Bradley University is moving ahead with plans for the former Avanti’s Restaurant location at the corner of Main and University streets.
The university purchased the property in January 2023. In an email to faculty and staff, then-Bradley President Stephen Standifird said the purchase is an “investment in our campus and community” and indicated future plans for the property involved the leveling of the building and creation of a green space.
“This highly visible property sits on the thresholds of our campus,” Standifird wrote in the email. “Green space here will add appeal to the area, ease pedestrian mobility near the Main and University intersection and will provide needed space for respite and recreation.”
Commercial realtor Joseph & Camper had listed the property in Aug. 2022 with an asking price of $799,000.
Bradley Executive Director of Communications and Media Relations Libby Derry said in a release Friday that the school will raze the former Avanti’s building and move ahead with the plans for green space. Work is expected to start as soon as property rendering are finished.
“We’re looking at several design concepts that are being considered,” said Derry. “Some of those plans include things like shade trees or native prairie grasses and perennials and then hopefully a Bradley University sign that matches well with the community, that really complements the buildings and the neighborhood that exists.”
In April 2023, just short of a year after Avanti’s closure, Standifird told WCBU the property development was on hold to allow for a series of “community conversations” following a significant amount of inquiries about the property.
Derry says, to her knowledge, these specific community events did not take place. But she says other possible uses of the property besides green space were thoroughly explored.
“It just wasn’t available to do because the level of investment that it would have required to bring it up to those standards was just simply too high,” said Derry. “And so the green space idea is back because it allows for an environmentally sustainable option, but also one that is financially viable.”
Derry says meeting with Peoria city leadership also helped guide the university’s decision.
“The project aligns with broader visions of the area, which includes just a welcoming community, not only for Bradley University, but the surrounding neighborhoods,” she said.
There’s no specific timeline yet for the demolition of the building and construction of the green space, but Derry says the university is ready to start work as soon as renderings are finished.
