An object of civic pride, downtown revitalization, and collaboration between city government and private industry, the new Peoria Riverfront Museum will provide a venue for lifelong learning for the city and the region – thanks to PENETRON crystalline waterproofing technology.
Peoria, Illinois, is known as the world headquarters of the Caterpillar Corporation and also famous for the phrase “Will it play in Peoria?” made popular by the comedian, Groucho Marx.In the early 20th century, it was believed that if an act received good reviews in Peoria, it would do well across the USA.Today, it is the largest city on the Illinois River and recently completed a large US$100+ million development project on a vacant 7.5-acre site in the heart of the city.The project combined the Peoria Riverfront Museum with the Caterpillar Visitors Center, both built along the Illinois River.
The new 80,000 square foot, multi-story Riverfront Museum features interdisciplinary collections, exhibitions, and programs that connect art, history and scientific achievements. Creating a cultural center for Central Illinois, the Museum has become one of Peoria’s most popular attractions and is rapidly making a positive impact on the region’s economy.
On the River’s Edge
The construction of the Riverfront Museum included the belowground parking facility and the aboveground floors that house the exhibit areas, theatre, planetarium, and offices.Prairie Materials supplied the concrete for the museum and added PENETRON ADMIX at the time of batching to ensure a highly effective waterproofing solution.The crystalline technology from PENETRON was used to waterproof the foundation walls of the new parking facility and the above-grade exposed walls of the exhibit areas, theatre, and planetarium.
“We are proud to be part of a collaborative effort between both government and private industry that will inspire lifelong learning for all in Peoria and the region,” adds Chris Chen, Director of The PENETRON Group.“The waterproofing solution from PENETRON proved to be the ideal solution for the Riverfront Museum.”
In a first of its kind for Peoria and the surrounding area, the Peoria Riverfront Museum was awarded a LEED Gold certification for new construction, an exclusive honor that rewards the building’s environmentally friendly features, such as solar panels, recycled flooring and electric car chargers.
The building foundation and parking garage of the new Riverfront Museum provide an important infrastructure upgrade to the downtown area of Peoria.
Mixed into the concrete at the time of batching, the PENETRON crystalline waterproofing technology ensures long term durability of the concrete and protection for the critical structural components.
The PENETRON Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.
For more information on PENETRON waterproofing solutions, please visit our website at www.penetron.com , email us at crdept@penetron.com or contact our Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
