* I think this could be a boon for Peoria…

Development of the Dee Hengst Amphitheater along the Illinois River in Peoria’s Festival Park is advancing, with contracts approved for preliminary design, engineering and construction.

“It’s going to happen, and I think sooner than everybody thinks,” Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said in an interview for WCBU Reports.

Ali believes the 5,000-seat outdoor performance venue will provide an economic impact and cultural benefit for the entire region.

“It’s going to mean attracting people from all over, not just Central Illinois but I think beyond,” said Ali said. “We’re going to attract artists and performers to this outdoor amphitheater that may not have considered coming here before.”

While the project is primarily funded by an $11 million donation to the city from the Hengst Foundation, Ali said it’s looking like the cost may go slightly above that amount.

Rendering…

The Peoria riverfront has such untapped potential. It’s a great town and I think the Dee Hengst Amphitheater could spark a major revival. So, my hat’s off to Peoria leaders and my fingers are crossed for the future.

* But the state needs to step up…

Ali said plans for a $26 million redevelopment of the riverfront on the opposite side of the Murray Baker Bridge remain on the table, but the city is still waiting to receive $15 million in approved funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. When that might arrive remains unclear.

“That’s the million dollar question — multi-million dollar question — because we have $25 million allocated for Main Street; we have $15 million allocated for the riverfront; we have another, I think, $1.5 million allocated for some lighting that’s in the Bradley area, actually Upper Main Street,” she said.

“It’s just a matter of working with the state to get those funds released, and we’ve been waiting quite a while.”