Poettker Construction Co., McKendree Metro Rec Plex, O’Fallon, Ill.

By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE
    Construction continues on the new McKendree Metro Rec Plex, which is the first phase of The Four Points Center, a 45-acre mixed use development.
    Located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and Scott-Troy Road in O’Fallon, Ill., the new recreational complex will be open to the public and serve as home to McKendree University’s hockey and aquatic teams along with the Southern Illinois Ice Hawks youth hockey association.
    Ground was broken on the project in October 2015 with completion anticipated for later this year. Poettker Construction was selected as the construction manager for the new 148,662-square-foot facility. Sink Combs Dethlefs of Chicago is the architect.
    The venue will feature two National Hockey League regulation-size ice rinks, a competition pool, a separate recreational pool, a fitness area, walking track and a half-court basketball court.
    “Creating a state-of-the-art facility
at a cost that still allowed for services
to be offered to the public at an
affordable rate has been one of the most notable challenges along the way,”
Walker Gusewelle, Poettker’s project manager, said.
    Lead Developer Dean Oelze of S.I Strategy LLC, Nashville, Ill., noted that the multi-use facility serves as “a demand generator for the area, generating as many as 6,000 added overnight stays into the region annually,” and will provide for significant regional economic impact. Oelze also said that the new facility brings with it new job opportunities on-site, as well as with other regional partners, including McKendree University.
    By mid-April charter memberships will be available to the public. These memberships will include discounted membership pricing, along with a commemorative brick laid in the front of the facility and the opportunity for early notification of upcoming venue events. To learn more, visit www.metrorecplex.com.