Taft Homes, Public housing complex near Illinois River, Peoria, United States
Taft Homes is a residential complex with about 200 apartments spread across multiple wood-frame buildings along the Illinois River waterfront in downtown Peoria. The development sits directly on the riverfront and forms a substantial part of the city's downtown housing.
The complex was built in 1952 to house Korean War veterans initially, then later became permanent residences for low-income families. This shift showed how housing needs evolved from temporary to long-term solutions.
The neighborhood now goes by Providence Pointe and represents a shift from traditional public housing to a mixed-income residential community with modern townhouses and single-family homes.
The site is centrally located on the riverfront and connects easily to downtown Peoria. Visitors should remember this is an active residential neighborhood and should be respectful of residents.
During a 1990s renovation, the US Marine Corps and Navy Seabees took part in demolishing 15 buildings to improve community conditions. This unusual partnership between military personnel and housing redevelopment shows how different institutions contributed to urban renewal.
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