Montgomery Advertiser, The (AL)
Montgomery Advertiser (AL)
June 7, 2006
Illinois church to refurbish
Author: David Irvin Montgomery Advertiser
Edition: 01
Section: B
Page: 08
Estimated printed pages: 2
Article Text:
dirvin@gannett.com
Tuskegee mall Jordan Crossing Shopping Center has lost its two major anchors and most of its smaller shops
An Illinois-based megachurch will begin refurbishing the Jordan Crossing Shopping Center in Tuskegee this month, about a year after it purchased the property.
The religious group's founder and pastor, Bill Winston, is a Tuskegee native. He wants to help revitalize the mall and generate jobs in the area.
"Our vision is to attract national businesses and retailers, provide jobs for local residents and restart the increased flow of money and other resources back into the community," Winston said in a news release.
Before starting the Living Word Christian Center in 1990, Winston distinguished himself as an Air Force pilot and businessman.
Kim Clay, a spokeswoman for the Living Word, said the church will revitalize and "remodelize" the property, making it more modern in its style and amenities.
But most of all, she said, the religious organization wants to rebuild the community.
Diane White, grants administrator for the city of Tuskegee, said since its construction in 1982, Jordan Crossing has lost its two major anchors and most of its smaller shops.
"It's not in bad shape, it's just empty," White said.
The 12-acre Tuskegee mall is the second property owned and managed by the church. The church first purchased Forest Park Plaza, a 33-acre shopping mall in Forest Park, Ill., and brought in tenants like Kmart, Taco Bell, Quizno's Subs and several apparel stores.
The church's properties are operated under a separate, for-profit entity set up by church management. Profits from its business go toward fueling the church's ministries and to building up the existing properties, officials said.
A groundbreaking ceremony at Jordan Crossing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday.
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Record Number: mnt14042649