PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – A city official testified in Peoria County Court on Thursday that people have been living inside Riverview Plaza, a downtown high-rise that has been ordered closed since February 2024.
The city’s building safety manager, Rich Storm, testified during the June 25 hearing that during a recent inspection he found signs of occupancy inside the shuttered 20-story building, according to the Peoria Journal Star.
Storm testified he found three beds in the basement, along with personal items, alcohol bottles, shoes and other belongings. He also said he found groceries and a cooking area.
Storm testified he also observed standing water and exposed wiring inside the building.
Among the findings, Storm testified that a newly installed shower was discovered inside the building, along with a fully functional gym that appeared to have been recently used.
Contractors testified they stopped work on the building’s electrical and fire systems, citing non-payment and safety concerns, according to the Peoria Journal Star. One electrician testified that most of the building still cannot receive power.
The city is seeking millions of dollars in fines against the building’s owner, MJ Illinois LLC, over alleged non-compliance and safety violations.
The judge ordered the building’s owner to appear at the next court hearing, which is set for July 17.
Attorney Shaun Cusack said the city has authority to enforce compliance but noted limits on that authority.
“The city doesn’t formally own the building, but they have the right to make sure it’s in compliance and to keep people safe,” Cusack said. “As far as the next steps, it is kind of up to the city, but they still can’t trample over the rights of the owner.”
Cusack also described the conditions that can trigger an unsafe-for-occupancy designation.
“The code word is unsafe for occupancy,” Cusack said. “For example, a fire alarm, or a sprinkler system that’s not working, unsafe electrical conditions, exposed wiring, blocked or unsafe exits.”
(Reporting by Kayla Johnson)
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