87 – Methodist Centennial Park
The corner of Randolph and Hamilton in the Randolph-Roanoke historical district.
Here’s what I was told:
In 1981, Methodist bought up multiple houses, Bradley style, on this plot of land. The neighborhood association all agreed that a legal motion should be filed to stop the demolition of said houses. The neighborhood Lawyer, Jack Teplitz, without informing others, decided that it was not nescessary. Methodist, owner of the property, filed at 4:30 on a Friday afternoon for demolition.
To the horror of the neighbors, on Sunday, approximately 8:00am, a wrecking ball rolled up the alley and started demolition.
A 25 year renewable agreement was worked out with Methodist that they would not develop this property. 25 years later, 2006, neighborhood Lawyer Jack Teplitz ‘forgot’ to properly renew the legal agreement.
At this point a meeting was held with Methodist’s Michael Bryant and a verbal agreement is the only thing that holds this property from development.
September 7th, 2006 at 5:59 am
Moss Avenue?
September 7th, 2006 at 8:55 pm
I think this is a picture of the side yard of the Jewish facility at the corner of Knoxville and the gazebo is a facility used for a Jewish holiday.
September 10th, 2006 at 9:28 pm
Methodist’s new smoking lounge? Either that or the new Roanoke-Randolph neighborhood association (since they have 2 now) meeting room.
September 10th, 2006 at 10:07 pm
Sure looks like Methodist Hospital area in the background. But I’m stumped on this one.
September 11th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
Future parking lot for Methodist?
September 12th, 2006 at 8:52 am
One of the best NTPLs ever. I walk by here nearly all the time and I recognized the area by the SIDEWALK, but couldn’t say I’d ever really noticed the gazebo!
What I love about NTPL is that it makes me look at everything in Peoria in a new way. Thanks for that, PI!
m.
PS — Note to self: Never, ever hire Jack Teplitz for any legal need.
September 12th, 2006 at 9:48 am
When in 1981? That event would be worth looking up in the paper on microfilm at the library.
September 12th, 2006 at 11:34 am
I don’t have an exact date. I wish I did.
I was told that what Methodist did was found to be illegal, but it was a moot point since the houses were gone.
I’m also told that the church Methodist recently tore down is also related to the story about this property, but the details are sketchy. “Let us expand down there and we won’t expand up onto Randolph” is the jist of it. Apparently there were efforts to move the church, but that didn’t pan out.
They have so much fun in that neighborhood! It’s nice that they all get along so well.
September 14th, 2006 at 6:10 pm
Ha!
I was just there today shooting video!
June 5th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Why do just a few names pop up in association with every shady sounding deal made in that area.