Everett Dirksen Federal Building

Everett Dirksen Federal Building. The building is named after Everett Dirksen, a prominent Republican Senator from Illinois, who served from 1951 to 1969. Dirksen was known for his work on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Great Society programs of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985 and is also a part of the Peoria Historic District, which includes other notable buildings such as the Peoria County Courthouse and the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception.

● History

The building was constructed during the Great Depression as part of the New Deal programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to stimulate economic growth and provide jobs. The construction of the building was overseen by the United States Department of the Treasury and the Public Works Administration, with the help of notable architects such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. The building was designed to serve as a post office and a federal courthouse, and it has been used for various purposes over the years, including as a federal court and a Social Security Administration office. The building has undergone several renovations, including a major restoration project in the 1990s led by the General Services Administration and the National Park Service.

● Architecture

The building is an example of Art Deco and International Style architecture, with a design that reflects the modernist and functionalist principles of the time. The building's design was influenced by the works of Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, and it features a simple, rectangular shape with a flat roof and a limestone and granite exterior. The building's interior features a large atrium with a skylight and a marble floor, as well as a mural by artist John Steuart Curry. The building's design has been praised for its simplicity, functionality, and beauty, and it has been recognized as one of the most important examples of modern architecture in the United States, along with other notable buildings such as the Seagram Building and the Farnsworth House.

● Location

The building is located in the heart of Peoria, Illinois, on a site that was previously occupied by a railroad station and a hotel. The building is situated near the Illinois River and is within walking distance of several other notable landmarks, including the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception. The building is also close to the Peoria Civic Center and the Carver Arena, which host various events and concerts throughout the year, including performances by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and the Bradley University men's basketball team. The building's location has made it a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who come to visit the building and the surrounding area, which includes the Peoria Heights neighborhood and the Forest Park.

● Tenants

The building is currently home to several federal agencies, including the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the FBI. The building also houses offices for the Social Security Administration and the IRS, as well as a post office. The building's tenants also include several private companies, such as law firms and consulting firms, which have offices in the building. The building is also used for various events and meetings, including hearings and trials, which are held in the building's courtrooms.

● Security

The building has a high level of security due to its use as a federal courthouse and the presence of several federal agencies. The building is protected by security cameras and metal detectors, and it has a security checkpoint at the entrance. The building is also patrolled by security guards and police officers from the United States Marshals Service and the Peoria Police Department. The building's security measures are designed to protect the building's occupants and visitors, as well as the surrounding area, which includes the Peoria Riverfront and the Downtown Peoria area. The building's security is also coordinated with other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.

Category:Buildings and structures in Peoria, Illinois