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15. Judge Jacob Gale House
403 N. E. Madison
This is the oldest standing house
in Downtown Peoria. It was built
in 1842 in the Greek Revival style
by Judge Jacob Gale, a prominent
pioneer attorney in early Peoria.
Gale was elected to be the 4th
mayor of the city in 1848, and then
again during the Civil War in 1864.
Walk down Jefferson and turn left
onto Hamilton Boulevard. On Adams
Street to your left is…
16. Packard Automobile Agency
(Packard Plaza)
211 N. E. Madison
The Packard Plaza was designed
by Frederick Klein in 1927 in an
Italian Renaissance style as can
be seen in the three-story arched
terra cotta windows. The building
is quite unique because the first
floor housed a Packard Automobile
dealership, the second floor was a
bowling alley and the third floor
was the concession area with
balconies that overlooked the
bowling alley.
Atop the building was an open-
air rooftop bar and garden where
music would play far into the night.
Proceed down Hamilton Boulevard.
to the riverfront to…
17. Gateway Building
211 N. E. Madison
This building was constructed
in 1997 to serve as the focal point
to a reenergized Peoria riverfront
park. Hanging in the welcome arch
is “Recognition Moon” by Peoria
sculptor Bob Emser. It is one of
many sculpture art pieces that
make a peaceful river walk up and
down the park.
Look for Part III of our tour in the next
issue of The Peorian.
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