Downtown Pekin buildings getting new lease on life after sitting vacant more than 30 years

Mike Kramer, Pekin Daily Times
·2 min read

Two downtown Pekin buildings are being remodeled for new occupants after sitting vacant for more than 30 years.

“We need to get both buildings up to code,” said Crista Flynn of Pekin, who bought the buildings with her husband Gary last October. “They need everything.”

Renovations needed for the buildings at 525 and 527 Court St. include rewiring, new roofing, a new HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) system, new flooring, renovated bathrooms and rehabilitated storefronts.

The Flynn's purchased the buildings for $75,000, and city of Pekin Economic Development Director Josh Wray said renovation costs for the properties are estimated at about $400,000.

At its March 11 meeting, the Pekin City Council unanimously approved a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) redevelopment agreement that will provide the Flynn's with $50,000 in annual TIF assistance for three years.

Gary and Crista Flynn have plans to renovate a pair of long-vacant buildings at 525 and 527 Court Street in downtown Pekin for business rental.
Gary and Crista Flynn have plans to renovate a pair of long-vacant buildings at 525 and 527 Court Street in downtown Pekin for business rental.

“Given the scope of work and outcome of two new storefronts that will be (useable) for years to come, with fire suppression and all the necessary improvements to meet code, staff recommends considering this a high impact project,” Wray said.

The Flynn's have already incurred over $100,000 in TIF-eligible expenses since purchasing the building, according to Wray.

Once renovations are complete, the Flynn's intend to rent the 2,800-square-foot space at 527 Court Street to their daughter, Ashley Simmons, to open the Take Two resale boutique and Gigi’s Pet Treats there. The couple hopes to rent the 1,300-square-foot space at 525 Court Street to a local business.

“We really wanted to invest in downtown,” said Flynn. “We both have great memories of downtown and hated seeing these buildings sitting empty. So, we invested in that.”

Flynn added that she hopes 527 Court Street will be remodeled to the point where Take Two and Gigi’s Pet Treats can open this summer or fall. She expects 525 Court St. to be ready for occupancy next year.

“I’d love for it to be a retail store,” she said. “But there’s a lot of interest from people such as attorneys who want it for office space. We haven’t committed to anybody yet.”

This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: Long-vacant downtown Pekin buildings getting new lease on life