City of Peoria

Demolition laws are used in some municipalities, regardless of adopted historic preservation ordinances, to prevent the demolition of existing buildings without a thorough review. The focus of the ordinance is demolition and may not be directly tied to Historic Preservation Ordinances, so design control is limited. To establish a legal foundation for this type of ordinance, Demolition Ordinances should be based on historic preservation criteria, which is similar to what would be required with a Local Historic District designation.

Identity marketing or “branding” for at least a portion of the study area would focus on the concept of an “Old Peoria Distillery District” that celebrates the unique industrial and architectural heritage of the area. The Distillery District would include at least one large anchor distillery/restaurant and would also draw on the themes of the pre-Prohibition and Prohibition-era to create a sense of time and place.

Target markets for the Warehouse District that should be addressed include developers, businesses, potential residents, the local & regional destination market base, and the tourism market base

If created, the Downtown Development Organization should be the central source of information, guidance and assistance to owners and developers who are interested in development incentives. A digital and print booklet should be created that lists the incentives available in the Warehouse District and provides instructions on how to qualify.