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. In 2010 alone, approximately $6 billion in construction projects were underway or completed in Madison and St. Clair counties. Check out our new bi-monthly e-newsletter, Metro East NewsLink, for a quick summary of the most recent projects making news.  The New Developments section below also provides a quick overview of other significant project announcements in the past year in the industrial, commercial, public, and office & institutional sectors.

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 klong@siue.edu for consideration.

Industrial Sector Developments

Port district receives $8.5 million grant for south harbor project

America's Central Port has been awarded an $8.5 million grant that will complete funding for a critical infrastructure project in Madison County, the new south harbor and rail line currently under construction. These projects are critical to the build-up of our region's transportation and logistics industry cluster. Read more in the Belleville News-Democrat.

Coal plant to hire 200 more workers

Prairie State Energy Campus in rural Washington County will soon be adding 200 additional employees to operate the new power plant and corporate office. The Belleville News-Democrat reports that the power plant is 75 percent finished, and by December 2011, the first two energy-generating units at the $4 billion power plant should be ready to function. The second is anticipated to begin by summer 2012. (Posted May 2011)

Bunge joint venture to build Illinois grain terminal

Bunge North America and a subsidiary of SEACOR Holdings Inc. are joining forces to build a new grain terminal in Fairmont City, Ill. The facility, which will be on the Mississippi River just south of the site of the new bridge, will receive grains, soybeans, their byproducts and other bulk commodities and ship them domestically or internationally. It will have storage capacity of more than 1 million bushels. Construction is expected to take a year and employ about 100 people, and upon completion the new grain terminal facility will have up to 20 full-time employees. (Posted May 2011)

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 klong@siue.edu for consideration.

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Commercial Sector Developments

Edwardsville gets mini building boom

Undeterred by the current lag in the economy, Edwardsville continues to grow with three commercial and one mixed-use development in the works along IL-157. Leadership Council President Gerry Schuetzenhofer, president of Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors, comments on the Alpha Omega Commercial Park in a recent round up story. Read more in the Post-Dispatch.

$50 million in Granite City development pipeline

Multi-use entertainment complex opening December in Edwardsville

Glen Carbon approves $25.5 million Sam's Club proposal

Glen Carbon village trustees have given the green light for St. Louis-based THF Realty to develop a $25.5 million warehouse retail building on 14 acres along Illinois 159. The project will take shape on property formerly occupied by Goshen Do-It Center and Four Flags Motors. Under the agreement, the Belleville News-Democrat Reports, the developer will receive half of the village's share of the sales tax revenue on the development until it reaches $5.95 million. The Sam's Club is expected to provide an additional $375,000 per year in new sales tax and an additional $37,650 per year in new real estate taxes to the village, benefiting District 7 schools and more. After the bonds are paid off, the total sales tax benefiting the village would grow to an estimated $750,000 per year. (Posted June 2011)

Historic Wildey Theatre reopens for first time in 27 years after $2.9 million renovation

The Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville, first opened in 1909, has reopened its doors for the first time since 1984.

The $2.9 million renovation was financed without using general tax revenue. One-third of the funding came from an amusement tax the city collects on movies and video rentals, a third from a downtown tax-increment financing district and a third from community fund-raising. Rangwala Architects of St. Louis was architect for the renovation. Miller & Maack of Collinsville served as general contractor. (Posted June 2011)

Historic Belleville theater gets $600,000 facelift

The Lincoln Theatre, which originally opened in 1921 at 103 E. Main St. in Belleville, Ill., is making a range of improvements to enhance visitors' experiences. The Belleville News-Democrat reports that with a $600,000 expansion already underway, the owners are planning to install digital projectors, a bigger self-serve concession area, and a gourmet popcorn shop attached to the theater. (Posted May 2011)

$2 million for two new movie theaters planned for Belleville

The EDGE, a food and entertainment complex at 701 S. Belt West in Belleville, Ill., will soon be home to two new first-run movie theaters. The EDGE, an acronym for Eats, Drinks, Games, Etc., houses a laser tag arena, video arcade and a restaurant and bar. The owners plan to close the facility's miniature golf course and build two theaters, investing over $2 million in the project, which will be completed by year's end. (Posted May 2011)

$2.5 Million dealership planned for Wood River

Zeiser Automotive Group is planning to open a new KIA dealership along Illinois Route 143 in Wood River.  Zeiser is leasing 20,000 square feet of an 80,000-square-foot building owned by YTB  International, Inc., and plans to spend $2.5 million to renovate its end of the building and transform the space into a dealership. Renovations include exterior façades, new interior walls, wiring, lighting and plumbing. The dealership intends to open in January with a job fair planned in December. Zeiser KIA expects to employ 15-25 people. (Posted October 2010)

New Aldi and Lowe's stores to 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-square-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 Walmart underway in Godfrey

Construction is underway for a new $8 million Walmart 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 325-350 people. Plans also call for outlets that could accommodate up to five stores. The new Walmart 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)

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 klong@siue.edu for consideration.

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Office and Institutional Sectors Developments

DaVita planning fourth dialysis center for Metro East

Plans are in the works for a new $2.5 million dialysis center in Shiloh, Ill., according to the St. Louis Business Journal. DaVita Inc., one of the nation's largest providers of kidney care and operator of existing dialysis centers in Belleville, Maryville and Sauget, has filed an application with the Illinois Heath Facilities and Services Review Board to open the new, 12-station dialysis center at 1095 N. Green Mount Road. The review board is scheduled to consider the application at its Jan. 10 meeting. (Posted December 2011). Read more in the St. Louis Business Journal.

SIUE keeps getting bigger: Expansion of engineering building OK'd

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville board of trustees has approved a plan to extend and renovate the campus' engineering building at a cost of $14.2 million. The board cites growth in the department and a shortage of classroom and office space as the reason for the expansion. The new wing will span 32,000 square feet and will be funded by student facilities. (Posted December 2011). Read more in the Belleville News Democrat.

Business News: Medical Center opens new cardiac catheterization lab

Leadership Council member Gateway Regional Medical Center recently unveiled $3.5 million in renovations and expansions to its cardiac catheterization lab. The new 2,624 square-foot space features technology designed to improve image detailing and reduce radiation exposure. (Posted December 2011). Read more in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Contegra Construction Co., Hatheway Hall, Lewish and Clark Community College, Godfrey

Lewis and Clark Community College has a new $10.5 million fine arts venue thanks to Edwardsville-based Contegra Construction Company, another Leadership Council member. The 62,500-square-foot renovation of Hatheway Hall was completed in less than a year and included the installation of 8,600 square feet of solar roof panels. (Posted October 2011). Learn more on page 17 of the October 2011 Illinois Business Journal.

Korte and Luitjohan Contractors, Highland: City of Roxana Wastewater Treatment Plant

This past July, new Leadership Council member Korte and Luitjohan Contractors completed two significant projects in Southwestern Illinois - a $5 million wastewater treatment plant in Roxana and a $583,000 medical office for St. Joseph's Hospital of Breese in Greenville. (Posted October 2011). For details, see page 17 of the October 2011 Illinois Business Journal.

Granite High gym to get $2 million in fixes

Using funds received from federal stimulus dollars, the Granite City School District plans to spend $2 million to upgrade Granite City High's gym lobby and the surrounding areas, according to a recent Granite City Press Record article. The renovations include expanding the lobby by 30 feet and constructing new hallways that will connect the locker rooms and the gym. Construction will begin this month with work scheduled to be completed in April. (Posted October 2011) Read more in the Granite City Press Record.

Ground broken for off-campus student housing

Construction is now underway on "The Enclave," a $14 million, 120-unit student housing development near SIUE to serve the growing demand for housing among students at the university. Leadership Council member Impact Strategies is handling the construction and hopes to have the first phase of the development ready for the start of school in August 2012. (Posted August 2011) Read more in The Telegraph.

SIUE will begin new construction

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will begin construction on two, 29,000-square-foot projects, each totaling almost $13 million. Work on the Charles and Mary Lukas Athletics Annex and the west wing at the Art and Design Building is expected to be complete by fall of 2012. This construction reflects the continuing investments being made in our region's educational facilities, which is highlighted in the Leadership Council's 2010 Market Review and Investment Update. (Posted August 2011) Read more in the Edwardsville Intelligencer.

St. Elizabeth's eyeing property in O'Fallon

Illinois panel OKs Memorial's $118 million Shiloh hospital

Belleville's plans to build a $118 million satellite hospital in Shiloh are set to move forward now that The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board have given its stamp of approval. The plans call for a 94-bed hospital, to be known as Memorial Hospital-East, on a 94-acre tract of land at Frank Scott Parkway and Cross Street. Hospital officials purchased the site in 2008. The new facility will expand Memorial's reach and allow for all-private rooms in both locations. The St. Louis Business Journal reports that a 12- to 18-month design and development phase will commence right away and completion of the new hospital is slated for the summer of 2017. (Posted July 2011)

Third, $7.5 million senior housing development planned

Wellspring opens new $7 million facility

Wellspring Resources, formerly known as Community Counseling Center, has opened at its new location, 2615 Edwards St. in Alton. The Alton Telegraph reports that the new $7 million facility was one of the first projects in Southern Illinois to take advantage of the federal New Markets Tax Credits, and also one of the first in Illinois to access the Illinois New Markets Tax Credit Program. The organization invested $2.5 million of its own equity, as well as received assistance from Madison County government with a first-of-its-kind HUD 108 loan for the project. The larger facility will allow the organization to offer more services to the community, such as counseling, psychiatric and medical services, substance abuse counseling and medication-assisted recovery. Construction of the new 36,000-square-foot facility began in July 2009 and was completed this month. (Posted June 2011).

Ziemer Group affiliate to renovate downtown Alton building for $1.5 million

An affiliate of Ziemer Group, a Swiss company that manufactures and markets leading-edge ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical products, is planning a $1.5 million renovation to transform a vacant, 50-year-old office building in Alton into its new U.S. headquarters. The building has about 24,000 square feet of interior space. Ziemer completed purchase of the building from Cornerstone Bank on May 25. Alton City Council approved city assistance of $300,000 in tax increment financing money for the project. The work is expected to be finished later this year. (Posted June 2011)

Lindenwood plans $5 million in upgrades

Lindenwood University will spend $5 million on its Belleville Campus in the next year to revamp its stadium, create space for several new academic programs and improve safety. About $2.3 million of the investment will go toward the stadium renovation in anticipation of the university adding a football team as soon as the fall of 2012. In addition to the stadium work, Lindenwood will renovate the classrooms and backstage area of the new auditorium building to accommodate a planned bachelor's degree program in theater. New laboratories will be built in the main building's annex. Remaining capital improvement plans call for added office space and for the installation of security cameras and Code Blue stations across campus. (Posted June 2011)

Collinsville School Board okays $1.3 million for improvements at the high school

The Kahoks football and soccer field will soon be covered with synthetic turf and receive other upgrades. The Collinsville School Board approved spending $1.3 million for improvements, which in addition to the turf also include the creation of new bleachers, an upgraded public address system, scoreboard and fencing. (Posted June 2011)

Quinn announces $19 million plan to expand SWIC building

The state is making a $19.1 million capital investment in Southwestern Illinois College to pay for an expansion at the Belleville Campus. Gov. Pat Quinn traveled to SWIC to announce the plan, which calls for funding from the $31 billion Illinois Jobs now! initiative formed two years ago. The college will build a 72,000-square-foot expansion of the Liberal Arts Building, which opened in 2008. The project is expected to be complete by December 2012. (Posted June 2011)

Mitre to build $5.5 million office building in Shiloh

Shiloh, Ill. will soon be home to a new $5.5 million, 22,000-square-foot office building which will house 66 employees. The facility is for Mitre Corp., a national nonprofit that serves the defense industry and other government agencies. Mitre Corp. will be consolidating its entire St. Louis area staff from three separate facilities into the new location, which will be located at the intersection of Route 158 and Seibert Road. The business park will have 15 acres remaining for future development. (Posted May 2011)

SWIC approves $3.3 million in projects

Southwestern Illinois College approved $3.3 million for two new projects at its board of trustees meeting April 20. The board approved $1.6 million for the construction of a new 9,230-square-foot building for the college’s horticulture and technical education programs, and also approved a $1.8 million contract for the 72,000-square-foot expansion of the college’s Liberal Arts Building. The latter follows the state’s announcement that it will give the college $19.1 million to help pay for the project. (Posted May 2011)

St. Elizabeth’s on the prowl for property

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is investing $4 million in a variety of upgrades at its 426-bed, downtown Belleville facility.  $2.5 million will be used to upgrade the hospital’s cardiac monitoring systems, while $1.5 million will fund improvements to the interior finishes in its intensive care unit and critical care unit, conversion of some patient rooms to private rooms and renovation of several visitor lounges and nursing stations. The work is expected to begin in July and be completed by mid 2012. (Posted May 2011)

$1.5 million project at Lincoln Elementary School breaks ground

Holland Construction Services has broken ground on a $1.5 million expansion and renovation project at Lincoln Elementary School, located in Troy. A one-story 5,333-square-foot brick addition will include three classrooms, a media center/library, a computer lab and new restroom facilities.  Approximately 1,600 square feet of space will be renovated to include electrical upgrades, a new kitchen freezer and a remodeled office. Enhancements to the outside bus drive-up lane will also be made.  The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2011. (Posted Winter 2011)

$12 million renovation and expansion underway at Lewis and Clark Community College

Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey is investing $12 million to remodel and expand Hatheway Hall. The 47 –year-old, 62,500-square-foot building that houses a 1,000-seat theater, a performing arts center, pool, locker rooms, gym, offices, board room, VIP lounge and MEP systems will be completely renovated.  The roof will also be outfitted with an 8,600-square-foot solar rooftop array to reduce the building’s energy costs.  The expansion will include a 6,500-square-foot addition, which will consist of a metal-framed glass lobby, an art exhibit area, and a full commercial kitchen and offices.  Contegra Construction Co. has been hired as the general contractor on the project, which is expected to be completed in May 2011.  (Posted Winter 2011)

$8.8 million new Southern Illinois Healthcare medical complex planned for Granite City

A new $8.8 million, 31,800-square-foot medical complex will be constructed on the site of the former McKinley School building in downtown Granite City for Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation.  The new center will allow Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation to consolidate and expand the health care services it currently provides in space leased at Gateway Regional Medical Center. The facility will contain 36 examination rooms and will provide assistance to an additional 4,500 patients. Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation has received an $8.5 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant that will help pay for most of the new complex.  There are plans to add a dental clinic in the future. The stipulations of the grant say the project must be completed by September 2012, and demolition will begin in late spring 2011.  (Posted Winter 2011)

$16 million dorm project at McKendree University breaks ground

McKendree University, located in Lebanon, has broken ground on a $16 million project that will add two new dormitories to the campus. The new three-story dorms and glass walkway between the two buildings will consist of 75,000-square-feet of space and will accommodate 200 students. Once complete, the residence halls will feature suite-style dorm rooms with single- or double-occupancy options. Each suite will include a bathroom and the building will also feature a great room with a fireplace and kitchen, fitness center, laundry rooms, lounges and study areas. S.M. Wilson & Co. has been hired as the general contractor for the project and Mackey Mitchell is the architect. The residence halls are expected to be completed by August 2011. (Posted October 2010)

$3 million church expansion underway in O'fallon

New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church is constructing a new $3 Million, 8,500-square-foot building at 689 Scott Troy Road in O'Fallon. The facility, being built by Holland Construction Services, is the first phase of a planned expansion project for the church and will feature a standing seam roof, stained concrete floors, an exposed steel ceiling, skylights and a reflection pool with two fountains. The church is also planning on adding a 17,645-square-foot auditorium and sanctuary that will seat approximately 1,000 parishioners in the second phase of construction. (Posted October 2010)

Scott Credit Union to build $12 million headquarters

Scott Credit Union has purchased approximately 14 acres of undeveloped land in Edwardsville to construct its $12 million headquarters building. The company has outgrown the corporate offices located at its Collinsville branch and will move its headquarters to the Edwardsville Corporate Centre, an office park located at the interchange of I-55 and Route 142. Plans for the new 51,000-square-foot, three-story headquarters include offices for more than 80 officers and corporate staff that are currently located throughout Southwestern Illinois, a training center, open work space and a cafeteria. Construction is planning to start in February 2011 and be completed in approximately 10 months. The company is aiming to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its new facility and has hired L. Wolf Co. of Granite City as the general contractor for the project and St. Louis-based ACI Boland as the architect. (Posted October 2010)

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 housekeeping 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 2011. (Posted April 2010)

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, LCC, is expected to break ground on the project in early 2010 and anticipates having the projected completed within a year. (Posted February 2010)

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 klong@siue.edu for consideration.

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Recent News from the Public Sector

Illinois gets $186 million for high-speed rail project

The Illinois Department of Transportation has been awarded $186 million to finance the extension of construction on the Chicago to St. Louis rail line. Set to begin this spring, the project will extend the line to Joliet, Ill., paving the way for 110-mile-per-hour service along 70 percent of the route. (Posted January 2012). Read more in the St. Louis Business Journal.

Off the ground: Work begins on warehouse at MidAmerica

Site preparation has begun on a $5.7 million refrigerated warehouse at MidAmerica Airport. Leadership Council member, Impact Strategies has been awarded the design/build contract and construction on the 36,448 square-foot building that is expected to be complete by June. The facility, which will be operated by North Bay Produce, Inc. of Traverse City, Mich., will serve as a year-round distribution center for apples, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and other fruits coming in from across the US, Mexico, Costa Rica and South America. (Posted December 2011). Read more at the Belleville News-Democrat.

Alton receives $13.85 million in federal funds for new transportation center

The City of Alton and Madison County Transit have been awarded $13.85 million in federal grant funds to construct a transportation center on five acres adjacent to Alton's new high-speed Amtrak station. The center will feature bus bays, bicycle storage lockers, parking and other improvements. Funding for the project was awarded as part of the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant program. (Posted December 2011). Read more in the Belleville News-Democrat.

Korte and Luitjohan Contractors, Highland: City of Roxana Wastewater Treatment Plant

This past July, new Leadership Council member Korte and Luitjohan Contractors completed two significant projects in Southwestern Illinois - a $5 million wastewater treatment plant in Roxana and a $583,000 medical office for St. Joseph's Hospital of Breese in Greenville. (Posted October 2011). For details, see page 17 of the October 2011 Illinois Business Journal.

New booster station to improve water service

Illinois-American Water Co.'s Alton District recently celebrated the completion of its new $980,000 Route 3 Booster Station, which serves Godfrey, Grafton, Elsah and Jersey Rural Water customers. At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Karla Teasely, President of the Illinois-American Water Co. and a member of the Leadership Coucil, highlighted the importance of this infrastructure investment, not just for drinking water, but also for fire protection, public health and economic development. (Posted August 2011) Read more in The Alton Telegraph.

New section of bike trail linking Swansea and Belleville opened Aug. 18

The newest addition to the MetroBikeLink trail opened August 18. The St. Clair County supported $4.6 million, 2.2-mile section includes a bridge over IL-159, links Swansea's MetroLink station and Belleville's North End Park, and allows a 4.7-mile ride between Southwestern Illinois College and the Swansea MetroLink station. Meanwhile, the Belleville News Democrat is reporting that construction has already started on another $3.3 million, 2.2-mile section that will extend the trail from the Swansea MetroLink station to the Memorial Hospital MetroLink platform as the County and City continue their support for transit-oriented development and activities. (Posted August 2011) Read more in the Belleville News-Democrat.

Council adopts $151 million Metro East levee plan

Housing spree readies in Madison, Venice

17th Street extension is closer to reality

Fairview OKs site change for $800,000 Miracle League fields

New Belleville forensic lab gets $38 million

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn recently announced $37.8 million in state funding for a new Illinois State Police forensic laboratory in Belleville. The 60,000-square-foot facility will include equipment for crime scene science, anthropology, trace and forensic biology, chemistry, polygraph, latent prints, firearms and DNA testing. The project will create approximately 260 construction jobs and is expected to be completed by late 2012. (Posted May 2011)

Mixed-use development project breaks ground near Emerson Park MetroLink station

Ground was broken April 21 for Jazz @ Walter Circle, a new $17 million mixed-use development in East St. Louis adjacent to the Emerson Park MetroLink Station. The four-story facility will include 74 affordable housing units for seniors, a green grocery store, community credit union, a Southern Illinois Health Foundation Wellness Center, a 6,000 square-foot community center and roof and terrace community gardens. The development is a public-private partnership between the East St. Louis Housing Authority, Hampton Roads Ventures and Dudley Ventures and is reportedly the first in the nation to combine public housing development funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with New Market Tax Credits. The project is expected to be complete sometime in 2012. (Posted May 2011)

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to get $2.24 million runway renovation

A $2.24 million runway renovation deal at the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascuoutah, Ill. has been approved by the St. Clair County Public Building Commission. The board voted Tuesday, March 14 to enlarge the current runway to hold four 747 air cargo planes on the ground at any given time. St. Clair County is looking into turning the airport into a hub for distribution of Asian carp that are grown in Iowa and Illinois. The Commission voted to pay consultant Larry Taylor $10,000 per month to draft a plan connecting American exporters with Chinese importers. 95 percent of funds will be provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, with the rest supplemented by St. Clair County and the State of Illinois. (Posted April 2011)

East St. Louis receives partial funding for $35 million port project

East St. Louis is planning on transforming a former industrial site located on 200 acres just south of the Poplar Street Bridge into an inland port.  The first phase of the project, which is expected to cost $35 million, has received $8 million in funding from the State of Illinois and is expected to be completed by 2012 and create 65 jobs. Once both phases of the project are complete, the port will support 1,200 jobs and include two docks; road,rail, and electrical infrastructure; a 30,000-square-foot bulk fertilizer warehouse and a 10-acre concrete pass. The development is a partnership between the city of East St. Louis, Slay industries and Kinder Morgan, Inc. (Posted October 2010)

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 klong@siue.edu for consideration.

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