PEORIA, Ill. — The long-abandoned Hale Memorial Church at Main and High Streets in Peoria is a step closer to demolition.
The city’s Historic Preservation Commission, which met in special session Wednesday, approved KDB Group’s request to tear down the building, which is over 100 years old.
Kim Blickenstaff’s KDB Group bought the church last year with the intent to restore it. But, KDB’s president and chief executive officer Greg Birkland now says the church is “beyond repair.”
Mayor Rita Ali told 25 News the demolition does not require city council approval.
It’s not known when demolition will begin, but the commission requested KDB have a plan for the property within the next three months.
