Home News & Features Green Mill Village Developers Go Extra Mile to Keep Jobs Local

Green Mill Village Developers Go Extra Mile to Keep Jobs Local

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ARCOLA, ILL.—With the second wave of construction on Green Mill Village (GMV) set to begin within the next few months, developers are certain the project will provide an economic boost to Arcola and the surrounding communities. Feutz Contractors, Inc. of Paris, Ill., completed infrastructure work on the roads, sewer and water lines and storm water control in December. The construction of the hotel, conference center, spa and restaurant will begin this spring along with the GMV Retail Center. A service station and out lot restaurant are also planned for this phase of construction.

“In order to boost the local economy, GMV will utilize as many local contractors as possible during each of the construction phases,” said Bob McElwee, developer/partner. “A majority of the construction materials will also be provided by local vendors, which reduces our transportation costs and our impact on the environment.”

The breakdown of employment figures for the upcoming phase of construction is as follows:

• Hotel, conference center, spa: maximum 95 people;
• Retail area: maximum 20 to 25 people;
• Service station, C-store: maximum 10 to 15 people; and
• Out lot restaurant: maximum 25 to 35 people.

With a strong focus on the sustainability of the local communities, GMV is utilizing several local entrepreneurs and businesses for the design of the décor as well. Working with LaVerne Schlabach of Das Holz Haus in rural Tuscola, McElwee and his team have completed the one-of-a-kind designs for the dressers, beds and other furnishings that will be featured throughout GMV. Opening day does not mean that the local partner’s involvement with the project is complete as their goods will also be available to purchase at GMV’s Retail Center, said Sarah Miller, public relations and media director.

Sustainable Business Model

“Essentially, everything you see in your hotel room will be available to purchase in the Retail Center,” Miller said. “Each time a guest purchases one of these items it creates or maintains a job for someone in our community.”

In addition to furniture, the Retail Center will offer breads, coffee, jellies, jams, snacks, lotions, soaps, candles and other locally made products. A selection of gift baskets featuring local goods in currently available through McElwee’s product company Family Journeys.

“We are very fortunate to have these valuable local businesses and entrepreneurs in our own backyard,” Miller said. “GMV will provide new opportunities for them to showcase their products to the public. Our goal is for guests to see these items at GMV and then venture out into the communities to meet the producers.”

Announcements on the hotel, spa and the local businesses that will be a part of GMV either as suppliers or tenants in the Retail Center are expected to take place during the next few months. Wind turbine production in also slated for the announcement list.

“One of the components of sustainability is to protect the local people and their environment,” Miller said. “Each guest that visits GMV will contribute to our local communities, whether they realize it or not.”

Go to Green Mill Village.

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