Latest news with #TyLivingston
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
East Peoria approves Center Street Crossing development
EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A major East Peoria development will bring condos, restaurants and live outdoor entertainment to the Levee District in the next few years. East Peoria City Council on Tuesday approved the third amendment to the Levee District Overlay plan, which includes Center Street Crossing, a mixed-used development that will extend from behind Costco, past CEFCU, ending near East Peoria City Hall. 'We're looking for more entertainment options. We have some of those great events already at the Levee District. This offers a lot more flexibility,' said Ty Livingston, the city's director of planning and community development. Certain businesses won't be allowed at Center Street Crossing. This includes smoke shops, cannabis dispensaries, auto shops and light industrial uses. There are also specific rules for landscaping, down to the trees and plants allowed. 'There's uses we don't feel are complementary to the environment that have been created down here in the levee district. And so they're typically seen as detractors or maybe not as complementary to the overall retail and restaurant environment that we have here,' explained Livingston. The approval of the new development comes as the 219-unit apartment complex Blutowne is set to open this summer. 'We're just incredibly excited because it's not dipping a toe in the water. It's a statement that this is a very significant development that's going to be make a big splash,' said Livingston. The Levee District Overlay Plan also includes approval of 15-foot sidewalks to accommodate more outdoor dining and even beer gardens at the Levee District. East Peoria City Council also approved a $538,000 bid from Aupperle Construction for the new splashpad at Levee Park. It's the same developer behind splashpads in Peoria and Chillicothe. Livingston said it could open as soon as August. Livingston said its amazing to see the Levee District continue to grow and expand. 'It's very exciting. I love to show people, if you take a look at Google Maps and you look at the Street View back in 2007 over here by the library and the change, the transformation that's occurring here, we've had such great leadership over the years and to be able to see this come to fruition has been very exciting,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
East Peoria takes next step toward construction of splash pad at Levee Park
The City of East Peoria and the East Peoria Community Foundation have purchased the equipment for a splash pad at Levee Park, and the East Peoria City Council approved a bid for its installation during Tuesday's meeting. East Peoria director of planning and development Ty Livingston said the city received two bids to install the splash pad, the coordinated lighting and additional seating. Illinois Civil Contractors, Inc. submitted a $523,785 bid. Aupperle Construction bid $538,777. Project engineer Robert Culp of the firm Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental said the company recommended Aupperle's slightly higher bid after discussions with city officials and the Community Foundation. 'Aupperle Construction included in their bid documents both a list of subcontractors and their qualifications pertaining to prior experience constructing Vortex splash pads,' Culp said in his report to the council. "Illinois Civil Contractors, Inc. did not include a list of subcontractors and did not include their qualifications indicating their prior experience.' Levee District: Levee District in East Peoria evolved from 'vacant brown space' to thriving destination The Community Foundation Board unanimously voted to recommend the approval of the bid from Aupperle Construction at their April meeting, according to Livingston. 'The East Peoria Community Foundation sought an experienced splashpad contractor who offered the ability to coordinate additional disciplines (including) electrical and plumbing for this project,' he added. The council unanimously approved the resolution on its first reading. It will be laid on the table for public inspection for no less than one week. Livingston indicated that installation of the splash pad, lighting, and seating can move forward this summer. The project marks the final stage of a three-phase development plan for the new park. Phase One included a reading garden that was dedicated in 2018 and features landscaping, seating, a paved path, and a Little Free Library drop box for books. Phase Two included the construction of a large multi-purpose plaza, a community stage, restrooms, and the installation of utilities. Phase Three projects also include an amphitheater with terraced seating. According to the East Peoria Community Foundation, the total cost of the Levee Park development was $3 million, with the last phase projected to cost approximately $1 million. The foundation is funding the project entirely through grants and donations. Levee Park is located at 401 W. Washington Street, East Peoria. This article originally appeared on Journal Star: East Peoria Council approves installation bid for Levee Park splash pad
