The Powell Press Building is Downtown Peoria's oldest surviving commercial building. There are only three Pre-Civil War buildings left in the downtown district. The Powell Press is our only building still standing from the city's earliest American pioneer days. Built in 1841, the building was then near the banks of the river. Steamboats would lay out their planks and unload their goods directly into the back of the building. The store owner would then sell the goods out the front door. He and his family lived on the second and third stories. We do not know at this time what type of goods were sold there, but many familiar early Peoria pioneers have been owners and sellers of the building including Detweiller, Rouse, Bestor, Livingston and Wren. In 1992, Caterpillar Inc., made a commitment to protect the Powell Press Building and move it for the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation, and the Peoria Historical Society. In 1995, the Riverfront Business District Development Commission expressed the desire to have the Powell Press Building relocated to the foot of Main Street and Constitution Avenue to be used as the riverfront's visitors center. It would be the first step in introducing historic tourism to the area. One half of the first floor will house a visitor's orientation desk with information, exhibits and brochures available. The other half will be a media center where the visitor can view historic films about the Peoria area, upcoming events, or convention details concerning their visit to Peoria. The top floors of the building will be used for offices.
The building has had the masonry, plumbing and electrical work done. The exterior has been painted and the roofing done. The terrace is finished and the interior work is nearly completed. The furniture has been delivered and is in place. Final touches are now being done.
Fund raising is continuing for the final restoration of the building. Approximately one half of the goal of fund raising has been met. Many have contributed in-kind services as well as monetary contributions.
For anyone wishing to contribute to the restoration and preservation of this historic building may contact the Board of Managers at P.O. Box 944, Peoria, IL 61653-0944. Your contributions are tax deductible.
There is a freize planned for the inside of the building to display the names of those who donate more than $100 to the project.
The Board of Managers of the Powell Press Project wishes to extend a "thank you" to all of those who have so generously contributed to this most worthy project.
This page maintained by: Sharon Deckard -
(sha_dec@msn.com)