Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Steve Berry Weeds grow through the foundation of what was once intended to be Spring Green Lodge in University Park. Officials announced Tuesday that the site is open for leasing.

Three and a half years after the original lease was signed, the multi-million dollar Spring Green Lodge project in University Park is officially a thing of the past.

University officials announced Tuesday that the site originally intended for a $7 million hotel and conference center is available for lease. Developers signed the ground lease for the project in March 2004, but construction halted shortly after the August 2004 groundbreaking.

"It's regrettable," University Park Director Jim Pennekamp said, "but at this time, we have to move forward."

Developer Bill Shaw was unavailable for comment.

The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired complex was originally scheduled to open in September 2006. However, when monetary issues arose, developers were granted an extension.

"Financing for the project disappeared," Pennekamp said.

All that remains of the project is its concrete foundation, which Pennekamp hopes to implement into an "adaptive re-use" of the site.

"If we can't, then we intend to clear the site."

Pennekamp said the location of the plot, at the intersection of University Park Drive and Route 157, is an incentive for development.

"What you have is one of the most highly visible sites in University Park," he said.

Possibilities for the space are not limited to lodging; rather, any establishment falling within University Park's guidelines are feasible.

"It could be a conference center, it could be offices, it could be anything," Pennekamp said.

University Park, a 330-acre development east of the SIUE core campus, is a research and technology park home to 23 occupants, including the SIUE School of Pharmacy and the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center. Last month, the American Red Cross announced plans to construct a $170 million blood manufacturing and testing facility in University Park.

Though Pennekamp referred to the situation as "regrettable," he said inquiries have been made regarding the property.

"At some point, we have to move on," he said, "and that's where we're at now."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools