Work continues downtown on a space that owner Rob Benedict hopes will turn into a destination spot and possible venue area. The building at 185 South Kellogg, built in 1958, once housed several car dealerships in the past as well as the former Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Benedict, who owns MSI, purchased the building for the plumbing and heating business – but moved it to Monmouth Boulevard. “We have got a group that, this would be their third location – they have a letter of intent,” Benedict told WGIL. “If I can get this accomplished, the community and all the surrounding businesses will benefit. The City is being very helpful. The (Knox County) Economic Partnership has been instrumental. I’m waiting to get that signed dotted line. This group that we’re working with has the potential to bring 50,000 people to downtown Galesburg in a calendar year.” Benedict says he hopes to have the tenant moved in by May 1st of next year. In the meantime, the building is currently gutted, and crews are working to replace the windows back to the showroom-type, energy-efficient windows. Beams from the former sale barn on Fremont street will be brought in to create an open-air outdoor pavilion. The parking lot on the north side of the building will also get paved – creating 150 additional spaces. Benedict added the city and the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development have been instrumental in getting plans laid out for the building.
