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Bigger and better than planned — That was the theme of Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony at the Bass Pro Shops construction site just north of the Murray Baker Bridge.
Nearly 300 people gathered together under a wildlife-themed tent to hear the progress of the outdoor super store, which is planned to open next fall.
“Having a Bass Pro come to your town is not an easy venture,” said East Peoria Mayor Dave Mingus, while on a stage among a stuffed turkey, bobcat and raccoon. “It takes a lot of work, a lot of due diligence. Because of each of you, we’re standing here today, and we owe you that gratitude.”
A surprise announcement of the store’s expansion was made. Plans will be increased from 145,000 square feet to 149,500 square feet.
“Today is a historic day for our company,” said Martin Mac Donald, Bass Pro Shops director of conservation. “We are excited because the city of East Peoria and the community have a vision for the future. And we want to be part of that vision. ... People love to fish, hunt, boat and enjoy the great outdoors here. Heck, there’s a Hooked On Fishing Park that teaches kids how to fish just down the road...”
Mac Donald also commended area conservation efforts, such as Wildlife Prairie State Park, where he toured the previous day.
A donation of $10,000 was presented to Caterpillar Inc. CEO and park Chairman Doug Olberhelmen for ongoing maintenance and preservation of the park.
More details about the shop were also released, such as a 25,000 gallon aquarium, an Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl and Grill with a 12-lane bowling alley, outdoor skill workshops, which will include how to pitch a tent, bait a hook and dutch oven cook, as well as a laser arcade for children and adults, with old mining elements.
Bass Pro Shops communications manager Katie Mitchell said the store sends research teams to each location to make the store’s design unique to the region.
They will look for local artifacts, such as historic pictures or collections to be placed on display, she said.
“If you want to see (artifacts) enshrined in a very special place that’s going to pay homage to you and your ancestors, we’re the people who can do that for you,” she said.
According to Bass Pro, about 70 percent of the foundation is in place and workers are about to begin the underslab plumbing and electrical lines.
The store will begin to go vertical within the next 30 days.
Bass Pro Shops includes 56 retail stores in 26 states and Canada and is visited by more than 109 million people annually.
Bigger and better than planned — That was the theme of Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony at the Bass Pro Shops construction site just north of the Murray Baker Bridge.
Nearly 300 people gathered together under a wildlife-themed tent to hear the progress of the outdoor super store, which is planned to open next fall.
“Having a Bass Pro come to your town is not an easy venture,” said East Peoria Mayor Dave Mingus, while on a stage among a stuffed turkey, bobcat and raccoon. “It takes a lot of work, a lot of due diligence. Because of each of you, we’re standing here today, and we owe you that gratitude.”
A surprise announcement of the store’s expansion was made. Plans will be increased from 145,000 square feet to 149,500 square feet.
“Today is a historic day for our company,” said Martin Mac Donald, Bass Pro Shops director of conservation. “We are excited because the city of East Peoria and the community have a vision for the future. And we want to be part of that vision. ... People love to fish, hunt, boat and enjoy the great outdoors here. Heck, there’s a Hooked On Fishing Park that teaches kids how to fish just down the road...”
Mac Donald also commended area conservation efforts, such as Wildlife Prairie State Park, where he toured the previous day.
A donation of $10,000 was presented to Caterpillar Inc. CEO and park Chairman Doug Olberhelmen for ongoing maintenance and preservation of the park.
More details about the shop were also released, such as a 25,000 gallon aquarium, an Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl and Grill with a 12-lane bowling alley, outdoor skill workshops, which will include how to pitch a tent, bait a hook and dutch oven cook, as well as a laser arcade for children and adults, with old mining elements.
Bass Pro Shops communications manager Katie Mitchell said the store sends research teams to each location to make the store’s design unique to the region.
They will look for local artifacts, such as historic pictures or collections to be placed on display, she said.
“If you want to see (artifacts) enshrined in a very special place that’s going to pay homage to you and your ancestors, we’re the people who can do that for you,” she said.
According to Bass Pro, about 70 percent of the foundation is in place and workers are about to begin the underslab plumbing and electrical lines.
The store will begin to go vertical within the next 30 days.
Bass Pro Shops includes 56 retail stores in 26 states and Canada and is visited by more than 109 million people annually.
