The last of Peoria's older public housing developments will get a brand new look.
Peoria Housing Authority officials say the new complex will be different from River West which opened to residents 9 years ago.
Taft Homes was built in 1952...and renovated several years later.
While not the oldest of Peoria's public housing units...it's the only one sitting next to the Illinois River....a natural feature the P–H–A wants to take advantage of for a new complex here.
"It would be some upscale, a true mix of housing.
We're open to the possibility of renting, selling whatever we can do to create that revenue stream back to the housing authority. Taft on the riverfront would be a great place for market rate units with a river view," said Peoria Housing Authority Executive Director Brenda Coates.
Coates says the new development could also include condos, townhomes and single family units with green space and a courtyard.
The P–H–A unveiled the preliminary proposal during its board meeting this week.
Taft Homes resident Janice Terry moved into the complex 9 years ago when she relocated to Peoria from Chicago.
"When I first moved down here I thought it was beautiful and the idea of upgrading it I really think it needs it. It would make a lot of people feel better," Terry said.
There are 220 apartments at Taft Homes.
Coates says the P–H–A will hold public forums to get more input from residents but construction could start in a couple years. In Peoria.
Coates says costs to building the project are not available yet, but the project could cost 43-million dollars, as much as River West.
Demolition of the apartments would be done in phases after residents have relocated to other homes around Peoria.
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