Chicago Construction News staff writer
Extensive construction activity is transforming the Peoria County Courthouse and its surrounding plaza this summer, marking one of the largest renovation projects in recent years. CORE Construction Services of Illinois, Inc., with offices in Peoria and Lisle, has officially commenced work on a $6.76 million overhaul of the historic courthouse plaza.
The design is being led by TerraCon Design, with funding provided through a combination of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and Peoria County Capital Projects Fund allocations, bringing the total project investment to $7.1 million.
The renovation aims to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the courthouse grounds, delivering improvements that will benefit residents and visitors alike. Central to the project is the installation of permeable pavers to better manage stormwater runoff and two new water features—a splash pad-style fountain featuring a cast bronze bison sculpture and a black granite waterfall engraved with quotes from President Abraham Lincoln’s 1854 speech in Peoria. The waterfall structure also serves as informal seating when the water is turned off.
Lighting upgrades include programmable LED fixtures illuminating the plaza and Jefferson Avenue, while electrical and irrigation systems are being modernized to support the new landscaping and water features. The renovation will also add vehicle protection bollards, new benches, picnic tables, and refreshed plantings to create a welcoming, safe public space.
The multi-disciplinary project engages masons, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, and heavy equipment operators under close project management to ensure scheduling, safety, and ADA compliance standards are met.
This comprehensive renovation is slated for completion by late September 2025, coinciding with Peoria County’s bicentennial celebrations. County officials highlight this project as a shift from reactive maintenance toward a proactive, sustainable approach to preserving the courthouse and its iconic plaza.
In addition to the plaza overhaul, Peoria Public Works is conducting related upgrades, including converting several intersections from one-way to two-way traffic flow and tuckpointing around the courthouse building itself, further enhancing the functionality and appearance of the civic center.
