PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Peoria’s “front door” for westward travelers is set for a facelift after a Tuesday night council vote.
Peoria City Council unanimously voted to add a proposal revitalizing the Riverfront to their long-term comprehensive plan. It puts the project on the city’s list of priorities and gives further insight into the potential cost.
At the last city council meeting, Peoria-based Terra Engineering presented an extensive plan to change the area between the Bob Michael and Murray Baker bridges.
The proposal would add things like a floating park, fitness area, playground, water fountains, and more to the site. In total, City Manager Patrick Urich estimated it would total $25 to $26 million for construction.
“Hopefully one of the next steps we’ll do is start to talk about where we might do some of that private funding that we’ve already seen an interest towards,” Urich said to the council.
The city has $15 million in state funds, but they do not have that cash in hand yet. Urich and Mayor Rita Ali met with state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D – Peoria) to help get those funds moving.
The plan can be built in phases, according to Urich. Ali said the council would have to vote to accept those funds and approve the construction of any phases.
There is no set timeline for the project yet. Ali expressed confidence the park will be complete no matter how long it takes.
“Everyone wants it to happen, it’s a priority for us,” she said. “I think the commitment is there and the commitment is there long term.”
The current riverside attractions are a bit patchwork, but there are some already-existing structures compared to Terra Engineering’s proposal.
The Riverplex is situated on the other side of the Murray Baker Bridge. The Gateway building is a few minutes walk down the pathway, and River Station is a few minutes walk further from there. There aren’t many connective tissues between those buildings.
The Gateway building has an interactive water fountain that is not turned on, and CEFCU Main Stage offers a venue for concerts, but Ali said the new proposals are more unique, engaging versions of both.
“The plan is no longer patchwork,” Ali said. “It’s a more comprehensive, laid-out plan. It brings people close to the water,” she said.
Ali said timing will be key moving forward. She’s hoping the state’s $15 million is released soon so a lot of development can happen in a short period of time. The city hasn’t identified any private investors to make up the estimated $11 million in remaining costs.
The next step after securing the money will be deciding what phase will get built first. From there the city will accept bids on who will build the project. There is no timeline for how long the process could take.
