Planet Planning

Congratulations to WTVP-TV who was selected to participate in the Blueprint America: Livability & Sustainability Outreach initiative, one of just 10 television stations in the country to receive a $10,000 grant. The station will air a half-hour documentary this fall that will define sustainability, focusing on high-speed rail coming to Normal, a proposed hydroelectric project in Quincy, how city regulations can help control urban sprawl in Peoria, and a "green" high school in Cuba, Illinois. The project will also involve an outreach component on wtvp.org, and educational elements through the Sun Foundation and the Central Illinois Green Expo at Illinois Central College this fall.

Publisher's Note
Reshaping the Region
by Jan Wright, Publisher
We’re in the midst of a remarkable transformation, one that will reshape the region for decades to come.

Area Development: A Snapshot

by Jonathan Wright

In the city that houses the headquarters of the world’s largest maker of construction equipment, nearly $2 billion in capital projects are ongoing, have been completed in recent years, or are currently in the planning stages.

SynergiCity

Exploring the Potential of the Warehouse District

by Ray Lees

PSA Dewberry

Several graduate students from the University of Illinois School of Architecture recently showcased an intriguing mix of ideas for creating a vibrant warehouse district in downtown Peoria.

Developing a More Sustainable Peoria

by Edward J. Barry, Jr.

Farnsworth Group

In Peoria, three recent developments, in three very different parts of the city, offer three very unique responses to the need to be greener.

Where Did Those Buildings Come From?

by Jim Bateman

Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation

Landmarking per se does not automatically save buildings. What it does is buy time to find a way to execute an appropriate adaptive reuse.

Position Your Project For Quick Municipal Approval

Recommendations for Applicants Entering the Plan and Zoning Process

by Craig Hullinger and Chuck Eckenstahler

It is inevitable that proposed new development will meet stiff opposition in the approval process.

Sunnyland Plaza Positioned to Thrive

by Jon Oliphant

City of Washington

The City is very encouraged at the prospect of having the Plaza returned to local ownership. Paskert and his associates have solid experience in successfully marketing and managing commercial properties.

Regional Development Thrives on Collaboration

by Vickie Clark

Economic Development Council for Central Illinois

Collaboration is key to the strength of this region. At EDC, we see firsthand the value of both the public sector and private businesses working together.

Peoria Public Library Buildings Take Shape

by Mike McKenzie

Peoria Public Library

After nearly 40 years with no changes to its buildings, the Peoria Public Library has become a beehive of building activity in every section of town.

A New Neighborhood in North Peoria

by Michael Smothers

Cullinan Properties, Ltd.

As their children sleep an extra hour on the last Saturday in August before classes begin, a young couple plans their day’s activities. Their car would never move.

A Changing Economy and Its Effect on Commercial Real Estate

by Jim Grube

Re/Max Commercial

While we continue to struggle with high vacancy rates and an abundance of warehouse space, retail, multi-family and medical office markets remain steady.

Local Campuses Under Construction

by Amy Chovan and Cheryl M. Fliege

Construction and redevelopment projects continue at various sites at Bradley University and Illinois Central College.

A Three-Pronged Tax Strategy for Building Owners

by Mark Colvin

Clifton Gunderson LLP

For building owners, saving taxes in 2010 may be as easy as 1-2-3.

Patience Pays Off

Tying It All Together in East Peoria

by Michael Smothers

Cullinan Properties Ltd.

Benjamin Franklin, one of this country’s civic improvement pioneers and an architect of the nation itself, wrote for his Poor Richard’s Almanack, “He that can have patience can have what he will.”

Developers Are Stepping Up

by Jim McConoughey, Heartland Partnership

We know that great people are doing great things in the region, but when you take a step back and really look at what is happening, it’s pretty amazing.

Implementing Low Impact Development in Central Illinois

by Nick Hayward

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission

The United States EPA studied different LID sites across the nation and determined that the cost of LID is often less than the cost of conventional development.

Impact of the New Cancer Research Facility at the College of Medicine

by Dr. Sara Rusch, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria

This summer, we will break ground on the new Cancer Research Facility, adding about 20,000 square feet of research laboratory space.

Revitalized Building to Become a Local Fixture

by Scott Rogers

The newly revamped center will function both as a school focused upon improving the lives of those with special needs and a commercial entity geared towards revitalizing the Sheridan Triangle area.

What’s a TIF District, and Why Should I Care?

by Michael Fricke

Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP

TIF districts seem to be in the news on a daily basis, yet very seldom do you get the full story of how a TIF works and what benefits a city derives from it.

Congratulations: You’re Our Newest Plan Commissioner…

So Now What Do You Do?

by Charles Eckenstahler and Craig Hullinger

Serving on a plan commission is not easy, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a person’s life.

Planet Planning

Blueprint America

The Transformation Of DOT Under LaHood

Looking For Work

Economic Development Video - Peoria, Illinois

Excellent Articles in Peoria Magazines

Development

Richard C. Longworth on Peoria

Richard C. Longworth had some nice things to say about Peoria in the Midwsterner.

Peoria Metro Economic Development