It may be said that a bridge is a structure composed of enduring materials that are held together by a great deal of balance and careful planning.  Whether composed of stone, wood, steel or iron, all bridges have in common one thing: they join two or more similar areas together over a gap or chasm of some sort.  In that sense, it may be said that historical buildings and landmarks are a sort of bridge through time.  They link our past to our present and connect to the pathway of our future.  Only through careful planning and a great deal of balancing, can this be achieved.

One local bridge to Peoria’s past is Nailon Plumbing Supplies.  Apparently, after 128 years of being in business and also being in the same family, it is possible they may close shop for good.  The brick building that has been occupied by this family owned business has recently been advertised as being for rent.  As for the plumbing supply business, it is still up in the air as to whether it will relocate or close down.

I, for one, hope to see this important link to Peoria’s past remain in business.  Nailon Plumbing Supplies is one of only a handful of businesses in this area to successfully endure for more than a century.  Additionally, I understand that Nailon has obscure  plumbing parts that are quite difficult to find—something anyone restoring an historic building will appreciate.

Another link I wish to see endure is the building occupied by Nailon.  101 Liberty Street dates from 1910 and has served a variety of purposes in its time.  With the construction of the new museum nearing completion, it is hoped that a good business will fill 101 Liberty and be a responsible steward of this little bit of Peoria’s history.

Responsible stewardship is part of maintaining a balance, as is new construction.  In any city, a good mix of contemporary and historic architecture creates a fragile but vibrant balance that contributes to the overall flavor of the community.  In Peoria, we have many fine examples of modern architecture and we have many fine examples of Victorian architecture both commercial and residential.  It has never been more crucial than it is at the present time to carefully maintain balance and harmony in Peoria’s architectural flavor.  Too many gifts from our past are thrown by the wayside every year.  Once gone, the balance tips and can never truly be righted again.

So, let us hope that whomever accepts the stewardship of 101 Liberty will keep balance in mind and pass this unique part of Peoria’s past forward to the future.  Let us build bridges together.