East Peoria is experiencing a surge in economic development, highlighted by the grand opening of a new 100-room Hampton Inn along the Illinois River. Mayor John Kahl celebrated the hotel’s successful launch, emphasizing it as a significant step in the city’s ongoing progress and a testament to its growing appeal for investment.
Key Takeaways
- The new Hampton Inn, developed by Frontier Hospitality Group, represents an investment exceeding $20 million.
- The hotel has experienced an "unbelievable" start since opening its doors three weeks ago.
- Mayor Kahl praised the public-private partnership and Frontier’s commitment to exceeding brand standards.
- The development signifies continued growth in East Peoria’s Levee District and riverfront area.
A New Landmark on the Riverfront
The newly opened Hampton Inn, situated on "lot 2" along Conference Center Drive, marks a significant addition to East Peoria’s riverfront landscape. Dan Huber, co-owner and CEO of Frontier Hospitality Group, expressed his satisfaction with the hotel’s strong initial performance, noting that business has been "unbelievable" since welcoming its first guests.
Huber lauded the city’s collaborative approach, stating, "Our partnership with the City of East Peoria has always been one of our favorites. It’s one of the best city governments you can work with on a private-public partnership basis." Frontier Hospitality Group also operates other properties in the area, including a Holiday Inn Express and a Residence Inn by Marriott.
Mayor Kahl commended Frontier’s dedication to quality, pointing out unique touches in the new hotel that go beyond the standard Hampton Inn design. The project, which took over three years to complete, successfully reintroduces the Hampton brand to East Peoria following the closure of a long-standing location near the Par-A-Dice casino.
Strategic Development and Future Prospects
The strategic placement of the new Hampton Inn was a key factor in its development. Mayor Kahl explained that the city was selective about what to develop in the Levee District and along the riverfront. When Frontier Hospitality Group expressed interest in the area, the city proposed the "lot 2" location, which was met with immediate enthusiasm.
While the former Hampton Inn site has been acquired by Par-A-Dice owner Boyd Gaming, details regarding their plans for the property remain undisclosed. The city is also actively working with the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce to attract a new business to a vacant restaurant space between the new Hampton Inn and Logan’s Roadhouse. Mayor Kahl hinted at promising developments, stating, "We can’t really disclose what we’re working on now, but it’s something that’s not here that I think would be a great fit."
Signs of a Thriving Economy
Mayor Kahl highlighted the new Hampton Inn as part of a broader trend of economic vitality in East Peoria. He pointed to the successful launch of the residential component of the $66 million BluTowne mixed-use project near City Hall as another strong indicator of the city’s economic health. The high-end apartments are nearly fully occupied, and developers have committed to a second phase.
"It’s exciting to see a lot of residents down in this part of town now," Kahl remarked, observing increased evening activity with residents enjoying the area’s amenities. This influx of residents and new businesses underscores East Peoria’s growing appeal and its successful strategy for economic growth.
