A New Macombopoly Sculpture
A life-size Mr. Monopoly statue now greets visitors at the entrance to Ewing Way alley on the northeast corner of Macomb Square. The statue is the newest addition to the free Macombopoly game that has drawn thousands of Monopoly fans and players from across the country.
Donated by longtime Macomb supporters Allen and Patti Nemec, the statue marks the latest expansion of Macombopoly— a mobile game that guides players through downtown while they answer questions and learn about Macomb native and inventor Lizzie Magie and her The Landlord's game, the original Monopoly game. The photo opp is one of many features free to access 24/7.
Jock Hedblade, executive director of the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (MACVB), opened Saturday's unveiling by placing the moment in a larger historical context.
'This is a big year for birthdays: America turns 250, McDonough County turns 200, and today, May 9th, we celebrate a woman born right here 160 years ago—a woman whose ideas became one of the most American things ever created,' Hedblade said. 'So yes, this is a birthday party, not just for an installation but for what Macomb actually is: a place deeply rooted in the American story.'
