A new shopping center and hotel will be constructed in Charleston.

Mayor John Inyart made the announcement at the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce dinner during the State of the City Address on Saturday.

The 20-25,000 square ft. shopping center could house national and local businesses with construction expected to begin in the spring, he said.

The 68-room hotel will house 2,000 square feet of meeting space, an indoor pool, and will also offer a restaurant.

Construction plans for the hotel are not yet complete, Inyart said.

A goal to increase recreational opportunities for those under 21 years old has not brought a commitment from a developer, but Inyart said he has talked with developers.

Possible recreational venues could include a skating rink, a movie theater or a family entertainment center.

“I’m convinced a very nice facility could do well,” Inyart said.

At the Jan. 16 Charleston City Council meeting, the city agreed to have Coles Together hire Buxton ID to conduct retail development research for Charleston and Mattoon. During his address, Inyart said he read through a portion of the report from the company and within 30 minutes of Charleston $1.6 billion is spent each year.

Also, in 2007 Charleston saw $12 million in private construction.

“Hopefully it will be even higher in 2008,” Inyart said.

Inyart announced projects that include the replacement of the Jackson Avenue bridge near the intersection of Division Street and the widening and resurfacing of Fourth Street from Polk to Madison avenues. Construction on the bridge is expected to start in February and the utility work on Fourth Street is expected to start in March with the resurfacing beginning in May.

He also congratulated Coles Together and the Mattoon staff, which landed the FutureGen project and that he is confident it will be built as planned.

Diane Hoadley, the outgoing president of the chamber, also spoke at the dinner.

She said the number one concern of the chamber is to maintain a healthy business environment.

After Hoadley passed the gavel to incoming president Mike Brown, he described the chamber as a big band.

“No one person can make the sound of the band,” he said.

He said the chamber should continue making “noise” and support Charleston.

Also at the dinner, William E. Hill, the retired Charleston School District superintendent currently serving as interim, was awarded the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award.

Barb Jakubowski was recognized as Diplomat of the Year and Pro-Mow Lawn Care, Inc. was given the Small Business of the Year Award.

Matt Hopf can be reached at 581-7945 or mthopf@eiu.edu.