MARION, Ill. — One of the original developers behind Marion’s $112 million STAR Bonds redevelopment project faced serious financial trouble before construction began, court records show.

Jerry Barrass, a member of the original three-person development team and the project’s primary contractor, owns nearly 20% of the land within the 466-acre district. That property is now tied up in foreclosure proceedings as Barrass faces multiple lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in unpaid debts.

While Barrass’ land is not part of the project’s initial construction phase, its foreclosure or removal from the STAR Bonds district could complicate future phases under state law. Barrass has since been bought out of the project by the remaining developers, Rodney Cabaness and Jeremy Shad Zimbro, who say the redevelopment is moving forward as planned.

Nearly half of the bond funding has already been spent, and Marion officials say they are not concerned about the project’s progress. The redevelopment aims to transform the former Illinois Centre Mall into a regional entertainment, sports and tourism destination, with initial attractions expected to open next year.