Peoria County Courthouse Plaza Renovations Are Beginning

Extensive renovations are set to transform the Peoria County Courthouse plaza this summer. With construction now officially underway, the $6.76 million project marks a significant investment in revitalizing the area surrounding the historic building. Led by CORE Construction Services of Illinois, Inc., the project is being funded through a mix of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and Peoria County Capital Projects Fund allocations.

Construction Scope and Project Components

The renovation encompasses a wide range of upgrades that will not only enhance the functionality of the plaza but also its visual appeal and safety. The planned improvements include:

• Installation of new permeable pavers that help manage stormwater by allowing it to seep into the ground rather than running off.

• Construction of two new water features, including a splash pad-style fountain adorned with a cast bronze bison and a black granite waterfall.

• Programmable LED lighting across the plaza and additional lighting upgrades along Jefferson Avenue for improved visibility and aesthetics.

• Electrical and irrigation system upgrades to support the plaza's infrastructure and landscaping.

• Installation of vehicle protection bollards to enhance pedestrian safety.

• Addition of benches and picnic tables to improve comfort and usability for the public.

• New landscaping features to refresh the green space and surrounding environment.

Inscribed on the black granite waterfall will be quotes from President Abraham Lincoln’s 1854 speech in Peoria, and the structure itself will double as a seating area when the water is off. This artistic and functional element will serve as a visual centerpiece of the new plaza.

Memorials and Access Changes

During construction, several changes will affect accessibility and movement around the site:

• The World War I and II Memorials and the Final Salute Memorial will be temporarily inaccessible due to the work zone.

• Fencing will be installed around the plaza to create a secure construction area.

• Metered parking around the courthouse will be bagged and unavailable. However, three unmetered handicap parking spots on Main, Hamilton, and Jefferson Streets will remain open unless temporarily blocked by construction activity or deliveries.

• The public entrance on Northeast Jefferson Avenue will remain open throughout the renovation.

Drivers are reminded to avoid bagged parking meters marked with “No Parking” signs and to look for unbagged meters for on-street parking.

Workers and Trades Involved

The scale and complexity of the Peoria County Courthouse plaza renovation will require a diverse group of skilled trades and construction professionals. Key workers expected to be involved in the project include:

• Masons and stoneworkers for the waterfall feature and plaza hardscape.

• General laborers for demolition, site preparation, and landscaping.

• Electricians to install new LED and infrastructure lighting.

• Plumbers and irrigation specialists for the fountain systems and underground irrigation lines.

• Concrete and paver installation crews for resurfacing and pedestrian pathways.

• Landscape crews for tree, shrub, and turf installation.

• Heavy equipment operators for excavation and site grading.

• Project managers and site supervisors to coordinate subcontractors and ensure timely delivery.

• Accessibility compliance specialists to verify the updated plaza meets ADA standards.

Timeline and Future Plans

WCBU News reports that the project is scheduled for completion by late September 2025, aligning with Peoria County’s bicentennial celebration. Peoria County officials view the overhaul as a shift away from ongoing “frequent, reactive repairs” to a more sustainable approach centered on “predictable, preventative maintenance.”

In addition to the plaza renovations, tuckpointing work around the courthouse building and intersection updates by Peoria Public Works will occur simultaneously, enhancing the structure’s exterior and the surrounding streetscape.

Design and Construction Partners

• CORE Construction Services of Illinois, Inc. is leading construction efforts and is based in Peoria and Lisle.

• TerraCon Design is managing the design of the plaza and its new features.

A Transformational Upgrade

Once completed, the new Peoria County Courthouse plaza will offer a vibrant, safe, and inviting public space that honors the site’s historic significance while accommodating modern needs. From new seating and fountains to upgraded infrastructure and artistic elements, this investment aims to enhance the downtown experience for residents, visitors, and courthouse personnel alike.