Volume 1, No. 1
Celebrating the Past, Present and Future of Peoria
ThePeorian.com 1 Buying a home? I look forward to helping you select the home of your dreams by taking time to listen to your needs and desires. Selling a home? My real estate expertise and many effective marketing programs will give you the exposure and edge you need to sell your home quickly for top dollar. Returning client? I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you and hope you take advantage of the valuable resources I provide.
“I consider this community an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you my enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods that encompass it. I pride myself on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss how I can best assist you with your real estate needs.” Christine Schauble REALTOR, ABR, CRS, GRI
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2 ThePeorian.com “If I know of a good thing, I’m going to share it with everyone—so I tell everybody about Midstate.”
- Tracey Evans, Bachelor of Business Administration Student
Registration is now open. Call 1.800.251.4299 for more information or to plan a visit.
Midstate College offers bachelor degrees, associate degrees, Pursuing higher education is one of the most powerful and diplomas in a wide variety of disciplines, including: investments a person can make in his or her future. Midstate College provides many unique opportunities for individuals Bachelor Degrees interested in investing in their future, advancing their careers, or Bachelor of Business Administration exploring new areas of employment, including: Bachelor of Science, Accounting Bachelor of Science, Health Services Management Bachelor of Science, Management Information Systems Bachelor of Science, Realtime Reporting • Deferred enrollment costs for employer paid students
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For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students 411 W. Northmoor Rd. midstate.edu/together who completed the programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.midstate.edu/Programs. Peoria, IL 61614 1.800.251.4299 ThePeorian.com 3 Volume 1, No. 1 September-October 2011
The Past...... 6 Not For Profit...... 12
Artist in Residence...... 20 The Present...... 22 Real Estate...... 42 Museum Square...... 26 The Hotel Project...... 32 Poetry ...... 31 East Peoria Downtown 2010...... 36 Student Story...... 62 Bass Pro Shops...... 41 What’s It Worth...... 56
Ask a Question...... 58 The Future...... 44 Literary Review...... 60 Warehouse District.....46 Morton...... 50 Calendar of Events...... 64
President & Publisher Contributing Writers Production Manager Julie Russell Kevin Kizer Mark Kiel [email protected] [email protected] Production Peter Couri Editor AdCo Advertising Agency Inc. Paul Gordon Cathi Hawkinson 1302 W. Pioneer Parkway [email protected] Advertising Sales Contact Peoria, IL 61615 Design Paul Filip Phone: (309) 692-7880 Stuart Clubb [email protected] Mike Cameron Adam Jamsa [email protected] Megan Valentine
Articles and advertisements are the property of The Peorian. No portion of this publication may be stored and reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of the publisher. Printed in the USA. ©2011 AdCo Advertising Agency Inc. All rights reserved. The Peorian is printed bimonthly by AdCo Advertising Agency Inc. Reprint requests should be directed to [email protected].
4 ThePeorian.com accepting the Journal Star’s buy- believing there was no need to From the out offer. I had no other job lined go anywhere else, whereas I’m up, but circumstances were such from a nice little Indiana town I that I knew it was time for me to remain fond of, but had little to Editor leave 1 News Plaza. offer after I got out of school. I found out after moving here how After I listened to Oberhelman cosmopolitan Peoria is, a great speak I decided, spur of the mo- medium city with a big city feel. I ment, to stop next door at AdCo now consider myself a Peorian. Advertising, 1302 W. Pioneer Parkway to speak to its owner/ The staff here bought into president Julie Russell. I wanted Julie’s idea, as well. They are to tell her of my impending young, talented, upbeat. I departure from the newspaper so couldn’t help but be changed she could call me if ever she had after hanging with them a while. any freelance writing gigs come As a team we’ve worked hard to up. build The Peorian. The discussion that followed What we will do is write about ultimately brought me here to Peoria’s past, present and future. AdCo as editor of The Peorian, We will write about its people, our web-based magazine that in- the things they do and where cludes our website, this bimonth- they go and how some things will ly printed magazine and later, a affect their lives but mostly from I am thankful that Peoria television interview program. a positive angle. We will be heavy Rotary North asked Doug on features, the arts, the not-for- Julie said The Peorian was an Oberhelman to speak at the profit groups. idea she’d had for a while and club’s meeting back on Feb. 24 at was just waiting for the right You won’t find police news Barrack’s Cater Inn. Otherwise, person to walk in the door who in The Peorian or issue-heavy I would not have been at that could take off with it. She meant reporting. We won’t try to be the meeting. me and I was hooked. The more newspaper or TV or any others At the time I was business she explained her idea I began to who report news on a daily basis. editor of the Journal Star and cov- realize how close we were in our They do a great job covering the ered Caterpillar Inc. Whenever thoughts about this city. bad news; they can have it. Oberhelman or any of his prede- Namely, we love this metro- We will celebrate Peoria. We cessors as Caterpillar chairman politan area commonly referred hope you’ll join us. spoke in town, I was there. to as Peoria. Julie is a native Paul Gordon is editor of The Peorian. He That day was fateful. That while I am a transplant. She grew can be reached at 692-7880 or editor@ morning I turned in my papers up knowing what is here and ThePeorian.com
At the rear of the boat is & Girls Club of Peoria, repre- On the Kylie Rupe from the Peoria Area senting our future. Standing is Chamber of Commerce, which Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, left, and celebrates 100 years this year, East Peoria Mayor Dave Mingus, Cover while seated in the center is Jim representing the major changes Our cover photograph is filled Wetherington, general manager occurring on both sides of the with symbolism, focusing on the of the Peoria Civic Center, which river. area’s past, present and future at present is the area’s activity using a row boat not unlike that focal point, and at the front of Cover Image by Stuart Clubb used on the cover of The Peorian the boat is 6-year-old Aquarius ThePeorian.com/Cover 100 years ago. Young, a rising star at the Boys
ThePeorian.com 5 The Past
The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce once produced a magazine called The Peorian …100 years ago
by Paul Gordon
“Where is the city ‘neath the sun Whose liquid vowels melt into one, And like a strain of music run, As thine, Peoria? “And where the land whose name is told In syllables of flaming gold Like Illinois – so to enfold And shrine Peoria!” ~ By Edna Dean Proctor ~
The above poem appeared in several issues of a Advertising Agency borrow some of his copies of magazine produced by the Peoria Association of the original The Peorian to share with the read- Commerce, which would later become the Peoria ers of the new The Peorian, available in published Area Chamber of Commerce. form every two months – or about the same fre- That magazine was called The Peorian. The first quency as the original. issue was published in June 1911 and it focused The difference, of course, is that readers can on all the industry in Peoria at that time, includ- now see The Peorian in its digital form on their ing a new company called Holt Caterpillar. The computers, smart phones or about any other magazine would be produced under that name for electronic device that likely weren’t even in the five years. dreams of 99 percent of Peorians in 1911. It was actually one of several publications “Life in 1911 was a struggle. People had to work produced early in the 20th century that celebrated just to feed their family and put a decent roof, life in Peoria, but it was the only one called “The or so they hoped, over their heads. Compared Official Organ” of the Peoria Association of Com- with today, people then were pretty well isolated merce. And it was indicative of how powerful the from the rest of the world. A good part about that written word was in the decades before television, was that they absorbed their education, which computers, smart phones and iPads, said local is evident when you read the writing from then historian Dr. Peter Couri. compared with now. It was just different, more “Magazines and newspapers and other written eloquent,” Couri said. items were really the only means of communi- “This injunction is for Peorians. Get acquainted cating to people, except for the barber shop or with the industrial life of your city and put yourself in church, maybe,” said Couri, who let AdCo position to give the inquirer some idea of Peoria and her
6 ThePeorian.com manufacturing advantages. Elsewhere this sort of thing That was a brief editorial in that first edition, is made a feature of public school work, teaching the imploring people to read the magazine so as to boys and girls not only the history of their home city, learn more about the city and region and on what but, as a valuable help to civic usefulness when they its economy was based. That magazine went on to shall have become men and women, the industrial life give descriptions of all the different industry in the of their city, the extent of same, the peculiar advantages city at the time; while it wrote of the agriculture of their city. It’s almost as good information for the boy implement manufacturing in particular because and girl as to know somewhat of the influence of caste Peoria was about to host the National Implement on life in Bombay. and Vehicle Show at what is now Peoria Stadium, it also told of other industry, such as the many “Besides there is a wealth of optimism in the realiza- breweries and distilleries that existed here at one tion that you are a sojourner in no mean city. The dead time. cities of America are filled with people who know noth- Peoria at the time was, in a word, wealthy, ing of them. It is born of the apathy that killed those Couri said. cities. Go to any live city and nearly every man can give you facts that have made the place a thriving, growing “The Peorian magazine was made so that community. Peorians could be proud of their city. Peoria was a very wealthy city at the time. It was growing, it “For one lesson from this number learn this, that had a growing number of brick and paved streets. your factories are crowded with orders, many talking That wealth helped to interest the organizers of of enlarging, and that not a concern in Peoria manu- the farm implement show and people came from facturing agricultural implements but is thoroughly all over the world for it. It really put Peoria on the prosperous. There is room for more.” map,” he said.
ThePeorian.com 7 From the 1870s to about 1920, it was an “era Then came the 1920s, the crime element and the of prosperity” for Peoria, Couri said. It was the sullied reputation of Peoria. “It seemed crime and Vaudeville era, which Couri said was so successful vice were the only things happening here,” Couri in Peoria because the residents could afford to buy said. tickets. But we got ahead of ourselves. The original The “Not only was the liquor industry big there Peorian ceased publication in 1916. But until then were also the industries that supplied it, such as it was a chief marketing tool for the area and each barrel makers, the staves that went around the magazine had a different theme. barrels and other things. At one time Peoria was There was the Peoria Beautiful edition – or home to 14 major distilleries and produced close number, as it was called then. It was in that July to one millions barrels of liquor a day,” he said. 1913 edition the opening poem by Edna Dean Proctor first appeared. There was other poetry,
Acme Harvesting Machine Co. The Holt Catepillar Co. R. Herschel Manufacturing Co.
8 ThePeorian.com Coming Full Circle?
as well, and stories that told of pageantry, the is the spirit of Peoria that has found expression in buildings, the views from the bluff and the art our homes, our schools, and our parks.” and sculptures. It told of giving people, talented She then wrote about the sacrifices of those people and “The Spirit of Peoria,” as written by who came before to build the city and persevere Julia Cockle Dox. She told of a woman who visited through struggles to make it what it was. Peoria from Connecticut and gushed about the beauty of our city as well as its charm and how “Their spirit has given life to all our material Peorians can be proud. increase; theirs is the spirit that makes all things possible. We cannot reverence it too highly; we can Wrote Mrs. Dox, “Yes, we surely can be, and do no better thing for the city we love and live in we are proud of all these things, with reason – but that to renew the same spirit in ourselves, and to back of them all is something to be more proud pass it on unstained to those who shall come after us.” of, more glad of, and more thankful for, and that
Cutler & Proctor Avery Co. Bartholomew Co.
ThePeorian.com 9 Another issue, in July tiful site, the healthful climate, the fertile soil from 1915, focused on the parks which the corn bursts like song from happy hearts; in the Peoria area. The it is so, above all, for the spirit of freedom, of good- editorial said Peoria “was will, of helpfulness which breathes here as unhin- a pioneer in park work” dered as the gentle wind that kisses the prairie into and had some of the most life and bloom; they are dear for the opportunity beautiful parks in America. which is given here to all alike to upbuild charac- ter, to confirm will, to cultivate the mind, to follow Many of the natural park after the better amenities have changed in things of the past century but some which faith remain, especially those and hope are manmade buildings and the heralds.” sculptures, such as the Robert Ingersoll statue at Finally, one Glen Oak Park. Peoria was even referred to as “a Keystone Steel and Wire Co. summer resort.” of the final issues of the original The Peorian was published in That issue includes several photos, including a May 1916, but it did have one important announce- couple panoramic views, that display the beauty of ment to share. A manufacturing company had the river valley and other nature. decided to spend $2 million to build a new factory Wrote Archbishop Spalding, “If Peoria and the in Bartonville. The company was Keystone Steel & Diocese of Peoria are dear to us – and God, and we Wire Co. and that factory, the steel mill, remains in all know they are – it is so not chiefly for the beau- service today.
10 ThePeorian.com Coming Full Circle?
The first issue of The Peoria that was published 100 years ago included on its back page some facts about the city at that time. Here is how some of those compare today.
City Facts: Past & Preset 1911 2011
Population, metro area: 115,029 375,865
Area, square miles: 9.2 44.4
Park acreage: 425 9,000
Miles of paved streets: 175 450
Churches: 84 237
City tax rate per $1,000 assessed valuation: $15.50 $84.07
Number of police officers: 86 277
Add your two cents worth! Read the Message Forum at www.ThePeorian.com/forum and see what Peorians are talking about.
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ThePeorian.com 11 By Paul Gordon
Easter Seals Recognizes Need for Equal Opportunities
For all the therapeutic work when they had not heard those start wondering whether they performed for clients of Easter words yet,” Thompson said. will ever get married or be able to Seals, the chances of real success He said some parents feel have children,” he said. would be lessened considerably uplifted from the second they “That’s why we look for differ- without the devotion of families, walk in the door at the Easter ent things that can be confidence the head of the local Easter Seals Seals center on East Armstrong builders. Our ‘Lose the Train- office said. Street in Peoria. It’s bright and ing Wheels’ program that helps “One of the things we know cheery by design, he added, “and them learn to ride bicycles is an for certain is that as important as we think it speaks volumes about example of that. We also look for what we do is, the real progress hope for the future. Then when events they can be included in a child with special needs makes we start talking to them about with their families,” he added. comes within the context of fam- what their kids can do instead of September and October are ily, be it parents or grandparents in terms of what they cannot do, busy months for the organization or siblings. That’s why we in- they realize the possibilities.” with fundraising events. Then in volve family from the start,” said Thompson said the children early November the organization Steve Thompson, CEO of Easter themselves may not realize they will have its 21st Annual Easter Seals for Peoria & Bloomington- have special needs until they are Seals Tribute Dinner, honoring Normal & Decatur. older, or at least they don’t think those whose philanthropic spirit Learning their child has special as much about it until later. The has benefitted the organization needs can be devastating for pre-teen years are harder when and its young clients and their parents, especially those who they see friends and siblings do- families. are told not much can be done ing things they cannot. “That’s for the child. “It is a big thing for really when we see other issues the parents when they hear us becoming weightier for them, like say ‘yes, we can help,’ especially the long-range future when they
12 ThePeorian.com Easter Seals for Peoria & Bloomington-Normal & Decatur At the Beginning Easter Seals began offering services in central Illinois 85 years ago, starting as a once-a-week clinic in a downtown Peoria storefront.
Mission Easter Seals provides exceptional services to ensure that people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunity to live, learn, work and play in their communities.
By the Numbers The area Easter Seals program serves thousands of central Illinois children and their families every year and last year 98 percent of its clients made developmental progress.
Families First Easter Seals recognizes that families are the first and best lifelong teachers of their children, which is why participation in the therapeutic CREATE and treatment process is encouraged. website e|marketing Pediatric Therapy content Easter Seals offers a variety of pediatric therapy, including speech- language therapy, feeding therapy, occupational and physical therapy ENHANCE and aquatic therapy. website revitalization optimization Autism Program social media Through the Lorraine and George Shadid Autism Resource Center, CONTROL Easter Seals offers a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic autism services. dedicated hosting analytics Cerebral Palsy multivariate testing The Ray and Kathy LaHood Center for Cerebral Palsy offersdiagnostic, treatment and community education programs among its services. ONLINE PRESENCE Also offered is a variety of recreational programming, family support services, adult services and financial support services. MANAGEMENT [email protected] For More Information 1302 W. Pioneer Parkway www.ci.easterseals.com. Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 686-1177 - Peoria www.LAUNCHopm.com (309) 663-8275 - Bloomington-Normal 309.692.6790 (309) 365-8021 - Timber Pointe Outdoor Center (217) 429-1052 - Decatur
ThePeorian.com 13 Not For Profit T love...
“One of my favorite things about Peoria Upcoming Events to Raise is walking around Detweiller Park in Money for Easter Seals the Fall. You are surrounded by red, Bowling for Easter Seals, scheduled Oak Ridge Sportsman Club will also orange and yellow for Saturday, Sept. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. be the site of the 10th Annual Lyle leaves and there at Plaza Lanes in Washington. Cost Finch Claybird Classic on Thursday, is a wonderful Fall is $10 and includes three games and Sept. 29. Proceeds benefitting Easter shoe rental. Seals Peoria & Bloomington-Normal smell in the air. & Decatur. Finch owned Rice Pond Even though you Also on Saturday is the 17th Annual Duck Preserve in Chillicothe and was are still in the city, Grape Soiree at the Bloomington known for giving to others from a there is a sense Country Club. The event features fine caring concern for them. of peace and art, wine tasting and heavy hors d’ tranquility.” ouveres. A live art auction will show- Run the Woods, a 5K trail run through Emily Ferrell, Peoria case works donated by premier art- Timber Pointe Outdoor Center at ists of local and international fame. Lake Bloomington is scheduled for There also will be featured artwork Saturday, Oct. 1. There also is a one For more by Easter Seals children. A wide mile family walk around the center as “Things we love...” selection of wines from around the part of the event. For more informa- world will be available for sampling. tion contact Kersten Wilson at (309) or to add your own, A silent auction and raffle will round 663-8275, ext. 218. visit ThePeorian.com out the evening’s events. On Oct. 8, Easter Seals will host its The 7th Annual Burt Mercier Claybird annual Middle Eastern Ball at the Classic is scheduled for Tuesday Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria. T P Sept. 27 at the Oak Ridge Sports- man’s Club in Mackinaw. Mercier For more information about Sunday Television Series was a respected McLean County these events go to beginning September 18 8:00 a.m. on WHOI businessman who loved the outdoors www.ci.easterseals.com and hunting. Proceeds from the Claybird Classic will go into the Burt Thompson said many fund raising Mercier Memorial Endowment Fund events that not-for-profit organiza- to benefit Timber Pointe Outdoor tions schedule, including Easter Center at Lake Bloomington. For Seals, don’t involve the clients and/ more information contact Kersten or families. “We are looking for more Wilson at (309) 663-8275, ext. 218. events that would be inclusive so the families can feel like they are even more part of it.”
14 ThePeorian.com Getting There is an art and a science to quality orthopaedic care. And at Midwest Orthopaedic Center, our physicians and staff are experts at both. From diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitative and preventive services, Midwest Orthopaedic Center provides the quaquality begins at carecare youyou needneed to ggetet bbackack to bbeingeing yyou.o Midwest Orthopaedic Center
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Midwest Orthopaedic Center 6000 N. Allen Road, Peoria, IL (309) 691-1400 www.midwest-ortho.com
ThePeorian.com 15 Upcoming Events
PARC N’ PLAY______In each issue of The Peorian we The 7th Annual Parc N’Play Grand Cruise In is scheduled for 3 to 9 p.m. will list fundraising events hosted Saturday, Sept. 17 at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie in Peoria. Proceeds by or on behalf of area not-for-profit from the event are used to fund programs for PARC, the Peoria-based organizations that area scheduled human service agency that serves children and adults with developmental for the two months covered by that disabilities. issue. We will lead with organiza- tions having their chief fundraising More than 200 classic cars are expected at the event, which is open to events during the period. anybody with a classic car. Entry fee is only $10 per car and awards for Best in Show and a Top 10 will be presented. Please send us notice of your events, including information about prices PARC programs include early intervention, community-based residential and contacts, to: services, rehabilitation, vocational training, transitional employment, [email protected]. supported employment and respite care, according to the PARC website. For more information go to www.parcway.org.
BOIL THAT LOBSTER______The 14th Annual Lobster Boil fundraiser for the Hult Center for Health Education is set for Saturday, Sept. 17. The center is looking for volunteers for the event, which includes a silent auction of more than 250 items that continues as guests munch on appetizers or their lobster dinner from Dixon’s Fisheries. A live auction of some items comes after the dinner and the close of the silent auction tables. Proceeds from the event help fund Hult’s education programs, including those for youth and seniors, as well as its annual summer camp for students ages 5 to 8 called “Healthy Heroes.” For more information go to www.hult-health.org.
WAG THE DOG______The 2011 Tailwaggers Classic, a dog walk that benefits TAPS No-Kill animal shelter, will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at Mineral Springs Park in Pekin. Activities will include demonstrations, pet artists, children’s crafts and games, Microchipping for your pet and other events, including pet photographer James Treber and event announcer Jim Dandy. Registration is $25 per dog and walker and comes with an event T-shirt, pet bandana, a pet goodie bags and a photo of the walker and pet together. Those who get $100 or more in pledges will receive a raffle ticket for prizes to be awarded at the event. Proceeds go directly towards the care of TAPS animals, the organization’s web site said. In 2010 nearly $8,500 was raised. For more information go to www.tapsshelter.org
16 ThePeorian.com Not For Profit GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN______The 3rd Annual Girls Night Out! Event to raise money for the Friendship House’s Dress for Success Peoria program is scheduled for Sept. 29 at Four Points by Sheraton in Peoria. The event celebrates the achievements of women. Vendors will be on hand providing demonstrations, products, and services. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Please contact Sarah Vogler at [email protected] or 309-671-5200 to purchase tickets or visit http://www.peoriafriendshiphouse.org for more information.
Pop The Cork!______The Uncorked! Wine, Craft Beer & Hors’ d’oeuvre Tasting, Silent & Live Auction to benefit the Cancer Center is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 7 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria. Area wine, craft beer and food vendors will show off their best products from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $5 at the door. For more information or to order tickets go to www.cchlpeoria.org.
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ThePeorian.com 17 Upcoming Events
Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’______The 3rd Annual Rollin’ on the River Wheel-A-Thon is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday Oct. 8 on the RiverWalk by the Peoria RiverPlex. Proceeds go to help Advocates for Access raise awareness to the accessibility issues for people with disabilities. October is disability awareness month. The event includes a one-mile relay in wheelchairs, which will be provided, an obstacle course and other events. To register is $20, which includes a T-shirt and lunch. For more information go to www.advocatesforaccess.com.
Promise to Laugh______The Peoria Promise Gala is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Downtown Peoria. The Second City Improv All-Stars will perform. Tickets are $150 each, or $1,250 for a table of 10. Proceeds from the event will go to Peoria Promise to help provide scholarships to public high school graduates living in Peoria to attend Illinois Central College. Tickets can be purchased by calling (309) 677-5886 or (800) 274-4160. Attire is casual, with attendees encouraged to show their school spirit by wearing attire of their favorite school, whether its grade school, high school or college.
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18 ThePeorian.com Not For Profit Hearts of Hope______The 11th Annual Hearts of Hope Gertrude Kelley Memorial Art Auction to benefit the Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 at the Peoria Country Club. The event features local artists who create and donate work for the auction, with media including oil paints, watercolors, photography, textiles and more. The black tie-optional event includes cocktails, dinner and a silent and live auction. The event is named for Gertrude Kelley, who was a long-time supporter, volunteer and board member for the association. For more information call (309) 692-1766, ext. 216.
WAFFLES & WINGS SOUTHERN lUNCHEON FUNDRAISER______2011 is the 24th Annual Stuff-a-Bus for Peoria Friendship House. The purpose of this luncheon is to raise both awareness of the Stuff-a-Bus campaign and also to raise funds to purchase fresh meats each week for the Friendship House pantry. Event will be held at Childers Banquet Facility, 3113 Dries Lane, Peoria, IL 61614. Register online at: www.peoriafriendshiphouse.givezooks.com/events/waffles-and- wings. Tickets are $30. For more information: Dustin Swigart dswigart@ peoriafriendshiphouse.org or call (309) 671-5200.
WAS IT THE BUTLER?______The Junior League of Peoria will host a Murder Mystery Night on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Ballance-Herschel House, 256 NE Randolph Ave. in Peoria with proceeds from the event to be used for Junior League programming. The cost is $28 each, which includes dinner and dessert with the mystery. To reserve seats call (309) 685-9312.
Celebrating Stewardship______The Peoria Rescue Ministries 56th Annual Stewardship Celebration is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday Oct. 27 in the Grand Ballroom of the Peoria Civic Center. Tickets are $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight. The banquet “is a chance to celebrate what the Lord has done in the past year and to look forward to what He will do in the year to come,” the Ministries’ website said. To purchase tickets or for more information go to www.peoriarescue.org or call (309) 676-6416, ext. 1009.
ThePeorian.com 19 Norm Kelly plays tennis frequently, racquetball often and golf at least weekly. Being 80 and retired, he has the time. But none of those things are his true passion, which is telling stories. He’ll regale you verbally By Paul Gordon or with one of the many novels and short stories he has penned through the years. All of them center on his hometown of Peoria and Kelly, a retired private investigator, has had no trouble being able to turn real-life cases into fascinating fiction, much of which is self- published and available at area libraries. “I’ve been around forever, you know, so I know this town up, down and all around,” Kelly said recently. “People around here hunger for stories about Peoria and I try to oblige them when I can. My golf partners always de- mand I tell them a story while we play. Of course, that may just be their attempt to make me lose my concentration on the golf course,” he said, grinning. The Peorian asked Kelly to allow us to print one of his novels on our website, www.ThePeorian. com, with a new chapter or two to be posted each Friday start- ing Sept. 16. The first book to be covered is called “The Park Murders” and was Kelly’s 11th Norm Kelly: Retired PI writes mysteries novel. Kelly didn’t start writing until he was 50, but said he was always a story teller. He said he has tried to keep the same story telling style in his written words as his oral stories.
20 ThePeorian.com “I’m just me. If you are looking youngest of 11 children he said for a writer with some kind of he often roamed the streets look- flamboyant style, read somebody ing for something to do and came else. I know words and I love across interesting characters. words, but I just want to tell When in the Army in Ko- stories,” he said. rea, fellow soldiers would ask Kelly also has written much him about Peoria and about its about Peoria’s crime history, in- reputation as a bawdy town. cluding a book called “Until You That’s how he learned to be a Are Dead” that details the cases story teller. “I knew that’s what I of Peoria murderers who were would do some day,” he said. “I executed for their crimes. He has enjoy it.” written about Peoria gangsters, Kelly can be reached at including the infamous Shelton [email protected] Gang of yesteryear. Many of his stories can be read on the library website, www. peoriapubliclibrary.org. In each issue of The Peorian, we will profile a member or two of the Kelly also teaches aspiring area’s arts community, which could writers about what it takes to be a writer, painter, illustrator, get published and about self- musician or an actor. If you have publishing. one such person you’d like to Kelly said his knowledge of see included here, let us know at Peoria started as a child. The [email protected].
ThePeorian.com 21 The Present
Museum Square in downtown Peoria, which will house the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Caterpillar Visitors Center. Now under construction, it is expected to be completed in October 2012 and generate hundreds of thousands of visitors and $7 million to $14 million in revenues each year.
The hotel project, which will see the Hotel Pere Marquette be practically rebuilt inside and a new Marriott Courtyard tower built adjacent to the Pere Marquette. Both properties will be managed by Marriott and connected to the Peoria Civic Center via a skywalk, giving the Civic Center a headquarters hotel complex. Construction on the $102 million project, already delayed because of financing, is expected to begin by the end of the year.
The new East Peoria downtown, which will be a mixed use development with retail, commercial offices, the new Fondulac Library, the Caterpillar Heritage Museum and, eventually, new city government offices.
The Bass Pro Shops, scheduled to open in a few weeks, isn’t just any retailer. It is a specialty store that caters to the outdoors types but it is a huge tourist draw because of all you can find there.
22 ThePeorian.com Changes in downtowns and along both riverfronts signal new attitudes among leaders, residents
By Paul Gordon
Would the Peoria region pass the grandmother test? In other words, is it a place you would be proud to bring your grand- mother? If it isn’t, leaders on both sides of the Illinois River are trying to make it so. With the changes now being made in the downtowns and along the riverfronts of both Peoria and East Peoria – the most seen here at one time in three decades – the leaders are taking steps to create more value and thus promote future growth, said Jim McConoughey, president of The Heartland Partnership, which works with government and civic leadership throughout the region. “Peoria is one of only about 300 metropolitans regions in the en- tire country that is doing things to grow, that is moving the ball forward, and it is doing it at the right time as people are making decisions whether they want to stay here. Things like museums and festival parks and river walkways are becoming the new living rooms of communities, so Peoria is adding all the elements needed to create a valuable com- munity,” McConoughey said.
ThePeorian.com 23 “We are going to have a McConoughey lauded Peoria urban renewal effect on down- one-two-three-four punch,” County voters for approving a town Peoria and commercial eco- McConoughey said. “There’s new tax to help pay for the Riv- nomic development. It will help the museum and its buffet of erfront Museum. He said he was the whole region and in fact is activities that will appeal to a Lexington, Ky., on business in already doing so,” he said, refer- lot of people, from art and his- 2009 when voters there rejected a ring to the Sheraton Corp. seeing tory buffs to sports fan. The Cat tax increase because of recession- the potential when it acquired the center on the Peoria side and its ary pressures and development former Holiday Inn City Centre heritage museum in East Peoria plans there have stalled. and recently converted it to a will be meaningful to thousands “Here, people voted to tax Four Points by Sheraton. of people who are directly related themselves to bring in new qual- “The Pere/Marriott project and to Cat and its big iron machines. ity-of-life elements because they the skywalk connection is essen- The Bass Pro Shops store is a felt it would be worth it. The ones tial if we want to go after bigger man mall. It will draw 1.5 million who will benefit the most will be and more specialized convention people for sure, up 3 million a our children and the people who groups. It will give us a tremen- year. relocate here,” he said. dous linchpin. The convention “With all that there is the Civic Bob Marx, president of the business is a numbers game. Center. With its new expansion it Peoria Area Convention and Visi- We’re competing with other cit- has created a destination market tors Bureau, said all that is going ies, so the better story we have to for a variety of conventions and on now attracted him to the area. tell the better chance we have,” groups. It’s our hope that the “Peoria was nice already, but Marx said. Civic Center drives a tremendous these things make the area even He also wants tourism busi- amount of value because it draws better. The more we have to offer ness to grow and believes it can so many business visitors. And people – our residents and busi- and will go hand-in-hand with no business has ever moved into ness people – the more we will at- convention growth. People who our community without having tract. The more our quality of life attend conventions need things visited here and experiencing increases for us, the more income to do when not in meetings; their what it has to offer,” he said. increases for the community. It’s families need things to do when “What is going on is a fantastic exciting growth,” he said. they are. next step for us (after complet- “That helped sway me to ac- But the elements in Museum ing the Civic Center expansion). cept this position, that Peoria was Square and Bass Pro Shops will Peoria still has somewhat of an not in a stagnate mode.” be big tourist draws anyway, inferiority complex but I think Marx said. “The Caterpillar the wheels are coming off that Marx has a stake in seeing Visitors Center will be a big draw old bus. We’re at a good point convention business grow and that is unique to Peoria. Nobody and getting better,” he added. he supports the Pere Marquette project. “It will have tremendous else can have that. The museum
24 ThePeorian.com The Present
will be a big draw for those adults become the leaders. “If “We will keep building on our looking for the unique. Together they have to drive everywhere to previous efforts, without which they will enable us to go after get anywhere they aren’t happy we wouldn’t be where we are international travelers, which is about it. Everything is becoming today. We have become very con- a tourism market we’ve never green, green and greener. It’s scious of the river and all of our really gone after with any show a very strong current running natural resources and will use of strength. through the younger generations them to all our benefit,” he said. right now. That, I think, will be “And Bass Pro has created an McConoughey said area the new secret sauce for growth experience, and that is the key to leadership has changed in the in the Warehouse District,” he its success. It will draw people decade or so he has been in the said. who have little or no interest in Peoria region and has a keen eye hunting or fishing, people who Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said on the future. They have come to can’t catch a cold, let alone a fish. another factor in urban develop- recognize they have to be com- That’s because it’s fun. Bass Pro ment and growth on both sides of petitive. “There is a cost to living has the fun factor,” Marx said. the river is that “people seemed the way we want to live. To get Marx and McConoughey both to come to the realization that what we want takes a strong local are enthused about the region’s they cannot create a river.” By economy, positive and effective future, largely because of the that, he means they know if they leadership, vision and a strong growth occurring now and what are going to take advantage of quality of life,” he said. this region’s greatest natural asset it already is spurring. They People who are critical of lo- they are going to have to develop include the Warehouse District cal government questioning the around it. in that. value of everything put before it “I think Peoria is going to “I think 20 years from now should realize that is what leads have significant growth in urban things will not only be vibrant on to good decisions. “I’m talking development. My hope, my ex- both sides of the river but I think about decisions that don’t pander pectation is that both downtowns they’ll be expanded significantly. to any one person or group, but will become much more vibrant. There will be growth to the south look to the future and doing the Like with anything, communi- again, not just north,” he said. right thing “Some people want to ties have to continually reinvent East Peoria Mayor David do things right; leaders want to themselves and I think Peoria is Mingus said confidence will be a do the right things. It’s very evi- doing that and will do that as it key factor, as well. Past success dent the Peoria area has long had needs to,” Marx said. in East Peoria development, he that. It may lose its way once in a added, has given city leaders while but it always finds its way McConoughey thinks that over back,” McConoughey said. the next 20 years sustainability confidence they can continue to will become an even more im- have such success. portant factor as today’s younger
ThePeorian.com 25 By Paul Gordon
When Jim Richerson was hired 11 years ago as the president and CEO of Lakeview Museum, it was with the idea that he lead an expansion effort for the museum. Wow, what an expansion that turned out to be. In little more than a year from now the new Peoria Riverfront Museum will open, the culmina- tion of a dozen years of planning, The Centerpiece of Peoria’s sweating, fundraising and con- Downtown Development struction that was often infused is on its Way with doubt and skepticism. lar Inc. visitor’s center. public and private financing, “We’re close now to realizing including $36 million that will something that has been pretty “Caterpillar makes this project international in scope. Their come from a county sales tax amazing to see come together,” increase approved in a 2010 refer- Richerson said recently while building is our stage to the world,” Richerson said. endum and $16 million in federal showing off the site of the new and state grants, including from museum. “The whole idea of the “From Caterpillar’s perspec- NASA, the Institute for Museum collaboration coming together tive it’s a very important project and Library Sciences and various like this has been amazing. And in that this will be a place we can government agencies. here we are.” showcase the sustainable prog- It all came about, Richerson The collaboration of which he ress our customers make possible every day. It’s very important to said, because of the collaborative speaks involves several entities efforts of eight entities, including that came together to acquire, the community, as well, hence the investment,” said Kathryn Lakeview Museum, Caterpillar, fund and build the area near the Peoria Historical Society, the Peoria’s riverfront known as Spitznagle, project manager for Caterpillar. Illinois High School Associa- Museum Square. tion, the African American Hall Once known as the Sears The project will cost more of Fame Museum, the Peoria block bordered by Washington, than $140 million, with Cater- Regional Museum Society, the Main, Water and Liberty streets, pillar funding all of its visitor’s Nature Conservancy and Heart- Museum Square will house not center at about $37.5 million and land Foundation. only the new 86,000 square-foot contributing another $15 mil- lion to the museum. The rest of The collaboration, he added, Riverfront Museum, but also the was proposed by then-U.S. Rep. new 50,000 square-foot Caterpil- the funding is a combination of
26 ThePeorian.com The Present
ThePeorian.com 27 Ray Lahood, now the U.S. Secre- That’s why we said if there was for this community. We’ve been tary of Transportation. It made no museum there would be no at this now more than 10 years sense, Richerson said, consid- visitor’s center,” Spitznagle said. and we believe we have used that ering Lakeview Museum was “If the community didn’t feel it time to make it better.” formed through a collaboration was important enough to support That includes making it a green of several entities more than 50 through the referendum, then it project. Builders have recycled years ago. “Such an effort was the really wasn’t needed.” about 90 percent of the material foundation of Lakeview and it Richerson and others spent that was on the Sears block, for obviously worked well,” he said. months selling the tax hike. example. Energy efficient me- The partners, Richerson said, Richerson said he alone made 104 chanical systems will be installed, bring a combined 500 years ex- presentations about the project including solar panels and low- perience educating and support- leading to the referendum. He flow fixtures. ing culture in Peoria, and thus would end those presentations, Another example shows providing the cornerstone to the after laying out all that would be forward thinking: There will be Museum Square mission state- in Museum Square, Caterpillar’s 15 parking spots in the under- ment adopted by the Riverfront participation and what it would ground garage that will allow for Museum board of directors: “To mean to the region, asking, “How electric cars to be plugged in and inspire lifelong learning for all – can we afford not to grab this op- recharged. connecting art, history, science portunity?” and achievement through collec- “It is our responsibility to be It was a close vote, but the tax tions, exhibitions and programs.” a learning platform. Sustain- was approved. “That we got the ability is and will be part of that, As it often is with projects votes we needed speaks to a cer- through innovation and creativi- of such scope, this one was tain ‘in your face’ quality we have ty. When we see what this project not without some controversy, here. People saw the vision. The may inspire other people to do it mostly about the cost to the pub- cost to the average Peoria will is amazing,” he said. lic. The months leading to the tax be about $17, the cost of a pizza referendum were tense because basically, but the return and the Some people question whether without the new county tax the legacy and opportunity it creates there will be enough traffic to new museum likely would not be means much more,” Richerson make the museum self-sustain- built. Without the museum, the said. ing. Richerson said the museum Caterpillar Experience visitor’s projects there will be 360,000 visi- The project underwent a pair center would not be built; that’s tors a year to Museum Square, of major revisions from the first something the company made bringing $7 million to $14 million plans laid out years ago, both very clear. into the community. The Cater- scaling back the size. But Rich- pillar Experience will be a large “From the start we consid- erson said he believes when the driver of that, he added, because ered this a community project, museum opens in October 2012, of its worldwide reach and appeal. involving the entire community. “it will be the right-sized project
28 ThePeorian.com Museum Square
Spitznagle said Caterpillar also believes its visitors center will be a major draw. Its research into the kind of draws visitors centers of other iconic brands – including Deere & Co. and Harley-David- son – shows the interest people have in how the industry works and the products are made, she added. “The neatest thing about the center will be showcasing our customers and the work they do all over the world with our products,” she said. To that end the visitor’s center will have several pieces of equipment in it that patrons will be able to see and touch and get an idea how the equipment is used around the world. A replica of a Caterpillar 797 mining truck, the largest of its kind in the world, will be in the center, with the bed of the truck being a theatre for patrons to see an overview of the company. Richerson said the museum exhibits will remain fluid to keep people coming back. “This project has challenged us in our conventional thinking,” he said. “We have to keep the public interested. We will; our only limi- tation will be our imagination.”
ThePeorian.com 29 Museum Square
Museum Attractions For more information about these attractions go to www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org
Zeiss Powerdome Planetarium The River Fine Arts Gallery The flights through the Milky Way This exhibit will enable visitors to Visitors will see more than 600 works and beyond the solar system that are explore the Illinois River’s three of art spanning three centuries of now seen at the Lakeview Museum major ecosystems and peek into Midwestern culture, while many planetarium will be larger and more habitats to discover the animal life pieces from Lakeview’s collection brilliant at the Zeiss Powerdome there. A geological timeline will – including its Rodin sculpture and Planetarium. teach visitors about the river’s history Frank Lloyd Wright chair – will be and a simulation will show what it’s displayed. life to pilot a towboat pushing barges on the river.
Giant screen digital theater Peak Performance Center International Features At six stories high and seven stories The center, sponsored by the Illinois Gallery wide, the giant movie screen at the High School Association, will allow This exhibit will continue Lakeview’s Riverfront Museum extends beyond visitors to test their fitness levels in tradition of bringing world-renowned the field of vision. It will have ultra- several sports and activities, from exhibitions to Peoria. The gallery sharp images and an audio system basketball to wrestling to chess and space will be three times that of generating up to 14,000 watts of music. Lakeview’s, enabling larger exhibits power, along with 3-D capabilities. to be viewed.
The Street Discovery World Interactive Learning Sponsored by the Peoria Historical Discovery World 1 is for children The museum will offer educational Society, The Street is an exhibit up to age 6 and will engage their programs to serve school groups, designed to immerse visitors in minds and bodies as they crawl continuing education programs, more than 300 years of Peoria’s rich through an obstacle course, build school outreach and professional history. It will include the Wall of block structure or do other activities development. The Illinois River Fame, sponsored by Peoria’s African that enhance creativity, vocabulary Learning Center will have studios, American Hall of Fame Museum and motor skills. Discovery World classrooms, a library, community honoring local individuals for their 2, for kids age 7 to 12, will introduce meeting space and an auditorium. outstanding contributions to the creative expression and problem Peoria African-American community. solving.
30 ThePeorian.com Poetry
Son Room
Freud’s Swiss-army-knife opened the spectral lid of the unconscious with no less awe than we this door.
Here myth’s kite snagged adolescent power lines, down that string the primal electric flicking his body’s switches. This boy, his own executioner.
We of the bad back walk among the ruins of what we’ve made now unmade into his own.
Once his tractor plowed this pocked hardwood among blocks and Match Box wrecks, amid scuffed baseballs and Lego shambles.
Now the vestigial and iconic lie, awaiting the lie. Impatience rules where clocks tick not tock enough.
Waiting marks the province of old folks, mewling how a son’s age ages them. The room’s text message to grownups: gro up!
This, the young man’s last lost domain, facile castle where everything’s resolved by guns and balls.
Kevin Stein has published ten books of poetry and criticism, including the essay book Poetry’s Afterlife: Verse in the Digital Age (University of Michigan Press, 2010). Among his recent poetry collections are Sufficiency of the Actual (University of Illinois Press, 2009) and American Ghost Roses (University of Illinois, 2005) – winner of the Society of Midland Authors Poetry Award. He teaches at Bradley University. Since 2003, he’s served as Illinois Poet Laureate.
ThePeorian.com 31 By Paul Gordon Delayed by effects of recession, project developer says plans are still “a go”.
Because of deadlines, the follow- because of its importance to local not that “somebody will see the value ing story about the Hotel Pere Mar- convention and tourism business. of the site and the plan and pick up quette/Marriott project was already The decision to withdraw the the baton and run with it. It is very completed when news broke that the redevelopment agreement, said important to the entire area that that city of Peoria decided to cancel its Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich, happens.” redevelopment agreement with EM “was not meant to understate the Marx said the fact Marriott Corp. Properties. need for a convention-type hotel in believed enough in the project that The Peorian decided to proceed downtown, to understate the need it signed a 30-year agreement with with the story because the situation for other hotel space or to understate EM Properties “will be huge” for any was such it could have changed the need to keep the Pere Marquette developer considering the site. Mar- again by the time this edition was a viable hotel property in the city. We riott, he said, is very selective in the published. EM Properties president understand the importance of these projects it chooses to be part of and Gary Matthews said his office is items to the city’s convention and always leads to other new develop- “working as diligently as possible” to hospitality industry.” ment because business wants to be still make the project proceed. Bob Marx, CEO of the Peoria Area around a Marriott property. Also, officials believe something Convention and Visitors Bureau, said The Peorian will continue to update can and will be done with that prop- the hospitality industry hopes the readers on the status of the project erty to make it viable for a new hotel project can still be salvaged and if on our website: www.thepeorian.com
32 ThePeorian.com The Present
Gary Matthews saw quickly and private financing, tax incre- that taking on rehabilitation of ment financing and government the Hotel Pere Marquette and tax credits. connecting it to the Peoria Civic When originally announced Center would be intimidating, in the fall of 2008, it was said it but he didn’t let that creep into would take about two years to his psyche. complete. Why would he? When he first CELEBRATING “If we had approved the started considering it in 2008, the OUR 64TH SEASON! project even six months earlier economy was going great and than what we did, it would be financing was not an issue. The built by now,” said Peoria Mayor Upcoming Events Peoria Civic Center expansion Jim Ardis, an ardent supporter was complete and ready for new, September 10th of the project. “Nobody saw the larger conventions. There was economic tsunami coming.” American as interest by major hotel chains to Apple Pie Festival join in a city many felt was being When that “economic tsunami” underserved. – otherwise known as the biggest Free pie given away every hour. recession in decades – hit in early 50% of Gross proceeds from the “I thought it was a great op- playground will be donated to the 2009, banks suddenly quit lend- portunity not just for me, but for local Fireman and Rescue Squads. ing money for economic develop- the hospitality industry, the Civic ment projects. Thus Matthews November 4th Center and the whole community was unable to secure the financ- to really flourish. The down- Christmas Open House ing he needed to first buy the town infrastructure was already Pere Marquette from the Kansas Open House is November 4th and in place, which you don’t find City firm that currently owns it, 5th. Door prize drawings throughout with cornfield additions and the then buy the other buildings in the day. community was ready for this,” the block to make way for the November 12th Matthews said recently. Marriott tower. “Make no mistake, I think the Christmas Tea Party “There is no question financ- community still is ready for this. Luncheon ing has been the biggest hurdle. It has just taken longer than we Reservations required $15 per The recession hit right after we expected. But we will get it done. person 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. announced it. I never dreamed it It’s a go,” he said, more than Prize Drawings! would happen this way because three years after he started work- we only needed to finance 30 November 19th ing on the project and nearly that percent of the total project. It was long since he announced it. Christmas Tea Party can’t-miss, in my opinion,” Mat- The plans call for Matthews thews said. Luncheon to acquire the Pere Marquette Reservations required $15 per He refused to fold up his tent and rehabilitate it, then partner person 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and go away. The plans changed with Marriott Corporation for a Prize Drawings! a couple times and he had to go new Marriott Courtyard tower before an increasingly skeptical and connect the two to the Civic – and reluctant – City Council a Lunch Served Daily Center via skywalk. The total couple more times, but he moved 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. price, including a new parking forward. deck and acquisition of proper- www.tannersorchard.com ties on Main and Monroe streets Now, Matthews said, financ- 740 State Route 40 to accommodate the Marriott, is ing is ready and he is nearing Speer, IL 61479 about $100 million. It will be paid completion of the Pere Marquette through a combination of public acquisition. No date for closing 309.493.5442
ThePeorian.com 33 has been set yet, but he believes as well. They know what we have here, the project will be completed by Matthews believes the project but they also know we need more the end of 2013. will attract more restaurants hotel rooms, more quality hotel “We’re working to get things to downtown as well as more rooms. Right now we don’t have started this fall, focusing first on hotels. While the Pere/Marriott the quality we need to step up to the Pere Marquette and the park- project will add about 400 rooms the next level.” ing deck, which will take a year to the city, much more is needed Marketing strategies are ready to year and a half,” he said. to accommodate the kind of con- to go once Wetherington and his The Pere Marquette rehabilita- ventions the Civic Center believes staff and the Peoria area Conven- tion will be more than just some it will attract once new and qual- tion and Visitors Bureau get the paint and patchwork, Matthews ity space is available. nod to start selling the city and noted. He plans to replace all “We believe there will be more the Pere/Marriott project along mechanical systems and plumb- business than the Pere project with the Four Points by Sheraton ing and renovate each room and alone will be able to handle, but Hotel, which took over the Holi- public area of the building. The that will spur more new hotels day Inn City Centre earlier this three-meal hotel and lounge area and restaurants,” said Jim Weth- year and is investing in renova- will remain in the Pere to serve erington, general manager of the tions. convention patrons; the Marriott Civic Center. “Many convention “All the things we’ve got going Courtyard will have a restaurant, clients are waiting to talk with us. on – those hotel projects, the new
34 ThePeorian.com airport, the Museum project and The other new interests, such He believes the new projects Caterpillar Visitors Center, Bass as Museum Square, will be won- will create what is known in the Pro Shops – make up the whole derful for tourists, as well. That business as “the halo effect” and package we will have at our dis- adds the leisure element to the that other new development will posal to sell. We’ll have a pretty downtown picture. “For a busi- follow. “The halo effect exponen- good story to take out there to ness plan to be perfect you have tially will be tremendous. The ur- sell. But we have to have actual to have it covered on both ends. ban renewal effect on downtown work going on. We can’t sell a We will,” he said. will be something,” he said. thought,” Wetherington said. The whole package also will But the linchpin to all of it, Conversely, Matthews said, the help Peoria approach multiple Marx said, will likely be the Pere real centerpiece to his project and convention markets, including Marquette/Marriott project. “No getting Marriott and financiers international ones thanks to the one project is going to do it alone, interested is the Civic Center and presence of Caterpillar, said Bob but a lot of other hotels will want how modern and useful it is to all Marx, CEO of the Convention to come in because of the Mar- kinds of conventions. and Visitors Bureau. “It’s out riott brand. It will spur so much.” there and if we don’t do it, some- body else will,” he said.
ThePeorian.com 35 A new downtown that will promote urbanism. By Paul Gordon
This rendering shows how part of Washington Street in East Peoria will look after the new East Peoria Downtown project is completed. The new downtown will have mixed uses of retail, residential, commercial and government offices.
In this day and age one doesn’t most downtowns before urban Peoria when Caterpillar demol- find too many well-established flight and a preference for corn- ished the old factories in 1997 cities that decide to just go out field malls took hold. and practically gave the land to and build a whole new down- New urbanism is the trend the city with the understanding it town. now and East Peoria plans to would be reused for the good of Unless, of course, it doesn’t make the most of it, Mingus said. the community. already have one. “We hope someday this will be a A 2001 study on the reuse of “We’re a community without model for new urbanism. It’s part the property led to the Down- a downtown proper. It’s only fit- of the vision we’ve had for many town 2010 project. years; a vision that can only ting that we have one,” said Dave It still resembles that blank materialize when you have the Mingus, mayor of East Peoria. canvas when viewed from a funding to at least get it started. “That’s why we’re doing this.” distance, but roads in and out are We do, and things are happen- slowly starting to take shape and He was referring to the Down- ing,” he said. town 2010 project that will bring bridges over railroad tracks and a to an 86-acre plot of land – for- The funding he mentioned creek connecting the site to Camp merly home to Caterpillar Inc. is $26 million from the Illinois Street are nearing completion. By manufacturing plants – a mixed Department of Transportation the end of the year much of the use of government, commercial, to build roads and other infra- roadwork is expected to be com- retrial and even residential space structure to the site, which was pleted and by 2013, said Mingus, not unlike what used to be in basically a blank canvas for East much construction activity will
36 ThePeorian.com The Present be ongoing. “Some projects may The site plan that was chosen hurdle. Cullinan Properties was break ground yet this year,” he for Downtown 2010 came from key to getting them here, then said. “A lot was waiting for the Cullinan Properties Ltd., which (city attorney) Dennis Triggs and infrastructure because that’s what came in with experience in put- his staff put together the deal,” attracts business.” ting together large multi-use Mingus said. projects. Cullinan Properties de- A new Holiday Inn and a Mor- Even more key, Brimberry said, veloped The Shoppes and Grand ton Community Bank building was the day Bass Pro founder Prairie and the surrounding com- are committed to the site and a Johnny Morris came to East mercial and retail sites there. new Target Supercenter could be Peoria to meet with Mingus and among the first retail tenants. Mingus and Brimberry said other officials and to look at the Eventually a new City Hall Cullinan Properties were key to site. “Johnny Morris caught the – usually a focal point to any getting another big development vision the mayor was talking downtown – will be built and it to East Peoria – the new Bass Pro about and it came together from would connect to a new library Shops center on the East Peoria there,” he said. riverfront that is scheduled to and the Caterpillar Heritage “Everybody worked together open this month. It will be the Museum. to make them feel welcome. only Bass Pro store between That’s just the way we do things Mingus said the resemblance Chicago and St. Louis and is with economic development in to a mall or outdoor lifestyle expected to generate millions in East Peoria. We want to be as wel- center isn’t an accident. “We want revenues for the local economy. it to be pedestrian friendly,” he coming as we can,” Mingus said. “Bass Pro was a major bless- said. “We can visualize places for East Peoria has scored big ing. I mean, very few communi- people to gather, with fountains projects in recent memory and ties get them to even visit a site, and a farmer’s market. There has even seemed to best the “big so that alone was a significant will be millions and millions of dog” to the west, Peoria, on some dollars worth of development on that site and we want it to be good for the community as a whole, including in new jobs and See what’s playing for the economy.” It also will be as green as pos- sible. Much material in the new project will be recycled from the now-demolished factories, said City Administrator Tom Brim- berry. The city hopes the new downtown can be LEED (Leader- ship in Energy and Environmen- tal Design) certified, he said, with zoning overlays that will require such. The city, he added, was fortu- nate in that there was much in the way of environment challenges on the property despite the im- mediate past use was for heavy equipment manufacturing. There are a couple spots where mitiga- tion wasn’t possible and they will not be used for buildings. www.PeoriaCivicCenter.com
ThePeorian.com 37 This rendering depicts how the new East Peoria Public Library and Caterpillar Heritage Museum will appear after they are completed as part of the new East Peoria downtown project.
38 ThePeorian.com Sept_Oct_11_Layout 1 9/1/11 2:41 PM Pag
of those projects. The Par-A-Dice we have to talk about, what we Casino was among the first, and have to sell,” Ardis said. the Embassy Suites and Conven- The secret to East Peoria’s tion Center the most recent. successes, Brimberry said, has But Mingus downplayed any much to do with the diligence rivalry or competition. “We sup- the City Council employs when port the endeavors going on now determining what is good for the in Peoria and we believe they community. The calculations, support what we are doing. All he added, are usually based on of them will be big tourist and conservative estimates. “It has to convention draws and will work show there will be some payoff in to all our benefit. All the mayors the future,” he said. in the region support each other. Mingus said the current City There is nothing wrong with Council – himself and commis- wanting your town to be the best sioners Dan Decker, Tim Jeffers, it can be, but that doesn’t mean Gary Densberger and Chad Joos you don’t assist each other. We – is a confident group, thanks do,” he said. largely to the successes of their Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis agreed. predecessors. “We are confident “I think what is happening in we can make prudent develop- East Peoria is exciting for the ment decisions that will help the entire region. It makes the region community. That, in turn, is help- stronger,” he said. ing our citizens develop more “The days of Peoria being the confidence in the city,” he said. big dog are long gone. We are “Every deal we do we have Unlimited what we are. Peoria may still be to justify it to our constituents. the drive, but its nice that people That’s why economic develop- 3622 N. Knoxville, Peoria can have choices where to go ment alone isn’t the goal. The (309) 687-5000 throughout the region, whether goal is to improve and enhance its here, East Peoria, or in Pekin the quality of life for our resi- 618 W. Jackson, Morton or Washington or Morton. It’s the dents and to lower taxes through (309) 263-1400 ‘rising tide’ concept. We are the that development.” largest metropolitan region out- Each office indepenently side of Chicago and that’s what owned and operated.
ThePeorian.com 39 By Kevin Kizer The Caterpillar Heritage Center
In 2003, Caterpillar Inc. an- (ACMOC) offered their restored progress. Members of ACMOC nounced that a Caterpillar Heri- antique Cat machines for the are still planning on pledging tage Museum would be included exhibit – many of which were fea- their machines for the museum in the East Peoria downtown tured by Caterpillar at the recent once it is constructed. According development featuring antique CONEXPO event in Las Vegas. to Bridget M. Young, Caterpil- Caterpillar machines along with Now in 2011, those close to the lar Corporate Public Affairs, “As other historical elements repre- project say little has been done on we understand it, the Heritage senting Caterpillar’s past. Several the museum itself since the over- Museum project in on hold until members of the Antique Cater- all development has been slow to funding is secured.” pillar Machinery Owners Club
40 ThePeorian.com Retailer/restaurant/bowling alley expected to be a tourist draw
By Paul Gordon
Like with any good mall or and be able to shop, said spokes- enthusiasts 3½ football fields of shopping center, the newest big woman Katie Mitchell. shopping excitement with the draw in East Peoria will offer Celebrities, including pro area’s largest selection of equip- shoppers clothing, sporting gear, athletes, will be on hand on ment and clothing for various a restaurant, a bar and activities “autograph row” and Bass Pro’s outdoor activating, including that will include bowling and partners in conservation efforts in hunting, fishing and hiking. pool. the area will have booths to edu- There will also be a gift and Only this isn’t a mall or even cate the public on those efforts. nature center. a shopping center, though at Springfield, Mo.-based Bass The East Peoria store also will 145,000 square feet it could prob- Pro Shops describes its store as have an expansive boat show- ably qualify as one. “a combination of museum, art room and boat service center. It’s Bass Pro Shops’ newest gallery, aquarium, outdoor edu- Officials said Bass Pro Shops outdoors superstore, about to cation, conservation and enter- attract hundreds of thousands of open on the East Peoria river- tainment. Each store is uniquely visitors each year. front near Riverfront Center. The themed to the region in which official grand opening event will they are located so that no two kick off Wednesday, Sept. 21 with stores are alike.” the “Evening for Conservation,” The company said the East when customers will get their Peoria store will offer outdoor first look at the finished store
ThePeorian.com 41 Real Estate
The real estate industry is Here’s how it works: A survey obscenities. The system also gives quickly changing in today’s mar- is sent via email to consumers the Realtor and service providers ketplace. It finds itself playing that asks for some basic demo- the ability to add any information catch up to third party websites graphic information and for them that might explain a concern or that allow consumers the op- to rate their real estate experi- negative situation. portunity to rate their experience ence. Using the click of a mouse Once completed, the results when buying or selling a home. and a “five star” rating system of the survey become a part of a (5 stars being the best), the home Various national websites like database and can be searched by buyer or seller can rate all aspects Zillow.com and RealEstateRat- brokers by date, address, agent, of the transaction including the ings.com have unveiled agent- agency or rating. They can also agent, lender, home inspector or rating tools that allows the public run a more comprehensive report other service providers. Consum- to both review their agent and showing trend charts indicating ers will answer simple questions search for agent ratings. all levels of agent and brokerage on demographics, competency, ratings. Capturing valuable consumer negotiation, communication, information in a fair and accurate market knowledge, client experi- The result is the ability for way is why a group of brokers, ence, and agent recommendation. agents and company owners to agents and staff at the Peoria In each category, there is also a track their clients experience and Area Association of Realtors® section for comment. At the end if necessary, refine procedures or designed an online customer- of the survey, consumers can give provide additional education to service survey as entry in the an overall impression of their assure the success of their client’s National Association of Realtors® experience, which takes only experience. Like any customer Game Changers Challenge. The minutes to complete. service report, good feedback can national association had asked validate good service. 1,500 local and state associations Unlike other national agent-rat- “As a broker, the surveys are to devise a new product, program ing websites, consumers receive a huge benefit to our company,” or service that could benefit Real- the survey immediately after said Michael Maloof, president of tors nationwide. their involvement in a transac- tion. The real estate agent and all Jim Maloof/Realtor. “The surveys From more than 200 submis- the service providers are auto- certainly help us in defining who sions, the Peoria initiative was matically populated in the sur- is doing a good job and where selected as one of 14 winners to vey. What really sets this survey we might need to make improve- receive full funding for the devel- apart from others on the web is ments.” opment of the customer-service that the feedback is verified and “project”, Rate Your Experience. monitored for unseemly copy or
42 ThePeorian.com + Lots of open space & - Realtor didn’t return calls. 1 wooded backyard. 1
- + Awesome yard! 1 Previous owner had pets. 1
For ever-increasing, web-savvy Realtors was called Rate Your Ex- As the survey process contin- consumers the survey website perience,” said PAAR Technology ues to progress and be promoted can be used as an online resource Coordinator Brian Carroll. “Our by the Peoria Area Association of tool. It’s an easy read to see what survey is posted on our ‘product’ Realtors, the goal is for the sur- other consumers are saying about website and we encourage the veys to become the most trusted their real estate experience and public to view survey results form of advertising on both sides can benefit any consumer in the Initially, the survey’s business of the fence. search for an agent, broker or ser- model was to aid and educate the “No one is better qualified to vice provider. Just as consumers Realtor and at the same time, give tell the story than the property have become proficient in using consumers a “voice” at the end buyer or seller,” said PAAR CEO travel, hotel and restaurant rating of a real estate transaction. The Dallas Hancock. “Through this websites, they can now consider National Association of Realtors® survey and new website, our real estate agents and related recognizes the huge potential of objective is to become the go-to service providers before buying this open source code system and place for accurate and honest or selling a property. has made it free-of-charge to all information regarding the real The Rate Your Experience of its members. estate experience.” Survey results were posted for Currently, nine real estate the first time as of Aug. 1 and can agencies in the Peoria area en- be viewed at: thusiastically endorse the project www.iusedaREALTOR.com. as well as a host of other associa- “For clarification, our ‘project’ tions across the country. for the National Association of
ThePeorian.com 43 The Future
Kelleher’s before renovations, circa 1988, and after JP Companies completed the renovation.
Corner of Water and State streets, circa 1988, and after renovations were complete to the building now known as Le Vieux Carre.
Washington Street as it appears today and how JP Companies plan to make the area look as the Warehouse District takes shape.
44 ThePeorian.com Drive down Washington Street tions, and the streetscape is … adorned by contemporary struc- now and it’s not a real pretty well, kind of ugly. With narrow tures that will house the new sight. North of the State Street in- and crumbling sidewalks and Peoria Riverfront Museum and tersection is currently dominated curbs and the lack of anything the Caterpillar Visitor’s Center. by construction of the Museum living – be it plant or human – is Washington Street near there will Square project; it’s hard to notice noticeable, even if you’re not be redone and landscaped. much of anything else heading looking for it. In the other direction Pat Sulli- that direction. It won’t be long, comparatively van’s dream of 20-plus years will South of the State Street in- speaking, before all that changes. begin to take shape. tersection there is one old brick Museum Square is just over building after, in varied condi- a year from completion, to be
ThePeorian.com 45 By Paul Gordon
What now is known as the new commercial tenants at the has been buying and renovat- Warehouse District is in line for a street level and residential ten- ing buildings in the Warehouse much-needed infusion of capital ants in condos, apartments and District since about 1988. That’s from state, federal and local lofts to be built on upper floors of when he and business partner resources, about $25 million total the old buildings. John Hunt bought the structure at that will be used to renovate the “People want this kind of ur- State and Water streets they reno- infrastructure in that area and ban development. This is a trend vated into commercial property – add a streetscape that city offi- that is already taking off in other housing Kelleher’s Irish Pub, the cials and developers like Sullivan cities and has been coming here Waterhouse and Rizzi’s On State and Kurt Huber and unknown for a long time. It’s just taken to name a few -- and 16 condos others – including several from Peoria a little time to get where it and apartments. Their property is out of state – believe will bring needs to be,” said Sullivan, who now called Le Vieux Carre.
46 ThePeorian.com The Future
“The demand has been there piece together the elements that There also is the monetary and for a long time. But we and other have drawn developers’ interest. legislative help being brought developers have been stymied by Those elements include not only by the city of Peoria; help that the lack of infrastructure. That’s the federal Tiger II grants that includes adopting the Warehouse what has kept us from doing supporters such as U.S. Secretary District Tax Increment Financ- more than we have to date,” said of Transportation (and Peorian) ing District that was essential to Sullivan, who with his wife lives Ray Lahood, U.S. Sen. Richard securing the federal and state in one of the condominiums in Le Durbin (D-Illinois) and U.S. Rep. money, said City Councilman Vieux Carre. “It’s been frustrat- Aaron Schock (R-Peoria) helped Ryan Spain, who has been head- ing, but I never once thought of secure, the state funds State ing the city’s involvement in the giving up on getting this done. Rep. David Lietch (R-Peoria) Warehouse District. When you think about it, we are and State Sen. David Koehler “One of the first big things doing nothing more than what (D-Peoria) brought about. There I said I wanted to do when I our grandfathers did, bringing in are others elements, such as tax was elected to the council (in new commercial and living in the credits available to developers 2007) was to get that TIF passed apartments above it.” who rehabilitate old buildings for because I knew it was necessary which State Rep. Jehan Gordon Sullivan is quick to credit if we were going to move this (D-Peoria) was instrumental in those government leaders who project forward,” Spain said. have helped in recent years to securing.
ThePeorian.com 47 The city, Spain said, wants – young couples who rent apart- The goal, Spain added, is to “to get people to remember the ments there so they are close to add 200 residential units each downtowns of the past, when it downtown nightlife and activities year for the next 10 years – pretty was populated by small mom- before they start having families ambitious considering there are and-pop stores, and to get the and move to the suburbs, and only about 200 residential units downtown residential population empty-nest older couples who total downtown now. But he up. It’s mostly a daytime popula- aren’t ready to retire and can af- cited three studies done in the tion now, but it could be much ford downtown condos. past five years, the last just this more.” “We want to create the right past spring, Spain said he agreed with the kind of urban environment for that said there will be enough vision of Sullivan and Hunt, that everybody. We think there can be demand for 2,000 such units in 10 the Warehouse District could something for everybody,” he said. years. represent the lifespans of couples
48 ThePeorian.com Mayor Jim Ardis said another One of the requirements of things already done in the down- key to the district’s success will be the federal money granted to the town area in the past few years, mixed uses, including the commer- project is that construction begin like the Civic Center expansion cial aspects of downtown. “There by July next year. Sullivan, who and the baseball stadium, we aren’t too many communities that with Hunt also has renovated can build on what we’ve got and are going to have a Caterpillar most of the former Sealtest build- make it really special,” he said. world headquarters a matter of ing on Washington Street. He is blocks from a residential area or the as confident as he’s ever been it kind of medical facilities that will will happen. “How can it miss? be within walking distance. But we The infrastructure will get done, will also need to get retail to move which will be the catalyst for the in there. I think we will because project. Now with the museum retail follow residential,” he said. and Cat center and with other
Pat Sullivan, a partner in JP Companies Riverfront Developers, uses his arm to indicate the area known as The Warehouse Disctrict. He and his partner John Hunt and other developers plan to renovate the buildings and streetscapes of the district to bring more business and residents to the area. Sullivan is shown while standing on the roof of Le Vieux Carre at the corner of State and Water streets, the first building redeveloped in the distritct.
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ThePeorian.com 49 Morton downtown development moving forward with input from residents, businesses
By Paul Gordon
When Morton officials asked The village, in a project it – things like figuring out costs, residents their thoughts about called Your Downtown Morton, where the money will come from their community a few years, one showed conceptual plans drawn and who will be responsible for thing stood out: They wanted a by Chicago-based Houseal Lavi- what. “All the fun stuff is yet to nicer downtown area. gne Associates to citizens earlier come,” Daly said. in the summer, then surveyed Those officials listened then Because there is so much left them about what elements of and they are listening now, to do, she added, there is no time those plans they liked, disliked formulating plans for new de- frame for completion yet, though or wanted to see tweaked here or velopment downtown that will she hopes much of the final plan there. include much input again from will be implemented within five the residents, said Jennifer Daly, From those survey results years. “Some of the elements CEO of the Morton Chamber of planners will narrow the choices, will depend heavily on what the Commerce/Economic Develop- make some changes and present private sector is willing to do,” ment Council. them to village officials before the she said. real nitty-gritty planning begins
50 ThePeorian.com The Future
Tentative redevelopment plans call for residential units along Plum Avenue between Adams and Jefferson streets, and a commercial office structure and residential buildings at Main and Washington streets.
ThePeorian.com 51 Part of the project also called for a block to be devoted to a park-like setting, with a bandshell for entertainment, a water splashdown area and playground.
For example, one element in Daly said. “We’ve had input buy into because private sec- the conceptual plans would be a already, from the start when we tor funding will be necessary to mixed-used development, with a did the village comprehensive implement any plans. The Village building that houses commercial plan and people made it very Board believes in the importance companies, offices and retail, evident they wanted to improve of including the public in the surrounded by new residential and beautify the downtown area. planning, as well, she said. development such as townhouses That’s why we decided to include “It has really been exciting. and apartments. strong downtown development This is the first time Morton has component in the comprehensive The centerpiece in the concep- done something like this and plan.” tual plan is a public plaza that people are getting more and more would take up a full city block Houseal Lavigne, which was excited about the possibilities and include such elements as a hired by the village for $70,000 to that exist downtown,” Daly said. band shell, water-park type area do the conceptual plan, include and playground and a place for a input it received during meetings sculpture or memorial. It would with businesses and several focus be a public gathering place, like a groups, as well as research into park right in the heart of down- various concepts. town. Daly said the Chicago firm was “I really think the final plan told from the start that public will end up very similar to the input was important and that the initial concept, based on what concept needed to be something we’re hearing from the public,” that the private sector would
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ThePeorian.com 53 Exclusive to The Peorian
“Kizer: Party of Four” is the Peorian’s During the dinner, we will be In addition, we’ll tease the restaurant take on restaurant reviews. Kevin recording the discussion of the preview in the upcoming edition Kizer, a columnist for The Peorian, diners, catch the ambience of your of the Peorian in hopes that our and three other diners will visit local restaurant, and of course, show your readers will come see what a dining restaurants and, instead of ordering fine culinary creations in all their experience at your restaurant is all off the menu, will ask each chef to glory. We will also shoot behind the about! put together a three-course menu for scenes footage of each chef and Only one restaurant will be featured the diners. crew preparing the meals, allowing in each edition of the Peorian, with them to explain what they are The idea is to give your restaurant the video remaining on the website creating and why. the opportunity to put its best, most- until the next edition is published. creative foot forward. Along with The final edited review Hurry! Our culinary calendar is filling Kevin, there may be a unifying theme (approximately 20 minutes long) up. behind who the other diners are (e.g. will appear a few days later on the three local politicos or three Bradley Peorian website and Facebook page. professors) or they might just be three hungry friends.
54 ThePeorian.com Introducing the Inaugural
In April of 2012, the inaugural Peorian Of The Year award will be given to a person who is playing an important role in the present and future of the Peoria area. - Nominations will be accepted online at ThePeorian.com/award in November. - Finalists will be selected by The Peorian editorial board and announced online, in the magazine and on the TV show. - The winner will be announced at the annual Peorian Of The Year Gala held in April, which will feature a nationally prominent speaker as host. - A gift of $10,000 will be presented to a local registered not-for-profit organization chosen by the winner.
ThePeorian.com 55 “The value of something is only relative to the end user.”
By Paul Gordon
When my mother asked me to When I realized some of these a predisposed condition to set have some old tools appraised, I may have been used by Grandpa a value, such as some still in couldn’t imagine what tools she when he was on the crew that its original packaging is going meant. Tools I used as a kid, that built the George Rogers Clark to be worth a certain amount my dad used as a kid? Memorial in my hometown of compared with something that’s Actually, these tools originally Vincennes, Ind., in the early been used. Then, you get into belonged to my grandfather, 1930s, I got more excited. market value and replacement Rudolph Gordon, and were They might actually be worth value or resale value. something. sitting in a dilapidated old “Retail value, then, is what wooden box in my mom’s shed. Turns out I had the perfect a person should expect to pay Dirty, with some rusting and opportunity to find out. That’s for something in a competitive pieces missing, I couldn’t imagine because Dan Philips, former market,” he said. they’d be worth much. owner of the Illinois Antique Philips started in the business Center, has agreed to do a blog There was an a hand drill, as a collector, then he and Kim for us on our website, www. the kind with a wheel-like piece opened the Illinois Antique thepeorian.com, called “What’s you turned to make a bit bore Center in downtown Peoria My Stuff Worth?” In that blog, into wood, and a tool I learned in 1986. In the 25 years they Dan will consider pieces of was called a brace-and-bit, also operated the center, he said, they furniture, tools and various a drill but one you could brace sold more than $25 million worth other objects and try to answer if against your body and turn the of items for people. bit, giving it more force to bore they have any value beyond the “From dinosaur poop to into wood. sentimental variety. kitchen cupboards, we sold “When it comes to antiques There also was a Phillips it here,” he said. “A lot of the and collectibles, condition is screwdriver with a wood handle things, as you can imagine, were everything,” said Philips, who and a small oil can, the type you items passed down through with his wife Kim recently closed pushed with your thumb on the families. In those cases, a lot of the Illinois Antique Center and bottom to force drops of oil out of times, the sentimental value is now does estate sales. “With the long, slender spout. much higher than the retail value. some things you can get into
56 ThePeorian.com “The value of something is one generation was right and the be such my Mom would never only relative to the end user.” other is wrong; it’s just different. have to worry about her Social Philips said typical questions “What people collect today is a Security again. he gets from people who want reflection of their lifestyle. Money I didn’t have much hope for something appraised includes now goes to what people find the others, particularly that little whether they should clean the more important to their lifestyles, oil can. It was cute, but really item, or perhaps paint it or such as electronics, than to the not worth much. Even I could try and restore it. Usually, he value of old items. That means tell that and God knows I’m no answers that they should not do the value of old items is less than expert. anything to the item, at least not it used to be,” he said. Dan looked over the items, before it gets appraised. Philips said he doesn’t want to commented on each and “As soon as you do, you may burst any bubbles before people pointed out flaws. It turns out have lost half of your potential even try, though. That’s why only the brace-and-bit was old customer base,” he said, he agreed to be the author of enough to have been part of the explaining collectors most often “What My Stuff Worth?” He said George Rogers Clark Memorial prefer to acquire items in their people can write to him at www. construction and even then, it as-is condition and if they want thepeorian.com with detailed was doubtful. to clean them it their choice. descriptions of the item and can The most valuable piece I Items that look as old as they email him digital photos, if they brought in? The oil can, worth really are often have more value would like. $5 maybe. “People collect those to collectors that are old but look While he acknowledges he will things,” he said. newer, he added. likely advise having an appraiser Mom, if it’s OK with you Another question he often actually see and touch an items I’ll just put these things on my fields is whether an item’s value – and he’d be willing to schedule own tool bench. Maybe one of will grow with time. “People ask appointments to do that – he will my grandsons will find them me if an items isn’t worth much try to give his best estimate. someday and get them appraised. now, when will it be or will it When I pulled my Grandpa’s ever be? That’s a good question tools from the bag I brought and one that is very tough to them in, I just knew Dan would answer. The newer generations exclaim that those old drills were Got old stuff? It may (or may not) be have a different set of values just what one of his clients was worth something. than we did or our parents and looking for to complete his own Email [email protected] if you grandparents did. I’m not saying set and that the value would think you have something of worth.
ThePeorian.com 57 Ask a Question?
Yep, that’s an island they’re building. By Paul Gordon
Island project aims to protect fish habitats; sediment mitigation will be part of another phase.
Crossing the McClugage others are being built to deepen issue. And, of course, the islands Bridge, particularly in the parts of Lower Peoria Lake themselves will eventually westbound lanes, it’s hard to miss away from the main navigation provide wildlife habitat the whitish bag-like things that channel. But the purpose of components themselves.” seem to be forming some sort of the dredging of the silt being The first island will be 21 acres, chain. used to form the islands is built with material dredged from to help save fish species that Now that there dirt surfacing 55 acres of river bottom. It will exist in the Illinois River before on the western-most part of the take the water depth in that 55 they are forever crowded out, chain and that grass appears to acres from 18 to 24 inches deep to said Marshall Plumley, project be growing, it is more obvious 8 to 12 feet deep, Plumley said. that what is under construction is manager for the U.S. Army Corps The other two islands being an island. Soon, perhaps within of Engineers, which is overseeing planned will be between Spindler a year, it will be complete and by the project. and Eastport marinas and each then two other new islands could “The fish species have few will be larger at about 55 acres; be under construction nearby in places to go, especially in the silt will come from more than 100 Lower Peoria Lake. winter except for the main acres to be dredged. More than a decade in the navigation channel. This project According to agreements making, this island – formally is helping to make space for fish between the Corps of Engineers known as the Peoria Riverfront habitats so they can survive,” and the state of Illinois, the state Upper Midsize Island – and the Plumley said. “That’s the core
58 ThePeorian.com will maintain the islands and vision to tackle that problem and Plumley said the Corps of waters around them once they we are doing a feasibility study Engineers sought public input on are completed. on it now that we hope to have the project before it got approval. The first island is being built ready for public comment within “We welcome public input. by Midwest Foundation Corp. a year,” he said. There has been a lot of study into of Tremont. It has taken longer The sediment problem has to ecosystem restoration and we than originally anticipated, do with how much sediment is believe this is the best method,” Plumley said, because the river coming into the river from creeks he said. got too high the last two springs and run-off. The island project Will the first island or either for dredging work. The river now underway won’t mitigate of the others be named? Plumley got high enough to cover the that, he said. “Congress has said he doesn’t know the answer containers. appropriated the money to study to that and added the Corps of Plumley pointed out that this the best way to do that, so there is Engineers hasn’t taken a position project is not intended to taking progress,” he said. on whether they should be care of the sediment problem There has been a recent protest named. that has taken the Illinois River lodged against the $25 million depths outside the main channel island project, which has its roots Do you have a question about Peoria from 20 feet or more to as little as in a 1998 Congressional directive you would like answered? 18 inches in the past century. The to study the Peoria Lakes and Email: [email protected] island project will help reduce the the sediment growth. A group sediment in lower Peoria Lake called River Rescue has started a but not the sediment coming into petition drive to stop the project. the river. “It takes a much larger
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CPL_Peorian Sept_Oct 2011.indd 1 8/1/2011 8:53:13 AM ThePeorian.com 59 Book Review
David Foster Wallace Masters Boredom By Kevin Kizer
“You order the data, shepherd Brown, Michael Pietsch, who “The Pale King” is set around it, direct its flow, lead it where was also the editor of “Infinite the IRS Regional Examination it’s needed, in the codified form Jest”. In his Editor’s Note, Pietsch Center in Peoria, Ill., in 1985 in which it’s apposite. You deal in states, “David set out to write a where certain IRS examiners facts, gentlemen, for which there novel about some of the hardest from around the country have has been a market since man first subjects in the world – sadness been summoned. There are also crept from the primeval slurry. It and boredom – and to make that new recruits coming onboard to is you – tell them that. Who ride, exploration nothing less than train as “wigglers”, a low-level man the walls, define the pie, dramatic, funny and deeply mov- job involving the cranking out serve…Gentlemen, you are called ing.” tax return reviews. One of these to account.” “The Pale King” takes on a recruits is someone named David - A substitute teacher in an Ad- subject that has been examined in Wallace from Philo, Ill., who vanced Tax class to his students varying degrees in recent years accidentally gets mistaken for from “The Pale King” – the movie “Office Space”, the a very special examiner – also named David Wallace, coming in A writer like David Foster British version of “The Office” and, most recently, in the novel from the Northeast REC. Right Wallace can’t be taken lightly. off the bat the REAL Wallace’s Not that anyone who has ever “And Then We Came To The End” by Joshua Ferris. But “The prolific capabilities as a writer read his work would think of are on display: the last sentence doing that. His attention to detail, Pale King” is above and beyond and almost incomparable to the of Chapter 2, which involves a supreme command of language, character trying to get from the massive back stories and digres- aforementioned examples. Wal- lace takes the subject to another Peoria airport to his apartment, sions almost overwhelm the read- is three pages long – which you er at times. His previous novel level (no surprise, really) by fo- cusing on what might be the most don’t even realize until you get to “Infinite Jest” had a massive the end and think, “Wait, where impact and firmly placed Wallace tediously bureaucratic profession – the professional accountant did that sentence start?”, and in the rarified air inhabited by start reading backwards and real- Pynchon and DeLillo. - in the most tediously bureau- cratic environment – the IRS. To ize “Holy shit, that sentence was What became “The Pale King” prepare for the novel, Wallace three pages long!” was in varying stages of comple- immersed himself in the world of Once the reader is taken inside tion at the time of Wallace’s accounting, even taking courses the Regional Examination Center suicide in September 2008 (for a on the subject and regularly grill- it becomes apparent that certain detailed back story, visit ThePeo- ing his accountant on various as- examiners are there because of rian.com). It was hardly complete pects of the tax code. And while what can only be described as at the time. The final novel was the book is about boredom, “The their “unique” skills – one is compiled by his editor at Little Pale King” itself is never boring. capable, when in deep
60 ThePeorian.com “The Pale King” By David Foster Wallace 548 pg. Little, Brown & Company $27.99
concentration, of hovering – get mentions. And Wallace even After the conclusion of the nov- literally, defying gravity – as takes on a rather easy target – the el, a few pages of Wallace’s notes he works. Another can sub- Cubs fan: on the various characters and consciously keep count of how “As baseball fans, real Peori- storylines are included to give many words are in a certain ans tend to be equally divided the reader an idea of just how conversation. Another is capable between the Cubs and the Cardi- much of a work in progress the of knowing obscure, random nals, though in this era the Cubs novel really was. Reading some details and data about people he fans tend to keep their partisan- of Wallace’s comments regarding has just met. The latter character ship more to themselves.” the book to his friends, one gets is in town to do intelligence work the sense he might never have for a mysterious boss figure – for Just as in “Infinite Jest” we are completed it. While he never some reason. Something big must faced with a myriad of characters. considered it complete, “The Pale be on the verge of happening. I hesitate to call it “Dickensian” King” certainly comes across as a But it’s not as if Wallace hints because I could be accused of complete Wallace novel and, like at it constantly throughout the hyperbole. So I won’t write that most things Wallace, is not to be novel. It’s just an undercurrent, a his range of characters reminds missed. sub-sub-text if you will. It’s also a me a bit of Dickens. Each charac- defense mechanism of those who ter gets his or her moment to tell are in an incredibly tedious envi- his or her story in one form or ronment. They see people having another. The writer himself (the meetings. They hear about bosses real REAL Wallace) even steps To see the latest literary article visit: and higher ups coming into forward to explain why he’s writ- town. There just HAS to be some- ing this “memoir” and to assure thing big coming. So they wait. us that even though it’s fiction, And work. it’s all true. Well played, Mr. Wal- lace. Well played, indeed. The city of Peoria, of course, is featured throughout the novel. The end of the book mirrors One character describes the city the reality it chronicles. It keeps upon arrival as being “remark- going. It keeps going with that ably flat” as if “stamped on with never-ending belief that some- some cosmic boot.” Bradley, the thing is about to happen. It HAS Journal Star, Zeller Mental Health to happen. And if we just wait http://www.thepeorian.com/literarea Center and Expo Gardens all around long enough...
ThePeorian.com 61 Student Story A Weird Wake-up Today was the strangest day of my whole life. When I woke up, it was raining inside my room! I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and the tooth paste was black! Everything was the opposite. First I put on my shoes and then my socks over them and I slid downstairs on a slide. When I got downstairs dad was cooking dinner. “Where’s mom?” I asked. “She’s at work.” That’s strange. Dinner in the morning? Mom at work? What’s next, my dog meowing? Well that’s just what happened. My dog came up to me and meowed. What a strange morning. When I went to school the backward day continued. Everybody was wearing pants on their head and shirts on their legs. During the Pledge of Allegiance the teacher turn the flag around and it was a Canadian flag. Auuuuuuggggghhh!!! I saluted the wrong flag!!!! When we went to lunch we had dog food for lunch. Yuck! I was starving for the rest of the day. Then it happened; I woke up in the middle of Chinese class. My Chinese teacher, Mr. Wishwash, scolded me. Wait a minute; I don’t have a Chinese class or teacher. Then all of a sudden Mr. Wishwash turned into an orange. POOF! Like that. “Here we go again,” I sighed. The End
Starting with this first edition, The Peoria will reprint original stories written by area students, from ages 5 on up, to showcase their talents and encourage them to keep writing. Student stories also will be printed on our website, www.ThePeorian.com, beginning next week. We encourage teachers and students to send us stories: [email protected]. Parental permission is required before we will reprint a story.
This month we feature a piece from Nathan Brose, a fourth-grade student at St. Vincent DePaul Elementary School.
62 ThePeorian.com Carol Urish GRI Broker Associate Accredited Home Stager
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64 ThePeorian.com Calendar Sept. 24 the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Oct. 9 Productions continue through Oct. A Night at the Casbah Tyler Perry play set for Civic 8, with matinees at 2 p.m. Oct. 1 and Center “A Night at the Casbah,” a Middle 2. Tickets are $17 each and can be Eastern Dance Hafla, will be ordered by calling 699-7469 or at “The Haves and The Have Nots,” presented at 7 p.m. by the Peoria tickets.eastlighttheatre.com. a play written by Tyler Perry, is Park District at the Franciscan scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Peoria Recreation Complex. Tickets may be Oct. 7 Civic Center Theater. Tickets on sale purchased at the door, $2 for adults now at Civic Center box office for Peoria Players present comedy and $1 for children 12 and under. For $42. The story follows the life of a more information, contact Linda Huff “Over the River and Through the wealthy family who has everything at 681-2861or visit www.peoriaparks. Woods,” a comedy written by Joe they need and most of what they org. DiPeitro, will be presented at Peoria want. The characters are often Players Theatre Oct. 7 and 8 and 13- preoccupied with superficial things Sept. 30 15 at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct. 9 and 16 at until they are forced to become 2 p.m. Directed by Liz Landes Reed involved with their housekeeper. Eastlight youth take on the it is a play about two sets of Italian When the poverty-stricken maid is Phantom grandparents and their grandson forced to ask for help, the family gets “Phantom of the Opera” will be Nicky. The underlying thread is family a chance to see how the other half presented by Eastlight Theatre’s and the questions and situations lives. While coming to the rescue of Youthlight in connection with East related to the generation gap. For the needy, it soon becomes painfully Peoria High School Drama, at 7:30 tickets call 688-4473 or go to www. clear, who is really in need of saving. p.m. at Eastlight Theatre. Directed by peoriaplayers.org Robin Hunt, it is the youth version of
ThePeorian.com 65 Calendar Oct. 12 Oct. 13 gathering of female voices, including a six-year-old girl, a septuagenarian Something “Wicked” this Neighborhood awards to be New Yorker, a woman who witnesses way comes presented the birth of her granddaughter, Wicked,” the smash Broadway hit The 15th Annual Neighborhood a Bosnian survivor of rape, and musical that tells the behind-the- Leadership Awards Banquet will a feminist workshop participant. scenes story of the two witches begin at 6 p.m. at Four Points by Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for of “Wizard of Oz” fame, begins its Sheraton, Downtown Peoria. students. 19-day, 24-show run at 7:30 p.m. in The theme of the banquet is the Peoria Civic Center Theatre. “Neighborhoods! Our Stars!” Peoria Oct. 29 Continues through Oct. 30. Show City Manager Patrick Urich will Women’s Lifestyle Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 12, 2 p.m. speak. and 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, 8 p.m. on The 2011 Women’s Lifestyle Show Oct. 14, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Oct. 15, Oct. 14 will be presented from 9 a.m. to 4 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. in Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Corn Stock winter season p.m. on Oct. 18-20, 8 p.m. on Oct. 21, Hall and meeting rooms. Tickets are opens 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Oct. 22, 1 p.m. $10 at the door. and 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. on Corn Stock Theatre’s Winter Oct.25-27, 8 p.m. on Oct. 28, 2 p.m. Playhouse season will open with the Casting Crowns concert set and 8 p.m. on Oct. 29 and 1 p.m. and Vagina Monologues, beginning at Casting Crowns, the Grammy Award 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 30. Tickets are $42, 7:30 p.m. and continuing Oct. 15 and winning contemporary Christian Rock $57, $87 and $127. 16 and Oct. 21 and 22. Directed by band, and special guest Sanctus Amy Wyckoff, it’s an award-winning Real, will perform at 7 p.m. in the “whirlwind tour of a forbidden zone” Peoria Civic Center Arena. Tickets that introduces a wildly divergent are $27 and $47.
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ThePeorian.com 67 Just like The Peorian, Arby’s is a part of Peoria’s past, present and future!
Our Oldest Location 3402 N. University St.
Our Present Locations 9015 N. Allen Rd. 3818 W. War Memorial Dr 1514 W. Hickory Grove Rd.
Our Future Location 4205 N. Sterling Ave.
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