Project Overview
Established in 1886, the Peoria Women’s Club (PWC) is one of Illinois’ oldest civic organizations dedicated to advancing education, the arts, and social reform. Its historic headquarters—a cornerstone of downtown Peoria—houses a 432-seat theater, parlor rooms, and community gathering spaces, all rich with architectural and cultural significance.
As part of the Club’s ongoing restoration efforts, The Wassi Group was brought in to assist with the critical early stages of preservation. Our goal: to document existing conditions with precision, help visualize proposed improvements and support the Club’s mission to restore the building for future generations.
Project Details
- Category: 3D Laser Scanning, Historical Preservation
- Client: Peoria Women’s Club
- Tools: Leica 360, Revit
The Challenge
Years of deferred maintenance had left the Peoria Women’s Club building in disrepair. Deteriorating masonry, inaccessible facilities, and a lack of updated architectural documentation posed major hurdles for the organization as it sought funding and contractor bids.
The project required more than traditional preservation. It needed modern tools to accurately assess current conditions and clearly communicate a future vision—to both stakeholders and funding partners.
Our Approach
The Wassi Group employed advanced technology and visual storytelling to support the PWC’s restoration strategy. Our team performed a full 3D laser scan of the building interior and exterior, creating highly accurate existing conditions documentation. This provided a foundational reference for architects, engineers, and historical preservation specialists moving forward.
To help the Club secure funding and build support for the restoration, we also developed a series of photorealistic 3D renderings. These visuals highlighted proposed upgrades to key areas of the facility, including the historic theater and multipurpose community spaces. Renderings allowed stakeholders to better understand the building’s potential and contributed significantly to the Club’s ability to communicate its vision.
Scope of Services
- 3D laser scanning of the entire facility
- Comprehensive existing conditions documentation
- Photorealistic 3D renderings of proposed restoration outcomes
- Visual materials to support fundraising and stakeholder outreach
Outcomes
Our documentation and visuals supported the Peoria Women’s Club during the early stages of their restoration journey, helping the organization build a clear vision and strategy as they pursued long-term funding. Recently, the organization secured $750,000 in federal grant funding from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund. Restoration work is now actively underway, beginning with the building’s exterior masonry, windows, and first-floor event spaces.
The Club’s leadership was also able to use our deliverables to:
- Attract bids from experienced historical contractors
- Gain clarity on required renovations and code upgrades
- Effectively communicate with donors, community leaders, and local media
- Strengthen public awareness of the project
Recognition and Public Response
The project has garnered significant attention from both the community and local media. In a February 2024 interview with WCBU (Peoria’s NPR affiliate), Peoria Women’s Club President Kim Mitchell reflected on the project’s momentum:
“We as the board of directors worked so hard on this project. Words can’t express how happy and excited we were. We’re just over the moon.”
— Kim Mitchell, via WCBU article (Feb. 23, 2024)
Additional Resources
To learn more about the ongoing restoration efforts and how you can support the Peoria Women’s Club, visit their official restoration page:
🔗 peoriawomensclub.com/restoration
Conclusion
The Peoria Women’s Club project exemplifies how historical preservation and modern technology can work in tandem to protect and revitalize our shared heritage. The Wassi Group is proud to support initiatives that not only preserve the past but also invest in the future of local communities.
As restoration continues, the PWC is poised to reemerge as a vibrant cultural space and public gathering place for generations to come.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
Whether you’re preserving history, planning new construction, or seeking clarity before you build—The Wassi Group brings precision, creativity, and technical expertise to every stage of your project.
Reach out today to explore how our team can support your vision.