PEORIA MAGAZINE October 2022

G U E S T C O M M E N T A R Y

BRINGING A PEORIA LANDMARK TO LIFE

I was involved with the design and construction of the Peoria Civic Center from the start of design through the completion of construction. I was the project manager for the local architectural firm LZT Associates, which served as associate architect to the primary architectural firm, Johnson Burgee. This provided the opportunity for close involvement and interaction with all involved, including the Civic Center Authority, City of Peoria, Johnson Burgee, all

Remembering my small role, and the legendary architects who conceived it

the specialty consultants, and the construction manager and subcontractors. During design, I regularly spent time in Johnson Burgee’s office in New York City, and I was involved on site daily throughout construction. I believe the most critical reason for the success of the project was the broad-based involvement and support of community leaders, Authority members and city staff. There was initially controversy regarding the need for and future

BY THOMAS WILSON PHOTO BY MIKE BAILEY

58 OCTOBER 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE