‘Investing in Southern Illinois,’ Gov. Pritzker visits major development site in Marion

MARION, Ill., (KBSI) – Governor JB Pritzker made a rare visit to Southern Illinois on Thursday, attending a groundbreaking ceremony for a major development site in Marion that local leaders say could transform the region’s economy.

Pritzker joined officials inside the former Illinois Centre Mall, at a symbolic groundbreaking for the Oasis Fieldhouse. 

Both the fieldhouse and the mall are under development and are parts of the STAR Bond District.

The projects are meant to attract out-of-town visitors from 70 miles away or farther, and bring in hundreds — potentially thousands — of new jobs.

“Here in Marion, not only are you all – and we together – creating good jobs and attracting major investment,” Pritzker said, “we’re breathing new life and investment into the future of the region.”

According to Rodney Cabaness, a member of the Oasis Outdoors development team, the mall will serve as the centerpiece of the Star Bond District and is expected to house what developers claim will be the largest powersports dealership in the world.

“It gives us the ability to create attractions that bring people here from other locations, bringing more money into our economy from other locations,” he said.

Renderings released by developers show ambitious plans for the Oasis Fieldhouse.

Longtime resident Pat Benton said he’s excited for the fieldhouse and glad to see them revitalizing the mall. 

“I was here for the dedication of the mall when it was first built,” Benton said. “Everybody had such high hopes and it didn’t take long for them to go down the tubes. And now these guys are going to bring it back. I really think they will.”

As for what he’s most looking forward to?

“I want to get on the go-kart track,” Benton said, laughing.