Mattoon finishing construction on new businesses near sports complex

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Almost four months ago, Mattoon announced plans to add new businesses close to their sports complex. In less than a year, the majority of the construction has been completed.

Store signs for buildings such as Five Below, Michaels and Chick-fil-A have already gone up.

Even though Mattoon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ed Dowd said Kohl’s department store is no longer coming, officials are already looking to replace it with something else.

Dowd said the goal is to get most of these businesses open before Christmas. One community member said she is happy to see Mattoon moving in the right direction.

“We have actually had a really good time watching all this be built and knowing that this is going to bring a lot of business, a lot more people to the community so that we don’t have to travel to other areas to have these types of stores,” said Katie Fears. “This is actually going to be really nice to have it within our community and I think it’s going to be great for everybody.”

Five Below’s grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 18, while Bealls Home Decor and Chick-fil-A are expected to be open by Nov. 1.

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