PEORIA, Ill. – A local preservation group has recognized Peoria’s Detweiller Marina and Playground, as the future of who owns the land is up in the air.
On Monday, the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation designed the area as a historic landmark. It marks the 161st designation the non-profit group has made.
CILF President Molly Crusen Bishop says there’s a lot to the marina that was appealing for the designation. She says one of those is the history of French settlers and Native Americans on the land. Another is the Harbor House, built in 1963 by local architect Cletis Foley.
The land was originally left as a trust by Thomas Detweiller. Lately, it’s been the subject of a potential sale, with nearby O’Brien Steel looking to purchase the property.
Bishop says the designation of a historic landmark may not be enough to stop the sale, but it could bring enough attention to the cause of keeping the marina and playground open to the public.
“Maybe not litigiously, but as far as pressure from the entities on the Detweiller Neighborhood Association and park districts and groups like mine who are non-profits who want to keep our unique historical heritage places the way they are,” Bishop said.
Last month, a portion of Caroline St. near the marina was dedicated as “Thomas H. Detweiller Way,” a move that the Detweiller Playground Protectors hoped would also raise awareness to stopping the sale.
Bishop says it’s possible the land could also be considered for local, state, and federal landmarks. But notes the next steps would be taken by the Peoria Park District board.
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