The city’s multiple attempts at revitalizing Old Town Peoria has been a long time coming, but it appears to have some steam behind it this time around.
In the past, the city has tried to get a master developer behind the revitalization with little success, but now the city is taking a different approach — “If it can happen now, let’s go forward with it.”
That’s the way Deputy City Manager Mike Faust puts it.
“The when is real simple,” he said at a recent informational meeting about the downtown improvements. “If it can be done now, we have already got it in flight. If it can’t be done now, we know what the barriers are to get it done, and then we’ll go from there.”
New BBQ restaurant
Movement has started with the demolition of the old Napa auto parts buildings in Old Town.
The city has taken input from community partners to learn about how they would like the Old Town area improved. In the case of the Napa buildings, the city is planning for a brick, two-story, mixed-use project to include office and retail. The city is in talks with a barbecue restaurant at this location. A 2024 groundbreaking is expected, but neither an exact date has yet been worked out, nor the specific restaurant been named.
However, the city is working on a development agreement, and hopes to bring it before council in the next 60-90 days.
Assembling properties
Over several years, the city has purchased and assembled properties in Old Town in preparation of revitalizing the area.
“That’s been favorable. I’d say the big difference with the current administration strategy is that if there is no predecessor action, we are moving forward. If there is no barrier, we don’t have to know what the end game is to get this started,” Faust said. “You have to assemble property to have a critical mass.”
As part of the revitalization, there are plans for new landmarks in the area, a restaurant, a singular location with vendors offering a mix of food, drink and entertainment, as well as plans to redevelop the old historic schoolhouse, among other possibilities.
“We are also marketing the remaining land for other retail, entertainment and/or restaurant uses,” Faust said.
2 strategies
The city has been inquiring about remaining properties in the area to revitalize Old Town.
Ideally, Faust said, Peoria wants to develop properties along Washington Street, but this hinges on whether the city can acquire the old Edwards Hotel property.
If that doesn’t happen, the city will proceed by building from north to south and create a promenade, Faust said.
Regardless, the city has downtown design requirements that are strong and will achieve a classic end look and feel, Faust said.
“(The community design guidelines) gives the look and feel we are going for. It’s how we get that nostalgic, rustic feel,” Faust said. “We don’t necessarily want a hip, trendy, new wave vibe. We want a classic and nostalgic look with modern day amenities.”
Historic schoolhouse
The 117-year-old historic Peoria schoolhouse, adjacent to the Peoria Community Center, was once considered to be transformed into a restaurant, but is now planned to be the cultural centerpiece of the Old Town core.
Faust said the city has a done a structural analysis of the building, is working on a cost estimate, and now has an understanding of what is needed to get it “up to snuff.”
The building should not be a private development space, but instead be redeveloped as an arts and cultural center, more like a museum with old artifacts and revolving displays, Faust said.
The project will be overseen by the city’s library department, he said.
“This is a community asset, a community property,” Faust said. “We really want to develop this as a cultural center, as a program for revolving uses, a place where people who are familiar with our community can celebrate its history.”
Up next, officials are working on a total plan in a marketable package for the Old Town area.
City Councilmember Jennifer Crawford, who represents the area, said she is thrilled to witness the tangible progress of the downtown Peoria redevelopment.
“After over 30 years of discussions, we are finally turning ideas into reality,” she said. “This significant milestone is a testament to the city’s commitment to revitalizing our Old Town Peoria area and creating a vibrant space that residents can be proud of. We are excited to continue working diligently to ensure that downtown Peoria becomes a thriving hub of commerce, culture and community engagement.”
Philip Haldiman can be reached at phaldiman@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @philiphaldiman. We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.
Meet Philip Haldiman is an award-winning journalist who most recently took first place for investigative reporting in 2023 from Arizona Newspapers Association. He joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2015, covering Sun City West his first year. Since 2016, he has covered the city of Peoria. Prior to coming to INI, he was a reporter with The Arizona Republic for seven years, covering numerous cities throughout the Valley. Before that, he was a freelance writer.
Community: Haldiman spearheads the Peoria Independent Hometown Heroes Awards program, honoring local individuals and businesses that give back to the community. He has hosted local candidate forums over the years and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Haldiman also served as a member of the Journalism Program Community Advisory Board at Glendale Community College. Outside journalism, Haldiman served as a member of the city of Peoria Complete Count Committee for the Census, 2019-2020. Lastly, he has served as a member of his HOA governing board since 2021.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications and a BA in Theater.
Random Fact: Haldiman is a fourth-generation Arizonan as well as wrote and produced an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.
Hobbies: He enjoys hiking Arizona’s mountainous landscapes and is currently working on a play for the stage.
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