City of Pekin Recognized Among Illinois’ Leaders in Economic Development and Redevelopment
Jun 30, 2026 11:50AM ● By John V. Dossey, City Manager
The City of Pekin was honored to be recognized at the 2026 Illinois Real Estate Journal (REJournals) Commercial Real Estate Awards held on June 4th at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont. The annual event brings together many of the state’s leading developers, investors, engineers, architects, economic development professionals, and local government leaders to celebrate projects and communities making a meaningful impact across Illinois.
For our community, these nominations represent far more than recognition at an awards ceremony. They are a reflection of years of work, collaboration, and investment by residents, business owners, developers, elected officials, and city staff who share a common goal of moving Pekin forward.
This year, Pekin was nominated in two highly competitive categories:
- City / County of the Year
- Redevelopment – Suburban for the East Court Village redevelopment project
For our community, these nominations represent far more than recognition at an awards ceremony. They are a reflection of years of work, collaboration, and investment by residents, business owners, developers, elected officials, and city staff who share a common goal of moving Pekin forward.
To be mentioned alongside some of Illinois’ most active and successful development communities is a significant accomplishment. According to REJournals, its awards program recognizes organizations, projects, and communities that have demonstrated excellence and measurable success in commercial real estate, redevelopment, and economic growth. Being included among those nominees reinforces that the progress occurring in Pekin is being noticed well beyond our city limits.
The nomination for City / County of the Year recognizes communities that are creating opportunities for investment, supporting business growth, and fostering an environment where redevelopment can succeed. While no single project earns that distinction alone, the nomination reflects the collective efforts taking place throughout Pekin as we continue to strengthen neighborhoods, revitalize commercial corridors, and attract new private-sector investment.
The nomination for East Court Village is particularly meaningful. What was once the vacant Bergner’s property has been transformed into a thriving retail destination that serves as a visible reminder of what can be accomplished through vision, persistence, and partnership. The redevelopment has brought new businesses to the community, strengthened the Court Street corridor, and helped build confidence in Pekin’s future.
East Court Village has already earned statewide and national recognition. Earlier this year, the project received the 2026 CoStar Impact Award for Redevelopment of the Year, recognizing its successful transformation of a long-vacant commercial property into a productive economic asset that serves the community and contributes to regional growth.
Beyond the awards themselves, the event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with developers, brokers, consultants, investors, and economic development professionals from across Illinois. Those conversations are often where future opportunities begin. We were able to share Pekin’s story, highlight recent successes, discuss future development opportunities, and strengthen relationships that may help attract additional investment in the years ahead.
Perhaps most encouraging was the positive feedback we received throughout the evening. There is growing recognition that Pekin is a community embracing redevelopment, supporting business growth, and positioning itself for long-term success. Industry professionals are taking notice of the work being done here, and that increased visibility can create new opportunities for economic development and partnership.
While awards and nominations are appreciated, they are ultimately a reflection of the work happening every day throughout our community. The progress we are seeing is possible because of strong public-private partnerships, dedicated city employees, engaged residents, supportive elected officials, and local businesses that continue to invest in Pekin’s future.
On behalf of the City, I want to thank everyone who has played a role in helping move our community forward. These nominations belong to all of us.
We are proud to have been recognized among Illinois’ leading communities and redevelopment projects. More importantly, we are excited about what lies ahead. Pekin’s momentum continues to build, and we remain committed to fostering economic vitality, encouraging thoughtful redevelopment, and creating opportunities that benefit residents, businesses, and future generations.