Ribbon cutting celebration signifies grand opening of The Levee District

It’s official.

Chris West, chief operating officer for Cullinan Properties Ltd., cut the ribbon for The Levee District in downtown East Peoria Friday morning.

The event featured a breakfast, a song by the East Peoria Community High School chorus and remarks by West, East Peoria Mayor Dave Mingus and State Sen. Dave Koehler, R-Peoria.

“It is not just a good morning. It is a great morning and a great day in the history of our city, the official christening of The Levee District,” Mingus said.

The name of the new downtown — The Levee District — is fitting due to the Farm Creek Levee that was constructed after a Sanitary District was formed in the city in 1928, Mingus said.

Mingus talked about the parallel between the collaborative efforts between various entities that made the levee possible long ago and the efforts of those today who made the Levee District possible.

“Dave Koehler championed the passage of funding, enabling the construction of the infrastructure and roadways,” Mingus said.

Many others were mentioned, including U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, who was instrumental in the Altorfer Bridge currently being constructed; organized labor, city attorney Dennis Triggs, who Mingus called the “mastermind” behind the city’s success; Chamber of Commerce director Rick Swan; Rob Culp and Midwest Engineering; and Cullinan Properties Ltd., the master developer.

“I want to acknowledge and thank councils of the past for their wise and prudent decisions that laid the foundation for today,” Mingus said.

West announced new tenants coming to the Levee District, including Potbelly Sandwich Shop and GNC, the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products. Family Dental Care and Tequila’s Mexican Bar and Grill will both open in April. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers will open in the summer and will feature outdoor seating across from the Civic Plaza. Potbelly will also open in the summer.

These new businesses will join anchors Target, Gordmans, Ross Dress for Less, Costco and ULTA Beauty.

West said Costco, which opened in November has reported sales 30 percent above what was anticipated.

Target opened March 5.

“Since that time we’ve seen a full parking lot each and every day,” West said.
Mattress Firm opened March 8. Gordmans is now open and plans a grand opening March 21.

ULTA Beauty celebrated its grand opening Friday morning and the store was packed with long lines at the registers. District Manager Tami Trca and General Manager David Regan were greeting customers at the door with coupons for $5 off a purchase. Inside, women were getting makeovers by different makeup representatives, while Kristy Tarnow of East Peoria was looking at nail polish.

“I’ve got to find some summer shades,” she said.

A Community Celebration at The Levee District is scheduled from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 16.

To learn more about The Levee District, visit www.theleveedistrict.com.