The City of Marion continues to see growth in the STAR Bond District.
The latest project to benefit from the Star Bond comes from the Black Diamond Family of Businesses.
In collaboration with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company and renowned retail design firm Fresh Design International, Black Diamond announces that this fall, Harley-Davidson will join the lineup of elite brands at the reimagined Illinois Star Centre Mall.
The new facility will be located adjacent to Oasis Powersports and Oasis Family Entertainment Center. The showroom will offer a more inclusive, personalized experience, and feature a state-of-the-art service department for maintenance, upgrades, and custom builds.
“It will be the ultimate destination for adventure-seekers, weekend warriors, families, gamers, and thrill seekers. Harley-Davidson will be the cornerstone of the destination,” said Shad Zimbro, co-owner of the Black Diamond Family of Businesses. “With powerhouse brands like Polaris, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Can-Am, Arctic Cat, Sea-Doo, Slingshot, Segway, Ryker, and Spyder nearby, plus the high-energy fun of the Oasis Family Entertainment Center, there’s truly something here for everyone, whether you love the open road, the open water, or just a day packed with excitement.”
Feasibility studies conducted by Johnson Consulting project that the Oasis Retail and Entertainment destination will welcome more than 556,000 visitors annually, generating over $310 million in direct spending each year. This surge in tourism is expected to deliver significant benefits to local schools, businesses, and the broader Southern Illinois economy.
This surge in tourism is expected to deliver significant benefits to local schools, businesses, and the broader Southern Illinois economy.
Additionally, with the launch of the new dealership, the company will no longer operate its Mt. Vernon–based franchise, Roadhouse Harley-Davidson.
The STAR Bond District (Sales Tax Alternative Revenue) is a groundbreaking project poised to elevate Marion into a premier destination for tourism and commerce. Spanning approximately 720 acres along Interstate 57 and Route 13, this initiative—the first of its kind in Illinois—promises to reshape the region’s economic landscape and usher in a new era of growth for Southern Illinois.
