The businesses at Keller Station are finding new ways to survive and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Katie Kim is CEO of The Kim Group, which runs Keller Station as part of a public-private partnership in conjunction with the Peoria Park District. She said she's challenging tenants to think outside the box during this time.
"Well, those of you that know me, if you tell me no, I'm going to do it bigger and better. And if you put me in a box, we're going to figure out how to rock it in that box," she said.
Kim said CxT Roasting Company launched an online ordering platform within 12 hours to find a way to stay open during the stay-at-home order. Hello Headband's online-only sales are currently so high that the store is currently hiring.
A curbside pick-up gift store for Mother's Day will open on Saturday, and a drive-in movie theater at Keller Station are also in the works.
"We're calling it physically distancing, socially integrating," she said. "So basically making sure that our community can interact, but maintain social distances. And I think those are the ideas that we have to get creative with the restrictions."
Kim said its important to find ways to continue community-building in a time where the stay-at-home order is exacerbating both mental and political tensions.
The 1930s-era Art Deco buildings off Knoxville Avenue near Prospect originally housed Illinois Department of Transportation offices and equipment.
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