Pekin's historic homes can now be officially used as event venues, says city council

With council members Lloyd Orrick and Rick Hilst absent, the Pekin City Council held a special meeting Tuesday to discuss a zoning code amendment and a special use request.

The council voted unanimously to amend the Code of the City of Pekin for the use of historic homes in residential districts. The amendment allows a special use for event and gathering venues in homes constructed prior to 1920. According to Pekin Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Manager Matt Fick, the ordinance is an effort to dispel confusion regarding special events at the home at 420 Walnut St.

“There is some confusion as to whether or not (the events were) officially approved,” said Fick. "To clarify that, we had to amend our code and create the opportunity to apply for a special use (permit) for an events center. That’s what this ordinance does.”

Take a historic tour through Peoria:Here are 14 places to check out

The ordinance outlines conditions by which a homeowner may hold special events, Fick added. Property owners must submit petitions to hold special events, have a public hearing before the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, and obtain final approval from the council.

The property owner at 420 Walnut St., Bonnie Harken, was the first to obtain a special use permit under the newly-passed ordinance as the council unanimously approved her request. According to Fick, Harken had been using the property as an event and gathering venue since she purchased it in 2012.

More: See inside this 156-year-old cottage in Peoria — a 'little house' with history

“This is a beautiful piece of property that has been there for a long time,” said Pekin Mayor Mark Luft. “It used to be a funeral home, and it has become even more beautiful as Bonnie has put her heart and soul into this (property).”

This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: Pekin City Council formalizes use of historic homes as event venues