Your Downtown Morton

When Morton officials asked residents their thoughts about their community a few years, one thing stood out: They wanted a nicer downtown area.

Those officials listened then and they are listening now, formulating plans for new development downtown that will include much input again from the residents, said Jennifer Daly, CEO of the Morton Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Council.

The village, in a project it called...

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The Warehouse District

What now is known as the Warehouse District is in line for a much-needed infusion of capital from state, federal and local resources, about $25 million total that will be used to renovate the infrastructure in that area and add a streetscape that city officials and developers like Sullivan and Kurt Huber and unknown others – including several from out of state – believe will bring new commercial tenants at the street level and residential...

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Museum Square

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 culmination of a dozen years of planning, sweating, fundraising and construction that was often infused with doubt and skepticism. Read more...

Moving the Ball Forward

Changes in downtowns and along both riverfronts signal new attitudes among leaders, residents.

Would the Peoria region pass the grandmother test? In other words, is it a place you would be proud to bring your grandmother?

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...

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