Abundance of Historic Homes Adds to Peoria, IL’s, Appeal
For Greater Peoria residents, one of the lesser-known perks of living in the area is the abundance of well-preserved historic homes. From stylish, midcentury modern houses to some of the oldest residences that were built in the 1800s, there is an eclectic array of historic homes in the region’s neighborhoods to view, tour and even build a life within.
An Architectural Abundance
Peoria’s stately historic neighborhoods stand as a testament to its history, from homes built by the whiskey barons of the 1800s to modernist landmarks created by local architects.
“The best way to know about our past is through the physical manifestations, be it a piece of furniture or a house,” says Edward Barry, president of the Peoria Historical Society. “That’s how we really can learn about and appreciate our past.”
Neighborhoods across Peoria, from Moss Avenue to West Bluff, feature homes with neoclassical and Gothic influences, with an abundance of American craftsman and foursquare homes in The Uplands. Over time, homes began to take on a more modernist influence, with many examples of midcentury modern homes still existing today.
Local architects, like Cletis Foley, Richard Doyle and Bill Rutherford, contributed to the modernist movement in Peoria, with many midcentury modern residences remaining today, while Frank Lloyd Wright left his mark with two homes on Moss Avenue, including the Francis W. Little House.
With designated local and national historic districts scattered across this beautiful community, the people of Peoria continue to recognize and protect their landmarks through the Historic Preservation Commission and the Historic Preservation Ordinance, which allows residents to submit their properties to be designated as historic.
Tight-Knit Neighborhoods
Owners of historic homes find value not only in the homes themselves, but in the lifestyles they provide.
Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, knew he and his family loved older homes. Setti bought his home in The Uplands sight-unseen at his wife’s recommendation, and the family has resided in the same home now for 22 years.
“It’s not like your traditional suburban subdivision. Every house is different,” Setti says. “It still very much feels like a home and not just a house.”
The Uplands is populated by American craftsman and foursquare homes that have been well-loved for generations. Many of Setti’s neighbors are Peorians who grew up in Uplands homes and moved back years later out of a love for the area. The well-maintained homes are accompanied by sycamores, oaks and silver maples, some of which are over 100 years old.
The walkability of The Uplands means that neighbors have formed a tight-knit community where native Peorians and newcomers can bond over a shared love of historic structures.
“I think it’s important that heritage neighborhoods like my own exist and are viable places for people to live and invest in,” Setti says.
A Tour of History
For anyone interested in appreciating Peoria’s historic homes up close, there are several opportunities throughout the year.
The Peoria Historical Society owns and operates two house museums in the area: the Pettengill-Morron House Museum in West Bluff and John C. Flanagan House Museum in East Bluff, which is the oldest surviving residence in Peoria, built in 1837.
Soderstrom Castle, one of the area’s most well-known historic landmarks, sits proudly on Grand View Drive in Peoria Heights. Throughout the year, the community is invited to stop by for special events, including the castle’s iconic Halloween and Christmas celebrations that have become local favorites.
While participating in walking and bus tours of Peoria’s historic homes is fun and educational, the tours also help people recognize what makes these beautiful neighborhoods integral to the Peoria community.
As newer homes continue to pop up across the country, Peoria’s historic homes stand as a testament to the character and soul that exists in its older neighborhoods.
“Older neighborhoods offer a greater opportunity for interaction among Peorians,” Barry says.
“If we continue to slowly convince more folks to move back into these older neighborhoods, it just really makes the entire community much livelier.”
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