PEORIA, Ill. – The first steps to a new men’s shelter for the Peoria Salvation Army are now underway.
The new 19,000 square foot building will sit at the corner of Spalding and Jefferson in downtown Peoria. That’s where the former AFL-CIO Labor Temple is located, and wrecking balls began to bring it down on Monday.
Demolition is expected to take 2-3 weeks to complete, paving the way for construction on the $18 million facility to begin this summer.
The current men’s shelter will continue to be operational during construction.
Major Heath Sells says it’s an “exciting day” for the organization.
“We give honor to the Labor building for what it meant for 100 years, but this is a new dynamic in what we need to have happen here in Peoria to make sure we continue to meet the needs of those that come to us, specifically our single men,” Sells said.
The new building will increase capacity from 52 men to 82. It will also have increased security, upgraded pedestrian walkways, more programs, and separate rooms for each person who stays at the shelter.
Sells says more than $11 million has been raised so far of the $18 million needed to complete the project. The building is expected to be finished by the end of next year.
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