Peoria Standard

City of Peoria Downtown Advisory Commission met April 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

A regular meeting of the Downtown Advisory Commission was held on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. in the second floor community room of the Dozer Park, 730 SW Jefferson, Peoria, IL 61602, with Chairman Mark Misselhorn presiding and with proper notice having been given.

Roll Call

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.

Roll Call confirmed the following Commissioners physically present: Mark Misselhorn, Becky Frye, Ray Lees, Kip Strasma, Katy Shackelford, Jon Jenkins, Allison Daly, John Gibson (8).

Absent: Adam Hamilton (1).

City Council Present: Sid Ruckriegel

City Staff Present: Chris Setti

Minutes

Commissioner Strasma motioned for approval of the minutes of the regular Downtown Advisory Commission (DAC) meeting held on February 9, 2016 as printed; seconded by Commissioner Gibson. The motion was approved unanimously.

Welcome And Introduction

Rocky Vonachen, president of the Peoria Chiefs, welcomed the Commissioners and guests to Dozer Park. He said that their season started April 2 and they were looking forward to an exciting summer. He expressed satisfaction with all the new activity happening around the stadium, such as the new coffee shop across the street.

Project Update On Persimmon Lofts

Trevor Holmes discussed the progress being made on Persimmon Lofts at 1028 SW Adams. He described the development as 43 residential units and one commercial space. He’s had success in leasing; only one 1-bedroom unit and 15 studios are left. He said that he’s had a great deal of interest from medical students. The commercial space has been leased to Escape Room. Mr. Holmes stated that the tax credits were essential to the project being developed.

Mr. Holmes also announced a project to renovate 800 SW Washington. The plan is to create 20,000 square feet of office space plus 32 residential units. He said that the commercial space was leased and hoped to be under construction this summer. He said he will pursue the residential portion once the state historic tax credits are extended.

Business Opening – CxT Roasting

Tristan Popadivk is the owner of CxT Roasting, a coffee house and gift shop that has opened at 309B Main Street. He stated that it was a family run business that grew from his personal hobby of roasting beans at home. Beans are roasted on the premise at CxT and they sell brewed coffee and beans, as well as gifts, candles, cards, etc.

Business Opening – Rambler

Jon Walker, owner and developer of 803-805 SW Adams, discussed his new tenant. Rambler is a men’s boutique that sells clothing, personal items and other items. The owners also own and operate Random, a women’s boutique, in Junction City. The business opened April 11.

Discussion With New Ceo Of Peoria Riverfront Museum

Chairman Misselhorn introduced John Morris, the new CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Mr. Morris started in the position on April 10. He likened the museum to a private organization in a public house. He reported that of the 43,000 people who visited the “Titanic” exhibition, 70% were from outside the area. He stated that the goal of the museum was to create a learning environment. Mr. Morris asked the Commissioners how the museum could help improve downtown. Chairman Misselhorn suggested that a continual promotion of the arts would be key. Commissioner Shackelford advocated for multiple activities for patrons and guests and described the museum as “Peoria’s living room.”

Update on Water’s Edge Park

Chairman Misselhorn reported briefly that all property had been secured. A survey was being conducted to help with design.

New Business

Commissioner Daly introduced Grace Elisco as the Bradley student liaison to the Commission.

Chairman Misselhorn asked Assistant City Manager to work on a “census” of downtown Peoria residents.

Commissioner Strasma announce that Sculpture Walk’s public opening was June 3 from 10 am – 12 pm.

Councilman Sid Ruckriegel announced the rededication of the Holocaust Memorial at the Peoria Riverfront Museum on April 23.

Communications Specialist Stacy Peterson discussed the City’s recent victory in ELGL’s Most Beautiful City Hall competition. She also discussed the reformulated Litter Committee. The committee is organizing a Monday (noon) pickup of downtown as well as an effort to get citizens to pick up one piece of litter a day. They will also be organizing an adopt-a-block program.

Public Comment

Sharon Gramm of the Peoria Riverfront Association invited people to a preview of the Marquette Apartments on April 26.

Doug Leunig stated his support for Mr. Morris’ challenge of making Peoria the Midwest center for the arts.

Adjournment

The Downtown Advisory Commission Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:15 pm.

http://www.peoriagov.org/content/uploads/2017/01/DAC-April-2017-Minutes_1499956823_add.pdf