Glen Carbon’s STAR Bond project causes consternation in some local social media corners
Fifteen hundred acres of land in western Glen Carbon, bounded on the north by I-270, west by I-255, on the south by Route 162 and on the east by Route 157, (upper center) could become home to a future large development.
By Charles Bolinger*
Editor • At least one resident posted to social media over the weekend of Feb. 28-March 1 that he intends to move himself and his family out of Glen Carbon after learning that the village board approved a STAR Bond District on Feb. 24, 2026.
This approval does not mean a specific development project gets the green light, like Legoland’s much-ballyhooed non-arrival in 2009 and 2010 or the St. Louis Mills Mall that broke ground in 2003 in Hazelwood, another entertainment and shopping project that promised to draw regional visitors. However, the STAR Bond District passed last month creates the required legal framework under Illinois law for Glen Carbon to pursue a STAR Bond supported project in the future.
Quick Facts About the Proposed STAR Bond District
• Establishes district boundaries only, not a specific project
• Approximately 1,534 acres included
• 57 contiguous parcels within district
• Generally bounded by I-270, I-255, IL 162 and IL 157
• Public hearing held prior to approval
• Southwest Illinois region limited to a small number of STAR bond projects
• State approval required before any bond financing can occur
• No bonds issued at this time
• No construction authorized
• No development plan officially approved
A Sales Tax and Revenue Bond is an economic development financing tool authorized under Illinois’ Statewide Innovation Development and Economy Act. The program allows communities to use future new sales tax revenue generated within a designated district to help finance eligible development costs for large scale destination projects. These projects are typically tourism-oriented and may include retail, entertainment, hospitality, recreation and mixed-use components designed to attract visitors from outside the region.
The district approved by the village board covers approximately 1,534 acres. The area is generally bounded by Interstate 270 to the north, Interstate 255 to the west, Illinois Route 162 to the south and Illinois Route 157 to the east. The size and highway access of the proposed district reflect characteristics common to STAR bond areas, which are intended to support regional draw developments.
The board’s vote followed a required public hearing. Trustees approved the resolution establishing the district boundaries, which is a necessary first step before any STAR bond project can be submitted to the State of Illinois for review. Without an officially established district, a municipality cannot compete for STAR bond designation.
It is important to clarify what has not yet occurred: no specific development plan has been approved by the Village of Glen Carbon. No construction has been authorized. No bonds have been issued. The district’s creation does not commit local tax dollars or guarantee that a project will move forward. State level approval is still required before any STAR bond financing could be utilized.
The district being considered by Illinois state agencies would be home to a $1.97 billion development that would create “a premier entertainment, tourism and mixed-use destination” near the intersection of Interstates 270 and 255 in Glen Carbon, according to the developer.
“The economic impact will be significant,” said Robert Stephan, executive vice president of the development group behind the project. “It will be in the billions of dollars. There will be thousands of construction jobs and a couple thousand permanent jobs, full- and part-time.”
Glen Carbon’s proposal seeks to create the bigger of the two districts outlined under state law. Called a “New Opportunities for Vacation Adventure District,” the developer must make a minimum capital investment of $500 million, generate $300 million in gross sales annually, create 1,500 full-time jobs and attract 1 million visitors every year to qualify.
The development in Glen Carbon will generate $714 million in annual sales and attract 23.7 million visitors, according to documents presented to Glen Carbon’s board of trustees. It will also create 13,750 temporary construction jobs and 2,790 full-time positions. In all, the buildings constructed will total 3.5 million square feet.
The master developer is Destination Illinois LLC, which is run by Chad and Ryan Holland. The brothers own a real estate and development company, CR Holland, that has Metro East locations in O’Fallon and Belleville.
While the plans for specific businesses are not finalized, they could include retail, hotels, sport and recreation facilities, waterfront attractions, music venues, multifamily housing and restaurants, according to information provided by the Hollands’ firm to the village.
“We believe the data shows that this site will be attractive for folks within a 250-mile radius,” Stephan said. “Those types of tenants are going to be entertainment related, destination related, hospitality related — not something you would just drive across town for.”
Under Illinois law, the Southwest Illinois region, which includes Madison County and the Metro East, is limited to a small number of STAR bond projects based on population thresholds. Establishing the district positions Glen Carbon to compete for one of those limited opportunities. Any proposed project would still need to demonstrate that it meets statutory requirements, including projected new sales tax generation, economic impact criteria and destination appeal.
Village officials have stated that creating the district allows Glen Carbon to explore potential private investment and long-term economic growth opportunities. The next steps would include submission of district documentation to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and other relevant state agencies. The state would then review the district and any future project proposals before granting certification.
*Will Bauer of St. Louis Public Radio and Ben Jenkins of 618 Homes contributed additional details for this article.
