Matteson officials look at entertainment options

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Updated: March 16, 2012 8:16AM

In an effort to spur economic growth, Matteson officials are diving into the entertainment industry.

During a village board work session Monday, economic development director Laverne Murphy discussed hiring a firm to explore what types of entertainment options the village could attract, including an indoor water park, a movie theater with a dining concept, and a hotel and convention center. The study would cost $18,000 to $30,000, depending on what firm is selected and the scope of the study.

Murphy said she has narrowed the field to two consulting firms: Amusement Entertainment Management, of New Brunswick, N.J., and HBS, of Chicago. Both firms will give presentations to the board in March.

“They both have proven track records,” Murphy said. “The New Jersey firm has done dozens of similar projects and HBS did a feasibility study for the Tinley Park Convention Center. HBS also came up with a negative for a canoeing venue in Alsip. So they did not give a report of false hope. They said the market was not there to support the venue.”

The village is eyeing three locations for a large-scale amusement venue: a 53-acre site just east of Interstate 57, a 9.4-acre site west of I-57 within the Auto Mall, and 36 acres adjacent to the village’s community center.

The sites east and west of I-57 are within special taxing districts that provide incentives to developers, Murphy said.

Trustee Sam Brown requested the consultants also consider a 61-acre site directly west of I-57 and just south of the Auto Mall.

Brown said the study would give the village ammunition to attract developers.

Once a firm is selected, the study would take six to eight weeks to complete, officials said.