Written by City of Peoria Department of Economic Development Services
www.PeoriaIsThePlace.com
The arrival of Caldwell County BBQ comes at a pivotal time for downtown Peoria, which has been the focus of significant revitalization efforts aimed at transforming the historic city core into a livelier commercial, cultural and community destination.
Strategic Investment and New Anchors
Over the past year, city leaders have advanced a multi-million-dollar plan to re-energize downtown. This initiative focuses on bringing in new dining experiences, enhancing public spaces and improving infrastructure to support a more walkable, attractive urban environment.
The most notable developments include:
- Caldwell County BBQ—The brisket is coming and the buzz is building! Peoria is fired up to share construction is nearly complete in downtown Peoria. Known for its authentic, Texas-style flavor, Caldwell County BBQ has a passionate following across the Valley due to its two existing restaurants in the East Valley. The new Peoria location is the first West Valley location and is expected to be a popular draw for residents and visitors, adding to the momentum of the city’s long-term revitalization efforts downtown. GRAND OPENING SOON!
- Jefferson House—A shipping-container-style project will house a vibrant mix of food venues and retail spaces, host artisan pop-ups, and serve as community gathering space for special events. Jefferson House is slated to open autumn 2026 and bolster downtown’s appeal as a destination for socializing and events.
The properties for Jefferson House and its neighbor Caldwell County BBQ are city-owned and were acquired by the city as part of council’s strategic revitalization vision for Downtown Peoria. These projects exemplify Peoria’s strategy of using targeted investment to energize private development and create a more dynamic civic experience.
- The iconic sculpture known as “The Family”—a beloved piece of public art that has stood near City Hall since 1991—has been repositioned to enhance visibility and create a more welcoming, cohesive public art experience in the core downtown area. This effort reflects the City’s broader commitment to infusing downtown with artistic and cultural character.
- The two-room Central Schoolhouse, one of downtown’s oldest buildings built in 1906, is being reimagined as a community arts and cultural center. The City of Peoria has initiated rehabilitation plans to convert the structure into an arts lab and gallery space with exterior gathering areas, preserving heritage while creating a new hub for artistic engagement and community activity. Construction planning is underway, with the project expected to move forward in 2026.
Design and Public Realm Enhancements
The city has also prioritized streetscape improvements — including upgraded lighting, landscaping, wider sidewalks, and a future “pedestrian promenade” — to support pedestrian activity and create inviting public spaces. These enhancements are designed to complement new business openings and help unify downtown as a vibrant place to live, work and play.
Adaptive reuse of historic properties and continued engagement with community planning efforts further emphasize Peoria’s commitment to preserving the unique character of its downtown while making it more accessible and engaging for contemporary needs.
A Catalyst for Economic Activity
Restaurants and cultural spaces play a critical role in downtown revitalization, and Caldwell County BBQ is expected to be a strong economic catalyst. Beyond creating jobs, the restaurant will complement existing businesses and help draw new visitors to Peoria’s historic core. Similarly, expanded arts facilities like the schoolhouse gallery and public art initiatives contribute to a richer cultural ecosystem that supports economic vitality.
The City’s long-term vision includes:
- Supporting locally and regionally recognized businesses
- Strengthening the downtown economy through destination dining, shopping and arts engagement
- Enhancing quality of life by creating welcoming, active public spaces
As new businesses and cultural initiatives take shape, downtown Peoria is solidifying its identity as a dynamic, welcoming destination that celebrates local character while embracing future opportunities.
