1880 Town South Dakota

The 1880 Town in western South Dakota on I-90 is a great place to visit.  Developed by my third cousin. 

As a City Planner I am proud to be related to a guy who actually built a town from scratch - I just plan them. And he did a very nice job.

More info:

http://www.1880town.com

http://www.1880town.com/dances_with_wolves.html

Proposed "Green" Sculpture Park

“GREEN” SCULPTURE PARK - PEORIA, ILLINOIS

The City of Peoria has many quality sculptures. The City is also leading the expansion of “Green” Technology and Sustainability. A Green Sculpture Park could be developed that would be artistic and “green”, incorporating recycled materials, wind and solar energy, etc. into the design. 

A program modeled on the successful Sioux Falls, South Dakota program could be created.
www.sculpturewalksiouxfalls.com 
Each year new sculptures are displayed in downtown for one year, and become a tourist attraction. After one year the sculptures are replaced by new sculptures. The sculptures are for sale and people vote for their favorite.

The Civic Center could sponsor this event, with sculptures mounted in Civic Center green space. As the event grew it could cascade down Fulton and on to the Build the Block Campus. 

http://buildtheblock.com. 



The sculptures would be a major tourist attraction.

http://greensculpturepark.blogspot.com

Artist Relocation Programs

A number of communities have recognized the contribution of the arts and artists to urban revitalization. Paducah, Kentucky, and Peoria, Illinois have both made strong efforts.


Communities want artists to move into the areas the cities are trying to revitalize. The artists help the city redevelop new avante garde neighborhoods.

More Info:

http://www.paducaharts.com/about_the_program.php

http://artistrelocation.blogspot.com

The Transformation of the Great Plains States

Good Article in Planetcitizen

"from Dallas to Des Moines and Bismark, the urban areas of the Great Plains states has seen steady growth thanks to energy, agriculture and high-tech jobs."

Read the article on the link below:

http://www.planetizen.com/node/44934

http://www.planetizen.com

Proposed Black Hills Trail

A multiuse trail could be developed 
on the railroad right of way owned 
by the State of South Dakota. 
The right of way parallels I-90, 
connecting the Black Hills to the 
rest of the state.

Read more at:

http://blackhillstrail.blogspot.com/

Excellent Articles in Peoria Magazines

Development

• Publisher's Note

  Reshaping the Region

  

  by Jan Wright, Publisher

  We’re in the midst of a remarkable transformation, one that will reshape the region for decades to come.

Area Development: A Snapshot

by Jonathan Wright

In the city that houses the headquarters of the world’s largest maker of construction equipment, nearly $2 billion in capital projects are ongoing, have been completed in recent years, or are currently in the planning stages.

SynergiCity

Exploring the Potential of the Warehouse District

by Ray Lees

PSA Dewberry

Several graduate students from the University of Illinois School of Architecture recently showcased an intriguing mix of ideas for creating a vibrant warehouse district in downtown Peoria.

Developing a More Sustainable Peoria

by Edward J. Barry, Jr.

Farnsworth Group

In Peoria, three recent developments, in three very different parts of the city, offer three very unique responses to the need to be greener.

Where Did Those Buildings Come From?

by Jim Bateman

Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation

Landmarking per se does not automatically save buildings. What it does is buy time to find a way to execute an appropriate adaptive reuse.

Position Your Project For Quick Municipal Approval

Recommendations for Applicants Entering the Plan and Zoning Process

by Craig Hullinger and Chuck Eckenstahler

It is inevitable that proposed new development will meet stiff opposition in the approval process.

Sunnyland Plaza Positioned to Thrive

by Jon Oliphant

City of Washington

The City is very encouraged at the prospect of having the Plaza returned to local ownership. Paskert and his associates have solid experience in successfully marketing and managing commercial properties.

Regional Development Thrives on Collaboration

by Vickie Clark

Economic Development Council for Central Illinois

Collaboration is key to the strength of this region. At EDC, we see firsthand the value of both the public sector and private businesses working together.

Peoria Public Library Buildings Take Shape

by Mike McKenzie

Peoria Public Library

After nearly 40 years with no changes to its buildings, the Peoria Public Library has become a beehive of building activity in every section of town.

A New Neighborhood in North Peoria

by Michael Smothers

Cullinan Properties, Ltd.

As their children sleep an extra hour on the last Saturday in August before classes begin, a young couple plans their day’s activities. Their car would never move.

A Changing Economy and Its Effect on Commercial Real Estate

by Jim Grube

Re/Max Commercial

While we continue to struggle with high vacancy rates and an abundance of warehouse space, retail, multi-family and medical office markets remain steady.

Local Campuses Under Construction

by Amy Chovan and Cheryl M. Fliege

Construction and redevelopment projects continue at various sites at Bradley University and Illinois Central College.

A Three-Pronged Tax Strategy for Building Owners

by Mark Colvin

Clifton Gunderson LLP

For building owners, saving taxes in 2010 may be as easy as 1-2-3.

Production Surprises on Upside

Good news reported by Mesirow Financial, Inc.

Industrial production rose an eye-popping 1.2% in May, after increasing 0.7% in April. Increases were broad-based with the exception of mining, which declined in response to the oil crisis in the Gulf.

Everything from a re-stocking of inventories (which were drawn down to exceedingly low levels during the recession) to warmer-than-usual weather (which triggered increased demand for air conditioning and utilities) to strong exports are supporting the gains in production.

 

www.mesirowfinancial.com