SOUTHERN Ill. (KFVS) - A $26.4 million renovation project is underway at the Rend Lake Resort facilities at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area.

The project is a partnership between the Illinois Capital Development Board and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

They say it aims to revitalize the resort property, which has been vacant for nearly a decade.

According to a news release from the state, the contractor immediately began demolition on the resort’s 17 buildings.

They said most of the work so far has been addressing unforeseen building issues behind the scenes; however, visible progress is expected in the coming months.

It’s currently scheduled to be mostly completed in spring 2026, except for the Flagship Boatel.

“We are thrilled to see this long-awaited project

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