Brownfields Redevelopment

With a population of virtually 22,000 that has remained unchanged over the last two decades, the City of East Peoria, Illinois had struggled with the economic viability of its downtown.

In February, 2001, the City hired Vandewalle & Associates to conduct an opportunities analysis for a 65-acre brownfields site in the heart of its downtown. Working with site owner and longtime resident Caterpillar, Inc., the City retained Vandewalle & Associates for its brownfield redevelopment, economic development, and urban design expertise.

To date, Vandewalle & Associates has delivered comprehensive redevelopment services including:

Redevelopment Planning and Design

• Preparation of the East Peoria Opportunities Analysis for the 21st Century
• Urban planning and design for the Caterpillar site
• Development of a business plan for the CAT Heritage Plaza
• Assistance with creation of the Washington Street TIF and the Camp Street TIF Redevelopment Project Plans
• Preparation of USEPA grant applications in 2002 and 2003

Project Management and Implementation Services

• Management of the redevelopment of the Caterpillar site, and other properties in the downtown and riverfront redevelopment area
• Selection and management of redevelopment subcontractors
• Preparation of a marketing brochure for the Caterpillar site
• Developer and business recruitment and negotiation
• Organization and facilitation of stakeholder outreach programs
• 1st Liaison between the City and Caterpillar, Inc.
• Management of the application and implementation of an Illinois EPA Brownfields Redevelopment Grant, including agency and fiscal reporting