Bradley University President James Shadid sees a planned new campus entryway as a potential catalyst for development of Peoria's Main Street corridor.
“I think this is so critical. It’s not just an entryway to a campus, and that’s why I’m calling it a gateway,” said Shadid. “I think this is really a critical, bold step towards larger developments, both on campus and off campus.”
Shadid touted the gateway and its potential impact at Thursday’s Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Thanksgiving Luncheon, a week after announcing the project in an email to students, staff and alumni.
The arch entrance will be built on the southwest corner of Main and University streets, with project expenses covered entirely through donor funding.
“I think it will help both Peoria and Bradley because it will be a catalyst, I hope, to development of the Main Street corridor,” said Shadid. “I don’t mean just for two blocks. I envision this going from the university down to the Peoria Riverfront Museum.”
Shadid said he anticipates the entryway will foster interaction between students and the Peoria community in “a vibrant, urban setting.”
“But also, when prospective parents and students come here, they’ll see this vibrant urban area right outside our campus, our campus being in the heart of it, and I believe it’ll help us attract students.”
Design plans for the arch are still being finalized. As part of the project, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute [OLLI] will relocate to Westlake Hall so the Continuing Education building can be razed to make room for the gateway.
Shadid said that demolition is expected to begin in December, as the university undertakes a series of campus improvements.
“This gateway has come to life in six months,” said Shadid, who was named Bradley’s president in April. “We’re renovating a dorm on campus; that’s come to life in six months. We’re establishing pickleball courts and things on our campus which have come alive in six months — all done in our timeframe before the students return again next fall.
“So I’m hopeful that this kicks in a sense of urgency for development, that people will want to develop around our campus and help us create and be part of this vibrancy.”
