Downtown Advisory Commission Chair Urges Experimentation With New Ideas on Riverfront

The City of Peoria is in the process of developing a master plan from the Bob Michel Bridge to Murray Baker Bridge along the riverfront.

But Mark Misselhorn, chairman of the Downtown Advisory Commission, said the city shouldn’t be afraid to begin experimenting now.

“The main suggestion there is to not wait for years or not wait ‘til the winter when obviously it’s not as nice to go outside and be on the riverfront. To take advantage of the weather yet this summer and fall, and find shorter-term, experimental, low-cost uses," he said. 

Misselhorn said the city should be willing to to try out pop-up shops along the Illinois River, particularly in the new green space where the former Riverfront Village platform once stood.

He suggested things like public art, yoga on the waterfront events, or food trucks and food carts on certain days or special occasions.

It will take at least until the end of the year to finish gathering public input and complete internal design of the plan, Misselhorn said.

The DAC presented its recommendations to the Peoria City Council during a special meeting on Tuesday.

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