City of Warsaw offering $250,000 to support Hobby Lobby construction

This post was provided by News Now Warsaw

By Dan Spalding
News Now Waraw

WARSAW — Efforts to bring Hobby Lobby to Warsaw will come with a cost.

The city presented a plan to city co8uncil to provide $250,000 toward Hobby Lobby’s new construction at the Marketplace of Warsaw on the east end of the property.

The city and developer, Sullivan Wickley, confirmed plans a few weeks ago after it became apparent that Hobby Lobby planned to open a store in the city.

The agreement comes after years of social media support for a Hobby Lobby to open a store locally, as well as negotiations with the city to make that happen

Jeremy Skinner, the city’s director of community and economic development, presented details of the plan Monday night.

Skinner said the city considered various locations and that Sullivan Whickly assembled a plan that was workable for both sides.

“Hopefully, with the addition of Hobby Lobby, they’ll be able to fill those little spaces remaining with additional tenants.”

Skinner announced the city would provide $250,000 to help with construction plans, which include demolishing several empty storefronts east of Planet Fitness.

The city also provided money several years ago when Sullivan Whickley first announced plans to renovate the shopping center.

Since then, the developer has brought in Ollies, Beall’s, and Planet Fitness.

“As you may remember, we did a bond issue for the Marketplace of Warsaw when it was basically 90 percent empty,” Skinner reminded the council on Monday night.

Payments would come from TIF revenues and would be made this year and in 2026.

City Council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding on the deal on Monday night.

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