Spring Grove development plans advance

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SPRING GROVE – An $85 million plan to build a Blues Hall of Fame, hotel, restaurants and boutique shops in Spring Grove is moving ahead, officials said.

The developers behind the project are expected to submit annexation agreements for the village’s approval in September.

“If that goes through, ... they’re talking about breaking ground in spring of next year,” Spring Grove trustee Del Houghton said.

Dubbed “The Grove,” the development would transform the corner of Winn Road and Route 12 where Intermatic is located.

Among the main attractions would be a 2,500-seat auditorium, a Blues Hall of Fame, a 24-lane bowling alley, a six-screen movie theater and an upscale hotel. The plan also includes boutique shops, restaurants and a grocery store. Only Intermatic’s administrative offices would remain on the property.

Les Barber, CEO of Crossroads Group LLC, which is spearheading the entertainment aspect of the development, has said that he hoped that headline performers such as John Mayer, Guy King, Bobby Rush and Johnny Lang would perform in Spring Grove.

The project has been in the works for years but was unveiled in April. Two local developers, Wagner Commercial and Curtis Commercial, are working on the project.

Spring Grove officials predicted that the project would generate about 650 new jobs and $700,000 in tax revenue, once completed.

“Obviously we’re very happy about it,” Houghton said. “We’re very excited about it with all the new business that will be coming to town and the jobs.”