Governor Breaks Ground For Jent Factory Outlet Mall;
State Provides $509,000 In Assistance

Gov. Jim Edgar recently joined city and company officials in breaking ground for a Jent Factory Outlet Mall, the company's first facility in Illinois, that will house retail outlets for about 30 manufacturers.

"I am delighted that the efforts by the state and city to bring Jent Factory Outlet, Inc. to Illinois have paid off," the Governor said.

"Illinois is located at the center of one of the most dynamic retail markets in the nation. More than 17 percent of all retail sales in the country are made in Illinois and its neighboring states. Mt. Vernon, at the crossroads of Interstates 64 and 57 and near the Rend Lake recreational area, is ideally located to draw customers from surrounding areas as well as to provide valuable new retail opportunities for the people of Southern Illinois," Edgar added.

Company officials said the 100,000-square-foot first phase of the mall could create as many as 300 jobs within the first 12 months of operation.

The $7 million mall will be located on Potomac Boulevard near the Route 15 and Interstate 57-64 interchange.

Company president Darrell Jent said the location was key to the company's decision to locate in Mt. Vernon.

"I have more than 130 proposals on my desk right now," Jent said. "City officials in Mt. Vernon were very professional, very helpful and very persistent. We believe this location will attract shoppers from the Evansville and St. Louis areas, as well as Southern Illinois. Convenience for tourists is also important. This location is near both Rend Lake and Carlyle Lake, and there are 1,100 motel rooms at this intersection alone."

Jan M. Grayson, Director of the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA), said the state will provide a $509,000 grant from the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) to the City of Mt. Vernon to assist with construction of the mall.

The funds will be used to provide a low-interest loan to the company. As the loan is repaid, funds will be placed in the city's revolving loan fund for future economic development projects.

The city will augment the state's assistance with a $150,000 loan from its revolving loan fund, as well as $508,000 in necessary water, sewer and road improvements.

"This is a very auspicious occasion for the City of Mt. Vernon," said Mt. Vernon Mayor Holland Lewis. "We are pleased with the cooperation of Governor Edgar and the state in helping us bring Jent Factory Outlet, Inc. to Illinois."

Headquartered in Marion, KY, Jent Factory Outlet, Inc. currently operates outlet malls in Eddyville, KY, and Horse Cave, KY.

Construction on the Mt. Vernon mall will begin immediately, with stores expected to open for business in late summer. •

May 1993 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 19