9/30/2009

Manufacturing Facility Search: 200k SF+ w/rail


Manufacturing Facility Search: 200k SF+ w/rail

Regional Managers and Account Managers:

A real estate firm is conducting a search for an existing manufacturing facility with at least 200k Square Feet (preferably not more than 500k SF), has a minimum ceiling clear height of 28' and is rail served. A lease is preferred. The search area encompasses travel distances that are not more than two and half hours from O'Hare International Airport. The facility operation will require heavy power, but it is expected that a former manufacturing facility will be able to accommodate the company's demand. Proposed facilities must be former manufacturing facilities or designed for manufacturing not only because of the power requirement, but for the following reasons as well:

· The floor must be mostly level, not have a number of dock high doors.
· And, the floor must be able to accommodate heavy loads. Cranes will operate in the facility.
Employment is estimated at 100-150 workers.

The real estate firm's client is arriving for a visit Tuesday, October 6. Therefore, for any communities with a manufacturing facility meeting the above requirements, please provide a brochure or spec sheet with a photo by cob, Friday, October 2, 2009 to david.pierson@illinois.gov via e-mail.

Thank you in advance.

Dave

Dave Pierson
Economic Development Representative
IL Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
100 W. Randolph St., Suite 3-400
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-1346
Fax: 312-814-5247
E-mail: david.pierson@illinois.gov

9/28/2009

Caught in the Middle

From a book review in Site Selection Magazine.

A native son with a global perspective delivers a blunt yet optimistic assessment of the Midwest's future as an economic engine.




According to the article,


--------"Peoria is doing all the right things.

-------- There is the feeling there of being
------- in a place with a future."








That is the kind of quote from a book that we like.
We agree with the quote, and we approve the message.
9
So, please buy the book.
-

-

And please take a look at Site Selection On Line Magazine

http://www.siteselection.com

Decision to Retire - Craig Hullinger AICP


I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the City of Peoria, and believe that we have collectively accomplished a lot of good over the past four plus years. I believe that I have successfully met my goal of "Leaving my City a better place than I found it." Peoria is an outstanding community, and we made it even better over the past few years. Mayor Ardis, the City Council, and City Manager Holling were great to work for, and led many successful efforts to improve the city. And I am confident that it will keep getting better under the leadership of new City Manager Scott Moore.

The Mayor's latest budget message of September 15, 2009 makes it clear that the City must make further substantial budget cuts. The City needs to cut expenses and senior staff. I will be 62 this year. I retired from the Marine Corps last year as a Colonel. It makes sense for both the City and me to retire. I will remain in Peoria (and Sarasota in the winter), and start a small part time economic development and planning consulting firm, continuing to help communities revitalize their older neighborhoods. And I will keep working to help improve the City and region.

The following are some of the things I am proud to have helped move along.



ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - 2005-2009

· Developed the Southern Gateway Plan

· Prepared the River Trail Drive Redevelopment Plan

· Created the Green Edge Plan

· Adopted the Eagle View and Warehouse TIF

· Fifteen TIF developments approved, about fifteen in process

· Planned and prepared site for BUILD THE BLOCK!!!

· Continued commercial expansion on War Memorial

· Facilitated Prospect and Sheridan Road Revitalization Plan

· Implemented eleven façade improvement requests

· Developed the Hospitality Improvement Zone TIF and BDD

· Seven Enterprise Zone expansions and 251 improved buildings

· Persuaded all HOP governments to join the Enterprise Zone

· Updated Economic Development Strategy

· Assisted the start up and expansion of numerous businesses

· Worked to retain existing business

· Low interest loans of $880,000 creating and/or retaining 467 jobs

· Developed the Innovation Center to incubate high tech business

· Continued implementation of the Heart of Peoria Plan

· Continued marketing campaign for Renaissance Park

· Developed the Sustainable Technology Park

· Helped create the City Sustainable Development effort
0
. Partnered with Peoria’s medical community to develop the:

------- Illinois Medical Center Clinic
------- Long Term Acute Care Hospital
------- OSF Children’s Hospital
------- Methodist Hospital Expansion
------- Illinois Eye Care
------- Heart Care Midwest
More info at















-

Leadership Change PACVB


Leadership change announced at Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau


PEORIA – The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Board will begin a search for a new President/Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization. This action comes after the Board accepted the resignation of Brent Lonteen.


“I want to thank Brent for his service and dedication” says Rick Edwards, Chairman of the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Board. “He accomplished many positive things during his time here, and we certainly wish him well in his future endeavors.”


Lonteen joined the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2006. The board has not established a firm timetable yet to name his successor. The search process will begin immediately. Edwards will assume President/CEO leadership duties in the interim, only until a permanent replacement is accepted. Edwards has indicated no interest in the open position and therefore is not considered to be a candidate.


The PACVB represents an eight county region including Bureau, Fulton, Marshall, Mason, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. The organization’s mission is to promote the Peoria Area as a destination for visitors and contribute to the economic growth of the communities they represent.

______________________

We wish Brent success in his future endeavors

Book your next conference in Peoria

http://www.peoria.org

9/27/2009

Burnham Plan - American Planning Association



Attended the American Planning Association Conference this week in Chicago (At my own expense, no city money, need to keep my AICP Certification). Great Conference, which celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Burnham Plan.




The City looks great. It keeps getting better looking. And tourism has become very large. There must have been 50 tourist boats in the Chicago River and along Navy Pier - a huge increase from a few years ago.

I would estimate about 30% of the Burnham Plan was actually constructed. Many proposals were too difficult or costly for the City to undertake. But what was built substantially improved the City.

I think the city should still build a few more of his proposals. The second Pier should be built - would add public access and land into Lake Michigan. And this time it could be "Green" and sustainable, improving the natural environment while providing more public open space next to downtown and the lakefront.

And the central train terminal should be built, with better interface among all public transit systems and automobiles.

Chicago is a great city. And looking better every year. And good luck on getting the Olympic Games in 2016. And by the way, it would be a great time to also build the Worlds Fair - one year before or one year after.

_________________

But having said all that, I prefer to live in Peoria. Our 360,000 people in the metro area is the right size - the 8,000,000 people in the Chicago Metro area is a few too many. Our rush hour is a rush minute. You can get anywhere in less then 20 minutes.

My commute to work is 1/2 mile, and our great lake is 1 mile from my home, and less then 15 minutes from anywhere in the metro area. Parking is free. And our housing costs are affordable.

So, move your business and home to Peoria. You can always visit the big cities of St Louis and Chicago - about 2.5 hours away.





9/22/2009

Great Housing Values in Peoria, Illinois


How is this for a value? Asking Price is $150,000. A few blocks from OSF Hospital, and close to downtown and the Riverfront.

Move to Peoria

Bedrooms: 4

Approximate square footage: 3052

http://historicproperties.com/detail.asp?detail_key=ncpeo003


Contact: Century21/LNRPam Mason 309-303-0002
-
C21pmason@aol.com
-
www.century21lincoln.com/search/listing.asp?mls=1080137
-


Flavell Shurtleff House
Circa 1896

Flavell Shurtleff, a Peoria grocer who owned the Model Bakery and Grocery, built this Queen Anne style house in 1896. A massive gable dominates the facade above the front porch. The three-story tower at the southwest corner is ornamented beneath its round-topped roof with the faces of cherubs.

The exterior of the Shurtleff house, its stone-lintel arching windows highlighted by strongly dimensional detailing, and original ornamental leaded stained glass windows is in superb condition. But, the remarkable interior is essentially like new. Typical of this era, the original woodwork, pocket doors, gas lights, bench seat, paneling with concealed openings, coat rack with built-in umbrella stand, 40' turret are nearly perfect. Highlighting the dramatic interior are 2 fireplaces with ornamental arched leaded stained glass windows recessed into the chimney and matching the ornamental windows leading to the 2nd story. New roof.

This home was occupied by several well-known Peoria families including George Jobst and the Shurtleff's. It's still a single family residence.

-
Move to Peoria. Such a Deal !!

PEORIA - MIGHTY MICRO CITY




PEORIA RANKED NUMBER 16
FOR MIGHTY MICRO CITIES

Next Generation Consulting (NGC):

"Young knowledge workers said that where they lived was more important than where they worked. Furthermore, Census figures indicate that from 1990 to 2000, only a handful of cities had a net in-migration of young knowledge workers, while 90 percent of America’s cities suffered a net loss. In other words, cities that can attract and retain these highly mobile young knowledge workers will reap economic gains. "

http://www.areadevelopment.com/siteSelection/august09/next-generation-cities-knowledge-workers.shtml

Subcribe to Area Development Magazine
)
)
Congratulations and Thanks to Everyone who helped make this happen.
)9

Recession not playing in Peoria




The Illinois Real Estate Journal featured an article, "Recession not playing in Peoria," by Mark Thomton in its May - June 2009 edition.

View the article at:
-
Or view the journal in its entirety at:
-
0

9/21/2009

Sealtest Building Latest Warehouse Redevelopment


The Sealtest building on Washington and Street is proposed for a redevelopment agreement. The building will be converted to commercial and residential in conformance to the Heart of Peoria Plan, the Warehouse District Redevelpment Plan, and the Form Based Code.








There are some great opportunities for developers in Peoria. Give us a call if you would like to discuss opportunities. Contact at craighullingerc@gmail.com or 309 494 8640 More info on the Warehouse District at:
0
0
0
0
0

9/20/2009

Business Retention Program - Peoria Business Iniative


The City of Peoria maintains an aggressive business retention program. KEEP WHAT YOU HAVE is a basic principle of Economic Development,

City staff meet with a variety of businesses each year to determine the level of satisfaction with the city. When possible, staff work to resolve concerns that business has.

And the Business Retention Program is a good way to inform business about programs that might help them expand.

Our program is called the Peoria Business Iniative. You can read about it on the link below:


More information about all of our programs at:




Give us a call or send us an email if you would like to schedule an appointment with us to discuss retention or expansion of your company.



309 494 8640

HullingerC@gmail.com

Twitter, Blogs, Facebook, and Linkedin


We market the City in a wide variety of ways.

Different programs reaches different people.

This blog is one way : http://cityofpeoria.blogspot.com


All of our blogs are on this page: http://peoria.blog.com



We use Twitter effectively http://twitter.com/cityofpeoria


Recent Twitter entries below:


cityofpeoria

  1. Green Finance for Major Projects http://bit.ly/9w3EU
  2. Renaissance Park Success Story http://bit.ly/29i8u3
  3. 4 Buildings proposed for redevelopment in Downtown and Warehouse District http://bit.ly/YDAbS
  4. Heartland Partnership - Great new web site and video http://bit.ly/24Meus
  5. Sustainable Economic Development Plan - Draft http://bit.ly/LHLzo
  6. Commercial developer wanted for Build the Block - TIF & Enterprise Zone http://bit.ly/P2PT2
  7. Congress for the New Urbanism Illinois Conference http://bit.ly/1Xq9dS
  8. Mayor Jim Ardis Budget Message http://bit.ly/160AOK
  9. Downtown Peoria Retail Study http://cityofpeoria.blogspo...
  10. Central Business District - Development Opportunities http://bit.ly/1pl70D
  11. Illinois Development Council http://cityofpeoria.blogspo...
  12. Illinois River Planned Tourism Kiosk Signs http://bit.ly/1NJOq6
  13. Economic Development Agencies in Illinois http://bit.ly/j43X6
  14. Congratulations to Mary Ardapple - Athena Award http://bit.ly/10DX7s
  15. Renewable Energy and Risk Management Conference http://bit.ly/i3ACo
  16. Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau - Great Web Site http://bit.ly/1YqvJs
  17. Pookie II visits Peoria http://bit.ly/XAyDS
  18. Join EDC for "A Site Selector's View" http://bit.ly/1lVHHq
  19. New City of Peoria Economic Development Video http://bit.ly/4kVXjm
  20. City Council approves Water Street Solutions TIF 10 to 0 http://bit.ly/ILdzw





9/19/2009

"Green" Finance - Federal Stimulus


The Federal economic stimulus package provides substantial funding for renewable energy and green technology.


We should use these funding sources for Build the Block and our new hotels. The programs will help finance the developments while also help making the projects "Green".








9/17/2009

Renaissance Park Success Story


Renaissance Park has made very substantial progress over the past few years. Thanks and congratulations to all those who helped guide and create these improvements.


Completed the Medical Technology District Plan in 2005

Formed the Renaissance Park Commission

Began marketing effort

Rebranded Med Tech District as Rennaisance Park

Constructed the Peoria Next Innovation Center

Incubated High Tech Business in Innovation Center

Construction of the Illinois Medical Center Clinic

Construction of the OSF Children’s Hospital

Construction of the Long Term Acute Health
Care facility

Methodist Hospital Expansion

University of Illinois College of Medicine Cancer Center

Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthopedics planned

Opened One World Green Dragon Lounge & Restaurant

Approved West Main St Corridor Form District

Completed I-74 Reconstruction

Major Bradley University expansion

Provided Business Development Loans

Provided four Façade Improvement Grants

Walgreens redevelopment planned

Main Street Traffic Study underway

Columbia Ave reconstruction planned.




For More Information: