Mayor: City is committed to revitalization of Peoria’s historic downtown

As mayor, I have remained committed to fostering an environment that focuses on smart growth, strategic long-term planning, and dynamic economic development.

A key piece of this mission has been, and will continue to be, the revitalization of Peoria’s historic downtown area.

Peoria’s downtown has a rich history that reflects the character of our city. I am a firm believer that we must drive innovation while maintaining our city’s roots. Our City Council has prioritized the revitalization of downtown, as we work to transform it into a central hub that celebrates local culture, supports local business, and attracts new development.

Over the past year, we have allocated resources and initiated several key projects aimed at enhancing the downtown experience. By improving public spaces and investing in infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for a downtown area that maximizes engagement and economic activity.

In this spirit, several key developments are already underway. First, Caldwell County BBQ is set to become a cornerstone of our historic downtown. Caldwell’s first West Valley location will be approximately 6,600 square feet, located between the Fire House Event Center and the former downtown hotel site. The restaurant will feature a large outdoor patio space, and a design that seamlessly connects with the surrounding area.

Following Caldwell’s, the Jefferson House is set to be located at the northwest corner of 83rd Avenue and Jefferson Street. This venue will feature a mix of restaurants, a bar, retail and event space. Developed in partnership with the owners of The Churchill in Phoenix and the existing Driftwood Coffee, Jefferson House will serve as a community gathering hub for special events and local pop-ups.

In addition to these developments, we are also celebrating Greystar’s Peoria Place, a $500 million mixed-use master plan that will bring luxury apartments and retail spaces to our downtown, and the renovations to the City Hall’s ‘Front Lawn,’ aimed at creating a public space for community gatherings and events.

Growing economic development opportunities in the city’s historic downtown has been a decades-long priority for the city, and I am proud that our council has taken meaningful steps toward achieving that goal. I look forward to continuing our work with the community and nearby stakeholders to turn the revitalization of downtown Peoria into a reality that we all take immense pride in.