401 Water Street — Peoria, Ill.

Development Team
ARCHITECT: Phillips Swager Associates, Peoria, Ill.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Huber Bros. Corp., Peoria, Ill.
PLUMBING: Meister Plumbing Inc., Peoria, Ill.
HVAC: Temco Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., Peoria, Ill.
FLOOR COVERING: Union Flooring Services Inc., Peoria, Ill.
CARPENTRY: Union Construction Inc., Peoria, Ill.
PAINTING: P.C. Painting & Decorating Inc., Washington, Ill.
ELECTRICAL: Koener Electric Inc., Bartonville, Ill.
ELEVATOR: Long Elevator & Machine Co., Springfield, Ill.
STEEL/BALCONIES: C-Way Fabricators Inc., East Peoria, Ill.
PARKING DECK: River City Design Group, Peoria, Ill.

Architecture firm Phillips Swager Associates in 2001 chose to move its Peoria staff of more than 100 personnel to 401 Water Street following a decision to help lead the revitalizing of the riverfront.

A vacant, eight-story, turn-of-the-century building was renovated into a mixed-use facility with retail, residential and commercial functions.

Restoring the elegance of an old riverfront building helped add renewed vigor to a once-abandoned commercial district. After seeing the success of the project, other businesses began rehabilitating projects and helped create a focus on the arts, as well as commerce.

Old and New Converge

Distinctive elements of the past converge with new technologies. For example, the dark worn brick contrasts with the new lighted glass walls.

The design of the new elements responded to the elegance of the old warehouse space. Interior glass detailing, windows, doors, stairs and casework were manufactured with sandblasted and lacquered metal to emulate the 100-year-old lintels, corner guards, fire doors and stand pipes.

New mechanical, plumbing and power systems replaced outdated utilities. In addition, fiber optic cabling supporting DSL and T1 connections provided further modern infrastructure for business and residential functions.

Modified building components included new windows, roof, stairs, hoist ways, balconies and lobby.

No specific style or philosophy was followed in the design. Materials that included glass, metal and drywall were used to partition work areas and create environments that help spur the flow and engagement of ideas.

The jury said, "The use of flooring, lighting and color were very pleasing. The architectural design was well handled. An excellent handling of old and new."

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