Macomb is on the verge of hiring a master developer for its proposed economic development project anchored by a sports complex.
The company, Russell Construction, is a general contractor and development group based in the Quad Cities.
Kelly Young, Vice President of Government Development, said the company believes Macomb can make its proposed project happen.
“There’s great momentum here, and there’s people in Macomb and people outside of Macomb that want to invest money because they think that Macomb is worth it,” she said.
What does a master developer do?
TSPR put that question to Young.
“Take the plans and the desires and requirements from the city leadership and then orchestrate that into reality,” she replied.
“A big part of it is putting the right tenants in the right buildings in the right locations to support the sports facility,” Young said.
She said they’ll be looking to find the right hoteliers to support the sports complex and make sure their businesses can sustain and grow.
“It’s bringing in that outside-of-Macomb investment,” Young said.
The first order of business
Young said the number one goal right off the bat is to help the Macomb project receive STAR Bonds from the state.
“These programs exist for the economic benefit of our rural communities, and we’ve got to bring it home to make this happen,” she said.
The Illinois STAR bond program allows municipalities to finance major developments with government bonds up to $75 million. Sales tax revenue generated by the completed project is used to pay back the bonds.
Macomb city leaders have said the sports complex project cannot proceed without that funding mechanism.
Young said they would hope to break ground by June 2028 if the Macomb project receives the STAR Bonds. The bonds are awarded to the private developer — the city cannot be the direct recipient of the incentive.
More about Russell Construction
The family-owned business was founded in 1983, and has 350 employees across the Midwest.
Young said Russell Construction has done a significant amount of work on sports facilities at Blackhawk College in Moline and on the Olympic-size swimming pool at Augustana College in Rock Island.
“Those world class facilities are a mirror for what we’re looking at in the design aspect with Sports Facilities Companies,” Young said.
Macomb Mayor Mike Inman is impressed with the company’s work.
“I couldn’t be happier they’re partnering with us,” he said.
Young said the feeling is mutual.
“You have some incredibly passionate, dedicated folks that every day are working to figure out ways to improve life in Macomb,” she said.
Young said she’s impressed with Inman, city staff, and Kim Pierce, Executive Director of the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation.
She also praised Sports Facilities Companies, which found the sports complex project is feasible for Macomb. She said they’re the best in the country at doing these projects.
“They know how to bring the right tournaments, to bring the right folks to Macomb to sustain all of these businesses that the locals and the residents will be able to enjoy all week long,” she said.
Young met with members of the city’s community development committee on Friday, and is scheduled to address the full city council during Monday’s committee of the whole meeting.
The council must still approve hiring Russell Construction.
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