Bradley bought the Avanti's on Main Street. The school has a unique plan for the site
PEORIA — Bradley University has purchased the former site of an Avanti's Ristorante and plans to repurpose the property into a greenspace, the university announced on Monday.
An email sent to faculty and staff announced that "site surveys and green space design will begin soon" for the West Main Street property.
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The 0.62-acre site includes the former Avanti's building, a parking lot and a nearby residential lot. It was listed for sale in August for an asking price of $799,900. Bradley acquired the property on Jan. 20, according to the email.
“This project represents an investment in our campus and our community,” Bradley President Stephen Standifird said in the email. “This highly visible property sits on the thresholds of our campus. Green space here will add appeal to the area, ease pedestrian mobility near the Main and University intersection and will provide needed space for respite and recreation.”
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Built in 1981, the former Main Street Avanti's building housed the restaurant starting in 1989 and closing in April of 2022. The original Avanti's Ristorante location, which opened in 1966, was located across the street before the building was demolished.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Bradley University buys former Avanti's on Main Street in Peoria
