MARION – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) Thursday joined the City of Marion and leaders from around Southern Illinois to break ground on an approximately 550,000-square-foot retail, entertainment and hospitality development in Marion – the first Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond Project in Illinois.
“Today’s groundbreaking is one of the direct results of our bipartisan efforts to bring to life the economic growth opportunities that were stifled for far too long in Marion and Southern Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Marion’s STAR Bond project – a bold plan to turn an old shopping mall into a world-class entertainment destination – leverages public financing to create good jobs, bring in tourism dollars, and spur additional investment. The economic potential is endless – which is why I’m working with the General Assembly to expand STAR Bonds to other municipalities across the state.”
“STAR Bonds represent an innovative funding approach to ensuring communities across our state access the capital they need to grow their economies, said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. These forward-looking economic policies unlock the full potential of every region in Illinois. Congratulations to the city of Marion for breaking ground on this new project and I look forward to seeing how this community continues to grow and thrive as a result of this funding.”
Marion was approved as a STAR Bond District under the Innovation Development and Economy Act (50 ILCS 470/1 et seq.), also known as the STAR Bonds Act. STAR bonds support economic growth by financing the development and revitalization of major tourism, entertainment, retail, and destination-based projects in STAR Bond Districts. Earlier in 2025, the Marion City Council released $112 million in STAR bonds to support the project.
“This project is not just about development — it’s about delivering long-term, sustainable revenue for the entire region,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “By leveraging STAR Bonds, Marion is setting the stage for significant growth in local tax revenue that will directly support schools, infrastructure, and essential community services. This project was possible because of Governor Pritzker’s leadership and his commitment to giving communities like Marion the tools they need to drive their own economic future.”
“DCEO is proud to support this project as it is a big win for Marion and all of Southern Illinois,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This major development will help the local and regional communities grow by bringing in new jobs, businesses, and visitors to the area. It is one more tool we are deploying to ensure every part of Illinois has what they need to support economic development in their regions.”
In an intentional effort to support major investments in tourism and entertainment across the state, Governor Pritzker has proposed an expansion of this program in the General Assembly as the Statewide Innovation Development and Economy Act (SB 2344). This legislation will extend the availability of STAR bonds to support municipalities in every region of the state by empowering them with additional financing options to meaningfully invest in capital projects that will attract visitors and spur additional revenues in local economies. Marion is currently the only authorized STAR Bond District in the state.
“The City is so grateful for the years-long collaboration with the developer, the Governor’s office, DCEO, and the Illinois Department of Revenue,” said Marion Mayor Mike Absher. “They truly helped us unlock this opportunity for our entire region. We are excited to be Illinois’ first STAR Bond project and for the growth we will soon see. This is an incredible opportunity for Southern Illinois and we’re grateful to the development team for choosing Marion.”
“As someone who has operated businesses across the country, I can genuinely say that the level of collaboration demonstrated here in Illinois is unparalleled. This groundbreaking development in Marion, IL is a testament to the intentional efforts and coordinated support from all stakeholders, starting with the Governor’s office. Without such proactive and unified action by state agencies, local municipalities, private investors, and supportive citizens, a transformative project of this magnitude would not be possible,” said Owner of Millennium Destination Development Rodney Cabaness.
The project in Marion which is being developed by Oasis Outdoors LLC consists of a planned renovation, expansion and partial reconstruction of the former Illinois Star Centre shopping mall, and development of the surrounding area, into an approximately 550,000-square-foot enclosed retail, entertainment and hospitality development with additional outdoor space featuring recreational and sport-related venues with associated and supporting uses. More information on the project can be found at https://cityofmarionil.gov/star-bonds/.
“This is without a doubt one of the largest economic development initiatives we’ve seen in Southern Illinois, and I couldn’t be more proud of the role our local labor force has played in making it happen,” said Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg). “This project is creating hundreds of jobs for hardworking men and women right here in our region. It’s building real momentum that I believe will spark new business opportunities, housing developments in our rural communities, and other ancillary benefits across Southern Illinois. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see the area grow and thrive from this project.”
