A $26 million overhaul: Peoria moves forward with major riverfront makeover

JJ Bullock, Peoria Journal Star
·2 min read
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In an unanimous move Tuesday night, the Peoria City Council approved a riverfront revitalization plan City Manager Patrick Urich said will cost "right around $26 million."

There was no discussion or debate from the council on the riverfront plan, which it heard for the first time two weeks ago. Instead, members moved swiftly to approve the proposal that will give the riverfront a sweeping makeover.

Urich told the council the plan will cost about $26 million and that state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, will work to get the $15 million of state funding promised for the project released from state coffers.

The next steps for the council and city of Peoria, Urich said, will be securing avenues of private funding to cover the rest of the costs.

Bid packages for the construction and phase plans for the project will also be forthcoming, Urich said.

What's in Peoria's new riverfront plan?

An sign on a fence outside the CEFCU Landing stage area illustrates proposed plans for major upgrades to the Peoria riverfront.
An sign on a fence outside the CEFCU Landing stage area illustrates proposed plans for major upgrades to the Peoria riverfront.

The plan approved by the council Tuesday night will see the riverfront undergo a complete makeover between the Murray Baker and Bob Michel bridges.

A dog park, sports courts, an adult fitness area, kayak launch and barge park will be built near the Bob Michel Bridge.

Near the River Station building, there will be an expanded boat marina, a "great lawn," a swing park and a "river's edge" area.

Hopes to bring in a new riverboat to replace the Spirit of Peoria, which left the city in 2021 to a chorus of tears, were brought forward at the City council meeting two weeks ago. The new riverfront plan reserves a spot for a riverboat.

Clocktower square will be renovated and will include a new fountain. An "art sound garden" is set to be built, and an interactive water feature is in the plans, as well.

Just north of the Murray Baker bridge, a festival grounds with a bandshell and two stage areas will be constructed, according to the proposal.

More: 'Hope and optimism': Peoria City Council reacts to 'beautiful' plan for riverfront

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria Il riverfront makeover project moves forward