The Year In Review 2016
St. Louis Downtown Airport plans will take flight in ’17
By RITA DUCKWORTH In 2016, St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia got one step closer to getting a crucial project off the ground. A federal grant has been issued and plans have been finalized for taxiway improvements that will provide a greater turning radius for larger aircraft. “It will allow us to offer world-class…
Read MoreContegra Construction puts up record revenue numbers in 2016
By ALAN J. ORTBALS Thirteen-year-old Contegra Construction finished up its best year ever in 2016 with more than $220 million in revenue. “It’s been a great year,” said company President Eric Gowin. The company cut its teeth building tilt-up concrete distribution centers in Gateway Commerce Center and did two more in 2016 with another one…
Read MoreColumbia sees return of interest in its new housing construction
By RITA DUCKWORTH The city of Columbia, Ill.’s housing market seems to have finally recovered from the economic crisis of 2008. “We had not seen much residential subdivision activity in recent years,” says City Administrator James Morani. “In 2016, we’ve had several new single and multi-family developments approved.” More than 40 building permits have…
Read MoreWith development occurring throughout town, Collinsville sets its sites on Southwest Corridor
By ALAN J. ORTBALS 2016 was a busy year for development in Collinsville with new projects springing up and plans for more on the way. A Colton’s Steak House & Grill is under construction on the site of the former Ponderosa Steakhouse in Eastport Plaza. Headquartered in Arkansas, the company currently has 30 locations in…
Read MoreDevelopment in Belleville is buoyed by volunteer spirit
By ALAN J. ORTBALS The city of Belleville marked a strong year in 2016 with development occurring throughout the town, according to Mayor Mark Eckert. The city completed construction of a new police station on 720 W. Main St. in the Downtown area and officially opened it this past November. Just before the end of…
Read MoreMcKendree draws big names in The Hett’s first decade
By DENNIS GRUBAUGH LEBANON — Hundreds of stellar names have appeared in the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, during the 10 years of its existence. The McKendree University landmark is today recognized as a premier venue for dance, theater, music and culture — a hub of community life. Director Peter…
Read MorePoettker wraps big projects, has more on the horizon
By RITA DUCKWORTH Since opening its doors in 1980, Poettker Construction Co. has enjoyed many successful years, and 2016 was no exception. The family owned and operated company has several large projects in various stages of completion. The newly completed McKendree Metro Rec Plex, O’Fallon, Ill., is a privately owned recreation and entertainment center that…
Read MoreSCI Engineering tackles host of area environmental projects
By RITA DUCKWORTH For SCI Engineering Inc., business in 2016 reflected its motto that customer loyalty is earned one project at a time. “SCI is a unique firm that offers clients many different types of quality engineering and science services, not just one,” explains Executive Vice President Scott Harding. “Because of that, our customers…
Read MoreHSHS St. Joseph’s – Highland recognized for quality care
By ROBERTA CODEMO HSHS St. Joseph’s – Highland is proud to be recognized for its dedication and commitment to quality patient care. In 2016, the hospital was honored to receive three awards for its commitment to quality. “This showcases and recognizes the hospital’s dedication to its mission to provide Christ’s healing love to all…
Read MorePembrook enjoys return home to take chancellor reins at SIUE
By ALAN J. ORTBALS Dr. Randy Pembrook became the ninth chancellor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s history on Aug. 1, 2016. The Metro East native returned to the campus where he had earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He came to SIUE from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. “I am absolutely thrilled to be the…
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