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Developers present Square South Town plan aiming to transform blighted mall into mixed-use center
Summary
Developers told the Effingham City Council they hold a contractual interest in the old mall after a sheriff—s sale deposit and laid out conceptual plans for a 212,000-square-foot redevelopment — including a pickleball facility — with an estimated $8–10 million in private investment and tenant recruitment commitments.
Developers behind a proposed redevelopment of the former Effingham mall presented conceptual plans to the City Council on Dec. 17, saying the project is intended to catalyze commercial and residential growth on the city—s South Side.
"We did prevail at the foreclosure auction," said Scott Kavis, who introduced the team, adding the developers "deposited a $130,000" toward the property. Kavis made clear the presentation was contingent on the group acquiring the mall and noted the closing has been delayed by legal actions dating to December 2020.
The team described a mixed-use vision centered on a state-of-the-art indoor pickleball facility inside the former JCPenney and exterior work to create storefront access along Banker Street. Michael Brummer (presentation name variants appear in the record) said the site includes about 212,000 square feet of leasable space and the group is targeting a $8,000,000–$10,000,000 total investment, depending on tenant mix.
"We're really excited to talk about Square South Town," Kavis said, describing plans for new facades, outdoor dining, improved parking and green boulevards to control traffic and make pedestrian access safer. Presenters said some businesses would keep interior corridor access while others would have new exterior entrances.
The developers said they have pitched the project to regional and national tenants and have identified a lead contractor and several prospective tenants. They committed to securing three additional tenants within 24 months if they proceed and said the first phases would include parking-lot improvements and exterior façade work.
Sharon Ederer, a member of the presentation team, said some existing tenants may leave if the sale and redevelopment are delayed but expressed optimism about replacement interest. The presenters also said RMC Theatres has indicated conditional interest in additional west-side access from the mall but wants to see project progress before committing.
City officials and council members responded favorably but noted the presenters do not yet own the property. Councilmember Larry (identified in the record by first name) praised the concept and pledged city support "all the way." Several council members asked for clarifications about timing and tenant commitments; presenters said they were ready to start exterior work once ownership issues are resolved.
The presentation emphasized regional demand: presenters cited the Emerald Acres sports complex in Mattoon and estimated a 60-mile trade area of roughly 270,000 people, and they noted roughly 2,600 local employees work within two miles of the mall. Developers said the plan aims both to serve nearby residents and to attract tournament and event traffic to Effingham.
Next steps: the developers will continue marketing and community outreach. Because the presentation described a contractual interest rather than completed acquisition, council members requested updates and indicated staff involvement as ownership progresses.
