Methodist Medical Center plans to begin its expansion by the end of the week.

This after good news from the Peoria City Council this evening.

The Peoria City Council approved the new zoning and land use plans for the hospital's expansion.

The Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation argues Hamilton Boulevard is a historic street in Peoria and opposed the expansion.

Tonight the majority of the council members sympathized with the Landmarks foundation, but believed the boulevard will be put to good use.

"Preservation is very important, but sometimes certain types of preservation can impede progress in a way that really is inappropriate" said Councilman Ryan Spain.

Methodist plans to use almost a three-block stretch of Hamilton between Crescent and Globe to expand the hospital.

It would reduce the four-lane boulevard to two lanes making room for a new emergency department, trauma center and acute care building.

Methodist Medical Center President, Michael Bryant, says it is a change that it essential.

"Frankly right now we have cars going on our campus 60-miles an hour right in the middle of our hospital campus. Do you know how dangerous that is for families and patients, especially elderly patients who don't move quickly?" said Bryant.

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider the petition from Landmarks Foundation later this month.

If the Commission decides the application has merit, they will recommend the city council preserve the street.

However Bryant says if the council upholds the recommendation, Methodist Medical Center will relocate.

Bryant now projects that with an early start, the expansion will cost 385 million dollars.