Museum Block

Long time, no hear from museum group

9 Comments

It was November 17 when we last heard from the museum collaboration group. Jim Richerson announced a $1 million gift toward the IHSA Hall of Fame portion of the museum from Country Insurance. The Journal Star also had this quote:

“We’re still in the silent portion of our fund drive,” Richerson said. “What we’re hoping for is that gifts like the one from Country Insurance will now inspire others to come aboard.”

Hmmm, the “silent portion” of the fund drive? Readers may remember last fall Kathleen Woith of Lakeview Museum was answering some of our questions about the museum(“Museum Partners answer readers’ questions (Pt. 1)”). Did anyone notice there was never a “Part 2” to that post? That’s because I never received any further information from Ms. Woith, unfortunately. She said she was waiting to hear back from some other people on some of the questions, but then I never heard from her again.

In fairness, from reading the comments, it didn’t look like she was changing anyone’s mind about the museum, so perhaps she felt it wasn’t worth the time. As one commenter said, “some answers just beg more questions.” Still, I will try to follow up on the original unanswered questions and try to bring that series of posts to a resolution.

Museum Square

9 thoughts on “Long time, no hear from museum group”

  1. C.J. I think that we all know that it is only a matter of time before the “Museum Partners” come after the “Tax Payer Partners” for the rest of the money. As much as I am dedicated to the history of Peoria having a showcase, I am not in favor of the monstrosity that the “Museum Partners” have planned for us. I am wondering if they will decide to float some kind of referendum the same time that the Peoria Public Library plans theirs? That would be nice to see a potential bill for a combined 70 Million.

  2. With the exception of those who are directly linked to this “museum,” no one has ever truly supported this project [as is]. I am all for library expansion, but I don’t know “Charlie,” what is a paltry 70 million to a city that already has everything going for it?

  3. How would the “Museum Partners” go about taxing us anyway? Would it be a referendum or could they do it through a garbage tax?

  4. I already know this won’t be popular, but, build a Super Target (or equivelant) downntown that will generate tax dollars. I’m sure a developer is out there. Wal-Mart is just across the river. I realize that the Wal-Mart is not attractive on the EP side of the river, but, look at all of the development occuring around the Wal-Mart. Build condo’s, stores, movie theater, anything. How many Peorian’s shop at that Super Wal-Mart, and spend their tax-dollars over there.

    Put DENSE retail along with a smaller museum. Whatever it takes to get a some serious tax generating revenue along with some type of smaller museum. Enough of a museum to get CAT to build their visitor center. I understand that the visitor center will not proceed unless a museum is contructed.

    I realize Sears block was retail before, but, a “box” store will draw better than a Department store. The restraunts downtown will appreciate the traffic.

    Look at this Target in downtown Minneapolis:

    http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200110/09_hughesa_newtarget/images/target_big.jpg

    Plus if the city is serious about drawing people into the “LOFT” Warehouse district, these people will have to shop somewhere, and they’ll go to EP, or drive 15 minutes to get out to north Peoria.

    I don’t know what the right answer is, but, don’t put the Peoria Regional Monstrosity down there to fail and suck up tax dollars. Put something that people will want to visit.

  5. Central Bluff — that’s an excellent example of what form-based codes are all about. The biggest objection to the WalMart in East Peoria is not the use — discount store — but the form — big cinder block monstrosity with huge sea of parking. If a store like the one you linked to were built, I doubt anyone would have a problem with it. It looks urban, and it fits into an urban environment. I would have no problem with that kind of development, and that’s actually what the Heart of Peoria Plan envisioned in the first place: a mix of retail and residential private development. A Peoria History Museum could still be located there as well — it just doesn’t need the whole block.

  7. Charlie,
    If the museum cannot come up with the needed funds, something is going to have to fill the open space downtown. Taking up valuable space is only one of the problems critics have had with this project from the beginning. Of course, who listens to the critics?

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