During a recent Peoria City Council meeting, newly appointed council youth liaison members took their oaths, pledging to uphold the constitution and serve the community. Following the ceremony, Deputy City Manager Mike Foust introduced Ed Strifler, the architectural services manager, who presented exciting new design concepts for the Peoria Municipal Complex.

Strifler detailed the transformation of the area, previously home to a decorative fountain that had fallen into disrepair. The fountain was removed in late 2023, paving the way for a new plaza development. The council has set design goals aimed at revitalizing the space to complement the existing Centennial Plaza, creating a welcoming civic area for events and community engagement.

The proposed designs, referred to as Concept One and Concept Two, include features such as shaded gathering areas, an event stage, and iconic signage. Strifler emphasized the importance of citizen feedback in this phase of the project, inviting residents to explore the concepts online and participate in a survey to express their preferences.

The initiative aims to enhance the municipal campus while utilizing reclaimed water resources for landscaping, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainability. The council looks forward to community input as they move forward with the development of this vital public space.