Published on June 17, 2026 11:10 am
Last Updated on June 17, 2026 11:10 am
Effingham city officials are continuing with oversight of Village Square Mall, while keeping an eye on whether any further court action will come in the saga regarding the facility.
The three-person entity known as Square Southtown has announced that they have ended their efforts to revamp the mall in light of waning interest from prospective tenants and continued aging of the mall. Under the put option that had been part of the agreement between Square Southtown and the City, the mall has been purchased by the City.
Although the City has won twice in the courts, the former mall owner filed a motion to reconsider its ruling, which the courts denied. The former owner now has until July 17 to file an appeal with the Illinois Supreme Court, and the high court will then decide whether it wants to hear the case.
Meanwhile, City Administrator Steve Miller said the City continues to work with mall manager Steve Linton on life safety issues including push bars on the doors, restroom and HVAC improvements, and general cleanup at the mall property.
