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In the area bordered by Darst, Clark and Adams street, you’ll find these interesting abandoned industrial buildings. I’m told that this property is owned by the City of Peoria and is included in the proposed Eagle View TIF District.
Photos by Scott O’Brien
Commenter ilstateredbird says this: “It is the old Palisades ballroom. Big Bands would play there many years ago. It is located on Salem School Road in Dunlap.
It was later turned into a horse show ring. It has been undergoing renovation for the last few years. It appears to be on the mend when I was by it last Saturday.”
I have also been told that there was some connection with organized crime at this place. I have no idea if it’s true or not, but it does seem strange to have a ballroom, if that’s truly what it was, literally in the middle of no-where.
If you’re heading to Dunlap, the turn off to this barn is at the bottom of the hill, just before entering town via Route 91.
And to think, I just thought it was a cool looking round barn.
Here’s the view from the sky:
Bruce Alkire, executive vice president of The Finch Companies via an interview published in InterBusiness Issues: “In the years I was born, 1949, an N.E. Finch Co. mobile crane operated by Wayne Finch was used to erect Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse.”
The great irony would be if The Finch Companies were tearing it down also; a photo I have of the destruction crew says “American Demolition” on the arm of the Cat tractor. I guess N.E. Finch didn’t get the low bid.
Sonar Tide, designed by architect Ronald Bladen (1918-1988) who is considered a “father of minimalism” [New York Magazine]
A joint venture between the Junior League of Peoria and the Civic Center Authority, “sonar tide” was commissioned in 1983.
It is 51 foot 9 in long, 26 ft high, 4 ft wide and weighs 14 ton.
It also holds the distinction of being voted 2005’s #1 biggest Peoria eyesore by readers of the River City Times.