(MAHOMET, Ill, – – November 1, 2016) Construction has begun on a new 12,600 square foot commercial center in Mahomet, set to open in the spring of 2017. A ground breaking ceremony is planned for Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the construction site located at 604 E. Main St. near Lombard Street (Illinois Route 47).
The $1.5 million investment is being made by two Mahomet area residents and developers, Jody Wesley and Bud Parkhill, and will feature seven fit out spaces available for lease. This entry to thriving downtown Mahomet is intended to offer a mix of retail, restaurant, and services. “Years ago I was part of the Mahomet Area Prosperity Planning committee and we have had the project in mind since then,” said developer Jody Wesley. “The demand for retail space is strong in downtown Mahomet—so strong that we undertook this project without pre-leases.” Developer Bud Parkhill added “I expect this project to be the start of the redevelopment of the entire block.”
“This shopping center will be a tremendous asset to the village and serve as an anchor to our Main Street commercial area,” said Village President Sean Widener.
“The development will appeal to businesses geared to serve the area’s 14,000 residents and also interstate travelers because of its proximity to Interstate 74.” Kelly Pfeifer, Mahomet’s Development Director said, “This significant project coupled with the impending sale of Sangamon School for redevelopment across the street will undoubtedly improve the investment in our downtown core commercial area.”
“The school’s likely conversion to commercial and/or residential uses soon was a deciding factor in finally making the commitment to the project, Wesley added. “We hope this project facilitates the reuse of the (Sangamon School) building by in part providing a sign of the potential in Mahomet’s core commercial area.”
The area near this new development has seen other commercial investment start to happen on the east side of Lombard Street (Illinois Route 47) when construction began recently on a new frozen yogurt shop expected to be open in Spring 2017. The Village of Mahomet also approved construction of a new water main on Lombard Street that will improve water service for commercial development.
