EAST PEORIA, Ill. – It’s still going to be built, and East Peoria Mayor John Kahl admits he’s said that in each of the last couple years.
But, Kahl says a four-story, 226 unit apartment complex called “50 Blutowne” could break ground this year.
“It’s four stories that includes about 10,000 square feet of commercial space, and it will have 226…market-rate top-end apartments,” said Kahl. “And that complex will have a lot of five-star amenities.”
Kahl says it’s still a $60 million project to be built west of City Hall, and near the roundabout, and dirt could turn as soon as April.
Part of the delay, Kahl says, is because of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
As for a second apartment project, called “Riverview Lofts” that will be located next to the former Granite City restaurant…
“We’re super-excited about that,” said Kahl. “That’s about another 140, 142 apartments. They’re due to scrape ground this year as well.”
He’s been asked not to say much, but Kahl thinks the area around a certain large retail area in East Peoria could start to see more development later this year.
“We have entered a development agreement with the developer that has a completely out-of-the-box, nothing like it around here, ‘family entertainment’ is what they asked us to call it for now, development coming down next to Bass Pro,” said Kahl.
Kahl says the development could be the first of many such facilities across the country. Water mains are currently being installed for the work.
More details about that work could come in May.