Council Hears Latest on Economic Development Projects

There's a lot going on in Effingham, as City Economic Development Director Todd Hull shared Tuesday night with the City Council.

Hull said Maurice's has opened in its new location next to the Hibbett Sports location just south of Ford Avenue.  Hibbett Sports is expected to open before the middle of the month.

Hibbett's is a store Effingham worked for several years to land.  Hull said, "Hibbett's was definitely interested, but held off moving forward for a variety of reasons.  I feel they will be very happy with their decision after the store opens."

Glik's is returning to Effingham, taking the former Maurice's location in Village Square Mall.

A Japanese steak house and sushi bar, Fujiyama, will open in the former Fashion Bug location.  The restaurant is slated to open in November.

Rue 21, another retail store, is to be open the first of November in the same complex in front of Kohl's that houses KB Learning.

There will soon be dessert handy once you're finished eating at Buffalo Wild Wings; Culture, a frozen yogurt lounge is under construction in the B-Dubs complex.

Many people have been asking what's going up next to the B-Dubs complex?  It's the new home for Hodgson Mill's visitor center and sales and marketing facility.

Hull also reminded about the Grain Systems, Incorporated operation being located on the south end of the former Fedders complex, additional office space at the John Boos and Company location along South Route 45, and the 5,000 square foot addition at Legacy Harley-Davidson for warehouse space.

Balda Dental Office continues work on its almost 10,000 square foot facility on Henrietta Street, Subway has completed its new restaurant along North Route 45 north of its former location, and Howell Asphalt, west of the new Subway, is developing a lab at their location.

Blue Beacon is adding to its facility next to Truck-O-Mat on West Fayette, and we've told you earlier about the rehabilitation projects downtown of the former Sehy and Jones location for Mark Dust's Subway franchise headquarters, The Last Straw, and at the Wiedman's Cleaners.

Effingham Mayor Merv Gillenwater said, "It has been a while since the City has seen fall activity like this.  We have several other projects on the verge of moving forward and some projects slated for next Spring, as well."

Effingham City Administrator Jim Arndt added, "Todd Hull and the administrative team will continue to work with our existing businesses and those businesses that are currently looking to locate within our community.  As our neighboring businesses testify, Effingham always has new development going on.  Our plan is to continue making Effingham a place to worship, work, sleep, eat and play."