Port is proceeding with plans for $35 million worth of projects at its facilities in Granite City. The plans include a proposed $30 million new harbor slip, for which they will need approval from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The goal is to begin construction within three years. The District is also moving forward with a $2.2 million project to extend the existing railroad network inside its River’s Edge Industrial Park, as well as a $2.4 million project to renovate roads within the development to make it easier to ship goods between the proposed new south harbor and the existing north harbor. (Posted June 2008)

Proctor & Gamble to move into $40 million space at Gateway Commerce Center

Proctor & Gamble has plans to occupy Gateway Commerce Center’s Westway III building, which is currently undergoing a $40 million expansion. The facility, which is located in Madison County, is more than doubling its size, growing from 578,967 square feet to 1.2 million square feet. Proctor & Gamble recently signed the lease, which is worth $4.2 million annually, and has plans to consolidate leases it has with other buildings in the area for its distribution purposes. Contegra Construction Co., based in Edwardsville, will act as the General Contractor on the project, which is expected to be completed later this year. (Posted June 2008)

U.S. Steel begins $570 million expansion project in Granite City

U.S. Steel Corp. and SunCoke Energy Inc. recently broke ground on a $570 million joint capital project at the steel company’s Granite City Works in Granite City, Ill. U.S. Steel will provide $280 million to fund the joint project. The new facility, expected to be completed in 18 months, will use SunCoke’s low-emission technology to process coal into coke, a key ingredient in steelmaking. The energy generated in the coke-making process will be use in a cogeneration plant that will provide electricity to Granite City Works. Construction will create approximately 900 temporary jobs at its peak, and 88 full time positions are expected to be created when the facility is completed. (Posted May 2008)

Sev-Rend Corp. to Move Headquarters to Collinsville

Sev-Rend, a St. Louis-based manufacturer of high-performance packaging products, will move its headquarters to Collinsville from its current location in St. Louis. The $3.6 million, 45,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters will provide office space, manufacturing facilities and expansion room for the company, allowing Sev-Rend to expand its staff by the time it moves. Additionally, the company will receive tax increment financing by relocating the business in Collinsville. (Posted April 2008)

Madison County Transit Transfer Facility to be Built in Downtown Alton

Madison County Transit has broken ground on a $4.3 million bus transfer facility in downtown Alton. The new Alton Transfer Station, which will be the last of five new MCT passenger transfer facilities, will include a climate-controlled waiting area and accommodate more than 450,000 passengers each year. The facility will be located between Sixth and Seventh streets, bordered by Piasa Street to the east and Belle Street to the west. J.J. Wuellner Inc. will be in charge of construction of the project, which should be completed by summer 2009. (Posted April 2008)

National Voyage Corp. Planning Multi-million Distribution Facility in Granite City

Huntington Beach, Calif.-based National Voyage Corp. recently paid $1.7 million for an 86-acre site at 1020 Niedringhaus Ave. in Granite City. The company has plans to redevelop the former Granite City Steel property into a $25-$50 million distribution center for its import-export operations. Demolition is expected to begin immediately to tear down the old metal buildings on the site to make way for the new 340,000 – 560,000-square-foot facility. Pending environmental clean up at the site, construction should be underway by summer 2008. (Posted February 2008)

This document draws from local media sources to provide a brief overview of just some of the most recent significant industrial and commercial developments in Madison and St. Clair Counties. The Leadership Council assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. If you know of other significant projects that you would like to see included, please follow the format of the examples above and e-mail the relevant details to kwilson@siue.edu for consideration.

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Commercial Sector Developments

New Aldi and Lowe’s Stores Open in Granite City, Walmart Expansion Planned

A new Aldi Store opened last month in the business district along Illinois Route 3 and south of I-270 in Granite City, Ill. The $1.6 million, 16,000-square-foot store, located at 1412 Schaeffer Road, is the most recent development to open in the Granite Park development. A $12 million, 94,000-square-foot Lowe’s opened in November at 1333 Schaeffer Road, and a $10 to $15 million expansion is planned for an existing Walmart, located nearby on West Pontoon Road. The store will become a 150,000-squre-foot Supercenter once complete, and construction is expected to begin later this year. (Posted July 2010)

$5.5 million expansion completed at Eckert’s in Belleville

Eckert’s, Inc. recently completed work on its newly expanded Country Store in Belleville, Ill. The 22,000-square-foot store renovations include expanded space for produce, meat, bakery items and even a cooking classroom. The family received $975,000 in tax credits to fund the $5.5 million expansion. Eckert’s attached restaurant will also be doubling in size and should be finished in September. The two expansions include additional parking and an outdoor plaza.  (Posted July 2010)


Construction on $8 Million Wal-Mart Underway in Godfrey

Construction is underway for a new $8 million Wal-Mart Supercenter, to be located on a 37-acre site at the intersection of Airport and Godfrey roads in Godfrey, Ill. The 184,000-square-foot retail center will be Godfrey’s largest retail development, employing approximately 325 to 350 people. Plans also call for outlots that could accommodate up to five stores. The new Wal-Mart is projected to generate $800,000 in annual sales tax revenue, roughly doubling Godfrey’s current revenue. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the store’s opening scheduled for early 2011.  (Posted May 2010)

Bank Breaks Ground in Wood River

First Clover Leaf Bank recently broke ground on its newest branch at the intersection of Central and Madison avenues in Wood River. The $2 million, 2,500-square-foot building is being constructed on the southwest corner of the intersection. The new bank will be full-service with three drive-through lanes, a drive-up automated teller machine and safe deposit boxes. Completion is scheduled for early spring 2008. (Posted February 2008)

Fairview Heights Approves $6.5 Million Hotel Development

The Fairview Heights City Council has approved development of a $6.5 million Holiday Inn at 313 Salem Place. The four-story hotel will have 88 rooms, 132 parking spaces, a restaurant, pool and 2,200 square feet of banquet and meeting space. (Posted February 2008)

Big Retail Development Coming to Granite City

Quadrant Properties LLC is planning a 36-acre retail development in Granite City. Gateway Village, which will be on the west side of Route 3, just south of Interstate 270, is expected to include a mix of retail, entertainment and dining options, as well as a bank branch. Quadrant has committed to making $7 million in infrastructure improvements at the Granite City site. Site work is expected to begin in July with the first businesses opening in 2009. (Posted February 2008)

$15 Million Upgrade Planned for Alton Square

The owner of Alton Square released architect’s renderings of at least $15 million in improvements planned for the mall. The owner has sent new leases to three current tenants who say they want to expand into larger spaces. A fourth store may expand in the spring of 2009, and Alton Square is also receiving interest from other prospective tenants who are considering a location in the enhanced mall. (Posted February 2008)

This document draws from local media sources to provide a brief overview of just some of the most recent significant industrial and commercial developments in Madison and St. Clair Counties. The Leadership Council assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. If you know of other significant projects that you would like to see included, please follow the format of the examples above and e-mail the relevant details to kwilson@siue.edu for consideration.

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Office and Institutional Sectors Developments

Construction on $14.9 Million Knollwood Retirement Center Underway in Caseyville

Construction has begun on the $14.9 million Knollwood Retirement Center in Caseyville.  The 97-unit retirement center is being built on the west side of South Main Street.  Knollwood will offer residents private apartments with laundry and house-keeping services, as well as other amenities including a restaurant, fitness center, beauty salon, activities, crafts and transportation to appointments and shopping.  Construction is expected to be completed early next year. (Posted April 2010)

Scott Credit Union Unveils Plans for New $10 Million Headquarters in Edwardsville

Construction on $140 Million Villages at Wingate Development Underway in Shiloh

Construction on the $140 million Villages at Wingate development in Shiloh, Ill., located on Green Mount Road approximately four miles from Interstate 64, is now partly underway. The project, which was originally announced in 2007, is reported to include plans for 75,000 square feet of retail space, 60,000 square feet of office space, 96 apartments for senior residents, 270 single-family home lots and a 22-acre elementary school.  The Villages at Wingate is a joint development between Shiloh, Ill.-based J2K, LLC, and Chesterfield, Mo.-based Gundaker Commercial Group. A total of seven home builders are involved in the project, which is expected to be completed by 2015. (Posted February 2010)

$6 Million North Street Plaza Building to be Built in Downtown Edwardsville

A new $6 million, 30,800-square-foot, four-story office building is coming to downtown Edwardsville. The building will be located in the 100 block of North Main Street and will replace existing buildings at 130 North Main Street. The facility will be leased to a single tenant, helping to keep approximately 50-60 jobs in Edwardsville. Highland-based Plocher Construction, a partner in the development group, North Main Street Plaza, LLC, is expected to break ground on the project in early 2010 and anticipates having the projected completed within a year.  (Posted February 2010)

Construction on $6.2 Million Legacy Place Assisted Living Facility Underway in Highland

Construction has begun on a 51,000-square-foot assisted living facility in Highland, Ill. The $6.2 million Legacy Place facility is being developed by Kunkel Commercial Group and will be located on Frank Watson Parkway between Route 40 and Sportsman Road. The development is expected to be completed by April 2010. Upon completion, Legacy Place will feature 56 one and two-bedroom apartments and will offer a variety of health-related programs and services to its residents. (Posted November 2009)

$2.25 million office-warehouse building to boost Belle Valley Industrial Park in Belleville

Construction is underway for a $2.25 million, 26,650-square-foot office and warehouse building at 201 Tower Plaza in the Belle Valley Industrial Park on the southeast side of Belleville. The building will house Power Maintenance and Constructors LLC.  Construction began in late June and is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. The Power Maintenance facility is part of the third phase of development of the 90-acre industrial park which is reported to currently be home to approximately 30 businesses and industries.

O’Fallon High School plans for $6.3 million auditorium

O’Fallon Township High School District #203 has signed on for a new $6.3 million auditorium that will provide more space for the school and for the entire O’Fallon community. The 20,000-square-foot steel facility will include seating capacity for 740 people.  (Posted April 2009)

Althoff Catholic High School plans for $2.6 million renovations

Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville has announced a planned $2.6 million renovation thanks to funds raised through the Vision 2009 capital campaign. Improvements will include window replacement, exterior and insulation work, air conditioning and technology updates. The renovations were approved by the Belleville Diocese in September and construction is expected to begin the day after school lets out in spring 2009. (Posted March 2009)

Belleville Hospital gets approval on $24 million medical office building

Memorial Hospital, Belleville’s largest employer, is planning to add a $24 million medical office building to combat capacity issues with the two existing medical buildings. The 85,000-square-foot, three story building will be located on what is currently a single-family residentially zoned property. The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously recommended re-zoning the area for heavy commercial use to accommodate the medical office building. Construction is expected to be completed by 2011.  (Posted March 2009)

Southwest Illinois’ First Hospice Home Breaks Ground

Hospice of Southern Illinois Inc. recently began construction on its $7 million facility in Edwardsville, Ill. The Community Hospice Home will be the first in Southwestern Illinois and will provide care for terminally ill patients at its 16-room facility. Located on 17 acres along Illinois 143, construction is expected to take 14 to 18 months. (Posted October 2008)

Construction Begins on St. Anthony’s $70 Million Project

Construction is underway at St. Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Ill. for the $70 million expansion and modernization project.  The project will include a diagnostic and imaging center, a new patient wing, lobby and admitting area, parking lots and renovations on the emergency department and power plant.  The project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2010.  (Posted October 2008)

New Multi-Million Dollar Middle School Opens its Doors in O’Fallon, Ill.

The new $6.5 million Joseph Arthur Middle School, opened on August 14th 2008. Located in O’Fallon, Ill., the 36,000 square-foot school has the potential to grow on its 28 acres. The building is named after longtime Superintendent of the Central School District 104. (Posted Sept. 2008).

Lakeview Commerce Center to double in size with two new buildings

The Lakeview Commerce Center in Edwardsville is adding two more buildings to the current 700-acre complex, more than doubling its size with these new additions. Panattoni Development Co. has plans to build a 1.2-million-square-foot speculative building, with construction expected to begin late fall or early spring. Panattoni’s second building, a 700,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center, will serve Maryland Heights-based World Wide Technology Inc., Construction for this building is expected to be complete by the end of the year. Today, Lakeview Commerce center has 1.6 million square feet of warehouse and is expected to expand to over 7 million square feet of space within 4 years. (Posted June 2008)

Construction begins on $3.6 million Eastport Tech Center II

Construction has begun on the $3.6 million, 47,000-square-foot Eastport Tech Center II facility, which is located in the Eastport Plaza business park in Collinsville. The property will serve as an office space, warehouse and service center for several of the facility’s tenants. Construction is expected to be complete by September. (Posted June 2008)

$16.5 Mil. Field Station Coming to NGRREC in Alton

A new $16.5 million field station is being developed as a cooperative effort by Lewis & Clark Community College and 11 other organizations for the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in Alton. The facility is being built adjacent to the Great Rivers Museum near the Melvin Price Locks and Dam along the Mississippi and will include environmentally friendly and energy efficient features such as a vegetative roof, bamboo floors, innovative wastewater technology and onsite wind and hydro power. Construction recently got underway, and the building is expected to receive a Platinum LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building once it is completed in 2009. (Posted April 2008)

New $93.6 million Facility Coming to SAFB

Ground was recently broken for a $93.6 million U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) facility at Scott Air Force Base. East Peoria, Ill.-based River City Construction will build the 180,000-square-foot, three-story building behind USTRANSCOM’s current headquarters. USTRANSCOM will use the facility for its permanent headquarters for the U.S. Army’s Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC). The project is expected to be completed in 2010. (Posted April 2008)

New Family Life, Student Center in Maryville

Construction was recently completed on the 15,000 square-foot family life center and 17,000 square-foot student center at the First Baptist Church in Maryville. The $3.4 million building also houses a gymnasium and classrooms. (Posted February 2008)

Prairie State Energy Campus to Open in Shiloh

Shiloh has been chosen as the location for the corporate headquarters of the Prairie State Energy Campus, which is currently under construction in Washington County, Ill. The corporate offices, which will be known as Prairie State Generating Co., are in the Parkway Sixty-Four Corporate Center. Employees were expected to be operating from the new offices by February 2008. (Posted February 2008)

BJC Healthcare Plans Expansion

The St. Louis-based health-care system recently closed on an undeveloped 111-acre plot in Shiloh, near Green Mount Road and Interstate 64 interchange. BJC is buying the property for an undisclosed amount, with plans to develop a new healthcare facility there at some point in the future. (Posted February 2008)

Ground Broken for Freshman-Only School in O’Fallon

O’Fallon School District 203, along with city and state leaders, recently celebrated the start of construction for a freshman-only high school campus, expected to open in the fall of 2009. The new site is anticipated to hold about 850 students. Last spring, a $37.5 million bond was issued for the project. The District also recently expanded the existing O’Fallon Township High School. The $3.7 million renovation, which was completed in January, includes seven classrooms, two chemistry labs and 1,000 square feet of administrative office space (Posted February 2008)

SIUE to Invest $63 Million in School Projects

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has announced it is investing more than $63 million in 13 projects over the next year and a half. In August, the second phase of a $10.8 million housing project should be complete. The $10.5 million expansion of the Student Fitness center and the $16.6 million Student Success Center are planned to begin in March 2008 and should be completed by May 2009. Also targeted for completion in the coming months is the $10 million Wrestling and Volleyball Center; the $1.6 million renovation of the University Center Bookstore; a $6 million renovation to the Vadalabene Center gymnasium and a $2 million renovation and expansion of the Early Childhood Center. (Posted February 2008)

This document draws from local media sources to provide a brief overview of just some of the most recent significant industrial and commercial developments in Madison and St. Clair Counties. The Leadership Council assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. If you know of other significant projects that you would like to see included, please follow the format of the examples above and e-mail the relevant details to kwilson@siue.edu for consideration.

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Recent News from the Public Sector

Scott Air Force Base to benefit from the Federal Stimulus Program

Department of Defense facilities in Illinois will receive $38 million from the Federal Stimulus Program, with $8 million being allotted to Scott Air Force Base (SAFB). SAFB will be using the funds to repair and improve the buildings that support U.S. troops. Some of the maintenance includes repairing roofs, installing an energy-saving air handling unit and a frontline cable barrier system.  (Posted April 2009)

Granite City approves $4 million movie theatre for downtown

The Granite City Council recently approved a $4 million three-screen movie theatre to improve downtown Granite City’s attractions. The new theatre will have seating for over 500 and will be home to the only 3-D screen in the Metro East area. The theatre will be located at Niedringhaus and Delmar, across the street from the triangular Civic Park.  Construction bids are set to go out in late April, 2009. The theater is tentatively set to open in April or May 2010. (Posted March 2009)

Belleville to open city’s fourth firehouse, first one city has opened since 1932

A new 12,679-square-foot firehouse has been built in Belleville to improve the Fire Department’s response time. The station, which was formerly an Illinois American Water building, will include the Fire Department’s administrative offices, an emergency operations center and an engine house. The $3.1 million firehouse is expected to open in early 2009.  (Posted January 2009)

$8.5 Million Illinois National Guard Facility Breaks Ground in Shiloh, Ill.

The new $8.5 million Illinois National Guard Readiness Center recently broke ground outside of the Shiloh gate at Scott Air Force Base. The center will be the new home of the 445th Chemical Company. Upon completion, 115 people will be assigned to the 35,000-sqaure-foot facility.  Expected to be complete by May 2010, the new building will be funded by the federal government through appropriation bills for fiscal 2008. (Posted October 2008)

$2.4 million runway extension approved for St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia

In an effort to alleviate congestion at its Cahokia, Ill. facility, the St. Louis Downtown Airport will extend their 3,800-foot runway to 5,300 feet using a $2.4 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The extension will facilitate more landings by larger twin engine planes at the airport, which with almost 140,000 take-offs and landings annually is the third busiest in the State of Illinois. The FAA grant also includes funds to build a service road for airport service vehicles to reach the ramps at the airport. Both projects are designed and ready for bidding, in anticipation of spring 2009 groundbreakings. (Posted Sept. 2008)

$7 million expansion to benefit several tenants at St. Louis Regional Airport

Several tenants at East-Alton-based St. Louis Regional Airport are investing approximately $7 million in various expansion projects at the current 600-acre facility. Tenants who are investing in the airport’s expansion include West Star Aviation Inc., which estimates a total of nearly $4 million towards expansion and renovations at the company’s airport location; Fabritech Inc, which has plans to expand the current warehouse and office space by nearly 5,000 square feet, investing $2 million to $3 million; and Langa Air, Inc, which plans to expand their facility to include a weather center, additional classrooms and extra parking space. The estimated economic impact of St. Louis Regional Airport and its tenants totals over $80 million annually and activity from the airport has generated close to 570 full-time jobs. (Posted June 2008)

$1.5 million air park to be built at Scott Air Force Base

Construction on a $1.5 million Scott Air Force Heritage Park is currently underway at the air force base in Mascoutah, Ill. The park will display aircraft both currently and previously used by the Air Force in support of its transportation mission and will be open to the public 24 hours a day. The park will cover 11 acres of public land, which is owned by St. Clair County, just outside the Shiloh Gate on the base. To date, more than $300,000 has been raised by the air park committee for project. (Posted June 2008)

Scott Air Force Base to Spend $388 Million on Renovations and Expansions

Scott Air Force Base plans to spend $388 million on renovations and expansions within the next two years. Approximately $188 million will cover 70 different renovation and construction projects that are currently underway and an additional $200 million will be used to renovate residential housing on the 3,600-acre airbase. Some of the largest new construction projects that are currently underway include an $84 million U.S. Transportation Command facility; a $20 million three-story dormitory for single enlisted military; a security forces complex, which will cost $15 million; a 33,000-square-foot Mobility Air Forces Logistics Supply Center, valued at $13 million; and a Child Development Center, estimated to cost $8 million. Other projects in the works include parking renovations, expansion of roads and intersections and construction of new community centers, picnic areas, sports fields and playgrounds. Scott Air Force Base brings more than $1.7 billion annually to the region and employs more than 14,000 active duty military members and civilians. (Posted June 2008)

This document draws from local media sources to provide a brief overview of just some of the most recent significant industrial and commercial developments in Madison and St. Clair Counties. The Leadership Council assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. If you know of other significant projects that you would like to see included, please follow the format of the examples above and e-mail the relevant details to kwilson@siue.edu for consideration.

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