For decades, revitalizing our historic downtown has been a city-wide goal, rooted in a commitment to preserving Peoria’s rich heritage while creating spaces that serve our modern community.

I’m proud to say that the vision is now finally becoming a reality.

This summer, we broke ground on a renovation of our city council chambers and redesigned front lawn, representing major investments in the people’s public spaces. The front lawn design, selected through public input, will transform the city hall complex into a welcoming community gathering space. Construction is expected to continue into next year, and once completed, these improvements will bring new energy and purpose to important civic and entertainment spaces.

Our downtown revitalization efforts, however, go far beyond municipal buildings. New high-quality, affordable housing options are already taking shape. The Gateway Apartments at 85th and Grand avenues, and the Streamliner Apartments at 87th and Peoria avenues, will help meet the growing demand for urban living, bringing new residents and families to the heart of our city.

In April, we celebrated the groundbreaking of Caldwell County BBQ, a much-anticipated addition that will bring instant demand when it opens early next year.

Building on that momentum, the Jefferson House project officially broke ground this fall, with plans to open in 2026, bringing new retail, restaurant, entertainment and innovation space to the area.

Just last year, the city celebrated the opening of Caliber by Greystar, a $500 million mixed-use development at 79th and Grand avenues. This landmark project is bringing luxury apartments, office space, and industrial buildings that will generate jobs and broaden the downtown’s economic base.

As exciting as this growth is, it’s just as important that we honor the historic character of the area. Downtown Peoria is home to spaces that have shaped this city’s identity. As we move forward, we remain committed to working together to blend preservation with progress, ensuring our city’s past is also part of its future.