The City of Macomb is updating its liquor code to accommodate a new events center, The Penny, located at 24 W. Side Square—the former JC Penney building.
Owner Eric Mansfield, who has owned the property for over a decade, told City Council last week the venue’s name honors the vanishing retailer. The building has also housed small shops and the McDonough County Voice newspaper.
“I wanted to do something for the downtown area,” Mansfield said. “I like seeing people and businesses coming down here. The Penny fills a need for receptions and larger gatherings in a space that’s open and accessible, right downtown, instead of having to go outside of town.”
Mansfield said The Penny has held a few small events during a soft opening. While the venue includes a prep kitchen, it is designed for caterers to bring in food.
The Penny will primarily book events on weekends from 6 to 11 p.m., though Mansfield hopes to host weekday conferences as well. As a professor at Western Illinois University, he sees demand for such space.
Mayor Mike Inman thanked Mansfield for investing in downtown Macomb.
To accommodate The Penny, the city created a new liquor license classification modeled on one used by nonprofits, originally for the Western Illinois Museum. Event Venue and Catering (EVC) license holders will pay $1,000 annually and may host up to 50 events per year.
“It limits how often they can be open to the public, so they’re not competing with regular taverns,” Inman said. “But it lets them hold special events without coming to council each time.”
Inman said the city has considered such a license for five or six years. Similar event businesses have worked with the city on third-party alcohol sales.
“We think this is a good compromise and appreciate Mr. Mansfield helping us work out the details,” Inman said.
The Penny has applied for the new license, which City Council is expected to approve later this month.
