Mattoon finishing construction on new businesses near sports complex [Video]

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Almost four months ago, Mattoon announced plans to add new businesses close to their sports complex. In less than a year, the majority of the construction has been completed.

Store signs for buildings such as Five Below, Michaels and Chick-fil-A have already gone up.

Even though Mattoon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ed Dowd said Kohl’s department store is no longer coming, officials are already looking to replace it with something else.

Mattoon artist spreading smiles with unique chalk designs

Dowd said the goal is to get most of these businesses open before Christmas. One community member said she is happy to see Mattoon moving in the right direction.

“We have actually had a really good time watching all this be built and knowing that this is going to bring a lot of business, a lot more people to the community so that we don’t have to travel to other areas to have these …