PEORIA MAGAZINE October 2022

S P O T L I G H T

‘PEOPLE WHO MOVE HERE, STAY HERE’ The Knolls neighborhood in Peoria combines a park-like atmosphere with Old World architecture, hospitality

BY AMY TALCOTT PHOTOS BY RON JOHNSON

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I magine a country estate – the crisp, fresh air; the hardy trees and shrubs; plenty of ‘elbow room’ – and then if you can, add to the picture in your mind all the modern conveniences and improvements of a city. This, then, is the essence of ‘The Knolls’ – a city home in the country, or a country estate in the city.” This description from a decades old promotional brochure touts the amenities and benefits of living in The Knolls, a charming, established neighborhood located in central Peoria. Nestled on 96 acres of land bordered by Knoxville Avenue, Sheridan Road and War Memorial Drive, The Knolls was officially established and annexed to the city in 1928 by developer Walter G. Causey, whose concept was to create andmaintain a park-like atmosphere in the middle of the city. The subdivision now boasts 242 homes, four grassy islands, a maze of tree-lined roads and an abundance of neighborly hospitality. BrianMedendorp is a 21-year resident of The Knolls and former president of its homeowners’ association, which all residents become members of when they move to the neighborhood. “The land was platted in 1928 and the first home was built that year,” he

communicate with each other,” he said. “It was actually functional until about two years ago when we did some remodeling, but we keep it there on the wall because it’s such a conversation piece. There’s even a button on it that says ‘Grandma’.” Reminders like this of days gone by still gracemany of the homes, from their brick exteriors and arched doorways to built-in bookcases and glass doorknobs. “You're either an old home person or you aren't,” said Medendorp. “The houses were well-built, and we have a lot of younger families who are coming here and updating them while preserving their structural character.” EVERYONE’S A NEIGHBOR Suzanne Miller, a local Realtor with JimMaloof/REALTOR in Peoria, has lived with her family on Terrace Lane in The Knolls for 13 years. “I first toured this house with some other Realtors – at the time it was a short sale and going to go into foreclosure – but for some reason, I could just see myself and my family here,” she said. “I found out that an Army general, General Miller, had it built for his daughter back in 1937. Being the same last name, I thought it was a sign.

explained. “My home was built in 1955, and the rest were built through the early ‘60s.” OLD WORLD CHARM Unlikemany subdivisions today, each home was created by a different builder with the buyer’s own taste and vision in mind. Driving down the streets sheltered by veteran oak, maple and evergreen trees, you pass styles of houses ranging from Cape Cod and Victorian to English Tudor and French chalet. “It’s a veritable potpourri of home styles,” said Medendorp. Whoever initially lived in his home, said Medendorp, also built one next door for their mother. “The homeowner installed an intercom so they could

44 OCTOBER 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE