Peoria YWCA listed in National Register of Historic Places

PEORIA - The YWCA Building at 301 N.E. Jefferson in Peoria was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 17, 2007 by the National Park Service.

 

            "The YWCA Building served many people throughout the years, and has been a familiar landmark for decades," said Robert Coomer, director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which administers the National Register program in Illinois.  "This is a prestigious recognition for Peoria."

 

            "The YWCA Building has been an important part of the Peoria landscape for many years, and now, with new use, it will continue to be of value for the future.  We can be proud of its recognition as a landmark and look forward to its use for years to come," said Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria).

 

            "Peoria is justifiably proud of its long and distinguished history, and it's gratifying to know that the nation's official list of significant historical properties now includes the YWCA Building," said State Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Peoria).

 

            The YWCA Building was dedicated September 16, 1929.  The organization had run out of space at its previous location, and in just eight days during 1928 a capital campaign raised the entire $350,000 needed for construction of the new building.  The architectural firm of Hewitt, Emerson, and Gregg, who had designed Peoria's famed Pere Marquette Hotel in 1927, were hired to plan the YWCA Building.  The design was Georgian Revival with Art Moderne design elements, and the structure included residence quarters for 86 girls, a first floor lobby and sitting rooms, a tearoom, a basement auditorium, swimming pool, a chapel, and several club rooms.  The building remained in use through 2003, and retains nearly all of its original design and layout.  It was listed in the National Register for its "significant contribution to broad patterns of our history."

 

            "The City of Peoria has a lot to offer those who live, work or visit here.  This national recognition for our historic YWCA Building is just the latest of many reasons to be proud of our city," said Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis. 

 

For more information on the National Register of Historic Places program in Illinois, visit www.Illinois-History.gov/PS/historicplaces.htm.