Peoria is moving ahead with plans to demolish the former Adams Supermarket on Southwest Adams Street, more than two years after the City Council first approved clearing the vacant property. The council voted unanimously to authorize up to $230,000 for the work, which officials expect to begin within 30 days. The city plans to pursue ownership and future redevelopment after demolition.
Key takeaways
The demolition approval renews a city effort delayed after the property owner said the building would be repaired. Officials say a court process ultimately cleared the way for the work, but the city has not yet taken ownership of the site.
- The council approved a contract with Rezzar Demolition for up to $230,000.
- The work is expected to start within 30 days and be paid for with Eagle View tax increment financing funds.
- After demolition, Peoria plans to place a lien on the property and pursue foreclosure.
Demolition follows years of delays
The former supermarket, in the 4100 block of Southwest Adams Street, has been vacant for years. The council initially approved demolition in October 2024, but the process paused when the owner said they intended to repair the building. Community Development Director Joe Dulin said the city later spent about a year and a half in court before obtaining a demolition order.
Mayor Rita Ali described the building as a longstanding eyesore and welcomed its removal. First District Council Member Denise Jackson also said the property had apparently not been used since the market closed.
City seeks a path to future redevelopment
Peoria does not yet own the property. Dulin said the city intends to file a lien after paying for demolition, then pursue foreclosure in hopes of eventually acquiring the site. That process could take time, he said.
Council Member Bernice Gordon-Young, who recalled shopping at the market as a child, said she would like to see the cleared parcel used as green space in the interim. No redevelopment plan was announced at the meeting.
Council advances north-side public safety facility
The council also unanimously approved a development agreement for a shared Peoria Police Department substation and Advanced Medical Transport ambulance facility near North Allen Road and Van Winkle Way. AMT will lead development and build the police substation, while the city will oversee its design and obtain required construction approvals. The agreement calls for a good-faith effort to direct at least 10% of the work to minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
Once the new facility is in place, the police department’s undersized substation at Pioneer Industrial Park is expected to become a storage facility. The council also approved several other development and infrastructure items, while postponing discussion of potential chronic-nuisance property code changes until its Nov. 9 meeting.
