by Mike Bailey
Kim Blickenstaff’s KDB Group has an agreement in principle to purchase the historic Hale Memorial Church at Main and High streets on Peoria’s West Bluff, though multiple details have yet to be finalized.
The current structure, built at the turn of the 20th century, had fallen into a serious state of disrepair despite its architectural and historical significance, so much so that the City of Peoria was pursuing demolition of the property. KDB Group was in the process of negotiating for the structure in late May when a Utah couple bought the church sight unseen, outside of photos, in an online auction for a little more than $22,000.
Blickenstaff did not give up on the property, however, and opened a channel of communication with the couple. Colby Carpenter visited Peoria and the church last weekend and saw for himself what condition it was in. “We understand the significance of this building to the community. We are still in love with it, but we did not know what we were buying,” his wife, Amy Michelle, wrote recently on Facebook. “We recognize and respect that it would do much better in the hands of the KDB group, which is funded by Blickenstaff, who has experience revitalizing projects.” She alluded to the Scottish Rite Theatre, which has been turned into “a majestic performing art center and event venue.” The couple is “looking into community projects in Peoria more within our abilities and means.”
KDB Group will cover the Carpenters’ costs of purchase plus a bit more. KDB hopes to take possession of the property in July. KDB Group CEO Greg Birkland said the immediate priority is to shore up the building structurally – to get the roof buttoned up and stop the ongoing water damage, etc. – and to spare it from the wrecking ball.
In terms of future plans for it, that is yet to be determined, though the church has a stage and “lends itself to an entertainment venue,” he said. The church was the brainchild of Asahel Hale, who arrived in Peoria from Vermont with his wife Laura in 1831. He was a farmer, saw-and-grist-mill operator, country treasurer, and outspoken abolitionist. His brother, William Hale, would later become Peoria’s first mayor. When Asahel died in 1864, he left half of his estate for the construction of a Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1868, Hale Chapel was built, so named in his honor.
In 1900, the church was torn down and the current structure was built in its place, in the Romanesque Revival Neo-Gothic style. It was always known for its stunning, stained-glass windows.
In 1953, the Hale Methodist Episcopal Church moved to accommodate a growing congregation. Over the next four and a half decades, the building was occupied by various churches and denominations – 1st Assembly of God, Grace Bible Church, Holy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ.
In 1999, a fire caused significant damage to the building. In 2003, it was bought as a home, then sold again in 2011 to a not-for-profit that intended to restore the building and turn it into a cultural arts center.
Alas, the repairs and the money needed to do them just proved too much.
“I’m just really pleased to get the property, and I thank the Carpenters for working with us,” said Blickenstaff, who in addition to the Scottish Rite also has purchased the Spurck Mansion on North Knoxville and a home once owned by renowned local conservationist and philanthropist William Rutherford.
“As many central Illinoisans now know, I have a fondness for historic buildings that make an architectural statement from the era when the city of Peoria and surrounding central Illinois had grand ambitions,” he said. “It needs a lot of work, so please be patient. We certainly hope to do her justice.”