Officials from Goodwill say they still expect to open sometime this summer at a new, larger and more visible retail location on Galesburg’s northwest side. That, despite some typical construction delays caused by winter weather.
The new 15,000 square foot Galesburg Goodwill will be the largest retailer in multi-tenant center at 2200 N. Henderson St., site of the former Sirloin Stockade buffet restaurant. Galesburg Commons is being developed by Chicago-based Core Acquisitions.
Don Johnson, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois, tells WGIL he anticipates getting possession of the new Galesburg store in June, with an opening to the public to follow.
“It’s winter time, and from my knowledge, not a lot gets done construction wise happens in December, January and February,” Johnson said. “At least as far as outside construction, especially with pouring concrete and the risk of freezing.
“You’ll see it pick up significantly starting in March. There are a lot of variables involved, but we’re still being told June.”
Goodwill held an official groundbreaking ceremony for its new Galesburg store on Oct. 25. However, construction has yet to begin on the Goodwill, or the neighboring multi-tenant retail center.
Adam Bell, vice president with Core Acquisitions, said he will have an updated timeline for Galesburg Commons “in three weeks.”
Johnson added, “It will be a pre-fab building, so a lot of that building has already been cut. Once we get the foundations poured, that building will go up really fast.”
Johnson previously told WGIL, “We will not only own our new building, but we will be increasing everything three-fold. A 15,000 square foot store will mean a whole different ballgame. You’ll see more product and better product, because we’ll have more room.”
Jersey Mike’s expects delayed opening in Galesburg
New Jersey-based fast food chain Jersey Mike’s Subs will be one of four stores to be located in the strip building to the south of the new Goodwill.
Scott Miller, the franchise owner who will be bringing Jersey Mike’s to Galesburg, said he originally planned to open in June, but the timeline has been pushed back due to construction delays from the developer.
“The landlord ran into some issues, so we’re making an addendum to the lease,” Miller said. The newest date they have given me to when we can get the building to do our build-out is September.
“So now, we’re having discussions now whether this will be a 2024 or a 2025 project.”
Miller added, “It’s a great location, and we’re very excited to go to Galesburg — I just don’t know when the landlord can produce a structure for me.”