MARION, Ill. – Exciting changes are in store for the old Illinois Centre Mall. The Marion City Council recently approved $150 million in STAR bonds to kickstart a new recreation hub.
City leaders believe this investment will not only rejuvenate the mall but also provide a lasting economic boost for the whole area.
Local business owner Jay Webb is hopeful. He thinks the bond initiative is a great move that will benefit his business and the community. “This will bring economic growth like we’ve never seen before,” he said.
STAR bonds are designed to help businesses get started in Marion. They serve as a financial tool to reduce startup expenses.
Cody Moake, Marion’s Chief of Staff, shared ambitious plans. “We’re aiming to build a field house with a driving range simulator, an 18-hole semiprofessional putting course, and a spacious indoor/outdoor pickleball complex,” he said. There are also plans for a new hotel.
The renovation of the former mall will include retail space and a family entertainment center featuring go-karts, laser tag, and bowling. This is set to transform the mall into a vibrant entertainment destination.
Moake emphasized the success of STAR bonds in other areas of the U.S., citing the strategic location of Marion. “We’re at a crossroads of major highways. People traveling to big cities pass through here, and we see this as a chance to take advantage of that traffic,” he explained.
Webb is thrilled about the influx of visitors that these developments could bring. “To see so many new faces, especially from out of state, will be fantastic,” he added.
The first phase of this exciting project will include the field house and the complete makeover of the former mall. Both are expected to be finished by summer 2026.
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