Marion STAR Bonds Mall Redevelopment Project

under construction

A multimillion redevelopment project in Marion, Southern Illinois, aimed at revitalizing a stagnant shopping mall and creating a large entertainment, shopping, and sports venue district. The project is backed by a $112 million bond deal created by the state and supported by local tax money. The initial phase includes construction of a fieldhouse with an interactive golf driving range, a family entertainment center inside the mall with bowling, go karts, and laser tag, and a Hampton Inn hotel, all slated to open next summer. The project has faced challenges including foreclosure actions against one of the original developers and lawsuits, but the remaining developers have bought out the troubled partner and continue construction.