New home construction in 2025 in Washington was the highest in 10 years.
That news came from Planning and Development Director Jon Oliphant in his annual residential and business development activity summary, delivered this week to the city council.
There were 22 new residential construction permits issued in Washington in 2024. The number jumped to 41 in 2025, the most since 90 permits were issued in 2015.
Of the 41 permits, 19 were for single-family homes and 22 for duplex units. The permits had a construction value of about $11.7 million, for an average of just less than $285,000.
The 90 permits issued in 2015 broke down to 38 single-family homes and 52 multi-family units. None were related to the post-tornado rebuild in the city.
"The existing home market in the area has shown slight signs of weakening, which could contribute to the increased new home construction activity," Oliphant said.
"According to data from the Peoria Area Association of Realtors, there were 1.8% fewer new listings for single-family homes in Washington in 2025 compared to 2024.
"The median sales price for those homes sold in 2025 was only 8.9% higher than 2024. The median sales price for homes sold in 2024 was 14.9% higher than 2023."
Washington city staff issued 18 permits for business improvements in 2025 with a combined construction value of about $4.5 million. Twenty-one business improvement permits were issued in 2024 with a combined construction value of about $6.5 million.
The average business project cost in 2025 was about $252,000.
Five new business construction permits were issued last year including two at Main Street Mini Storage, 2154 Washington Road.
The others were for The Garages at 1-13 Valley Forge Place, O'Reilly's Auto Parts at 2685 Centennial Drive and 1421-1429 Washington Road.
In his regular report to the council, Oliphant said building plans have been submitted and permits have been issued for the first two Protea Place multi-family residential buildings.
Protea Place is a residential and commercial development at the southwest corner of the U.S. Business Route 24 and Cummings Lane intersection.
Construction on the eight-unit multi-family buildings is tentatively scheduled to begin in mid-March, or when the weather allows.
Free smoke detectors installed in 2025
The Washington Fire Department's 2025 year-end report was delivered this week to the city council. Here are highlights of the report:
• The department provided 1,033 free smoke detectors for Washington residents. The detectors were donated by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and installed by Washington volunteer firefighters. The number of detectors was first among volunteer fire departments in Illinois and third overall in the state.
• About 3,000 cans of food were collected by the department for the Washington Helps Its People (WHIP) food pantry; the department provided several fire truck rides as charity raffle prizes; more than 600 children attended Fire Prevention Week activities.
• A 1993 tanker was replaced with a 2023 tanker. The purchase was funded by the department.
• A replacement was ordered for a 1996 ladder truck with delivery expected in 2028 (the city and fire department are sharing the cost).
• A new 2025 Horton ambulance replaced a 2009 unit (the city contributed 50% toward the purchase).
• The city funded a replacement of the exhaust mitigation system in the apparatus bay at the fire station.
• A $55,000 grant from Lowe's and funding from the city was used for kitchen upgrades at the fire station.
Police evidence building nearly done
The council this week approved a nearly $115,000 pay request from P.J. Hoerr for construction of the police evidence building, which is nearing completion.
"Subcontractors are addressing punch list items," said Police Chief Jeff Stevens.
P.J. Hoerr was awarded a $2.337 million contract to construct the building. The city has paid $2.307 million so far.
