Macomb aldermen heard Monday from John K. Hansen, managing director of Integra Realty Resources (IRR), about a potential financial study for a new indoor sports complex.
The city council is expected to decide next week whether to hire IRR to explore funding options for the facility, which would feature 4,000 retractable seats for indoor sporting tournaments (16 basketball courts and 8 volleyball courts) plus other special events.
Kim Pierce, CEO of the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDCO) called the project a “game changer” for the city. She noted Macomb’s national recognition from hosting the St. Louis Rams’ summer training camp and said the new complex could be even bigger.
A core planning group including City Administrator Scott Coker, Pierce, Mayor Mike Inman, and Community Development Director Miranda Lambert has met weekly to discuss the project. They have visited similar facilities in Illinois, North Carolina, and Kansas, and narrowed down 10 potential local sites to two preferred locations.
Hansen said IRR, a registered municipal advisor, would examine bank loans, grants, tax revenues, and other funding sources. The firm would attend public meetings and provide a cost-benefit analysis. “Our goal is to get to a groundbreaking, and then to a grand opening,” Hansen said. “If there are any difficulties, the tough conversations should come sooner rather than later.”
Alderman Justin Schuch urged the city to hold community meetings soon, citing concerns he has heard. Alderman Byron Shabazz said he has received calls from residents and agreed that public engagement is needed. Hansen emphasized the importance of transparency: “We want the community to feel that they have all the details.”
In other business, Coker said he will ask the council next week to approve a project services agreement with the Farnsworth Group for major renovations at Chandler Park. The estimated cost is $3.6 million, with grant applications planned for submission next summer to the Illinois Department of Transportation and other potential funders.
