PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – The owner of Riverview Plaza, one of Downtown Peoria’s tallest building wanted a restraining order against the city, but that was denied during a hearing on Friday.
The attorneys representing Dr. Paul Kim of MJ Illinois LLC, the building’s owner, argued the city is not honoring an agreement made between Kim and city leaders.
However, the judge questioned why so much time has passed without repairs to the building.
City government staffers argued the two parties agreed that MJ Illinois would put $500,000 in escrow for repairs, and when the money ran out, the city would not penalize them for building code violations.
In court on Friday, it was revealed the fund still has more than $300,000.
City leaders want to fine the owner for failing to fix the building after a pipe burst in February 2024, which damaged the fire and sprinkler systems and leaving the building vacant. Those fines, at minimum, could amount to $2.25 million.
Peoria County Associate Judge Alicia Washington denied the motion for a restraining order, and the building’s owner vows to appeal.
The city attorney, meanwhile, is expected to continue presenting evidence on Tuesday, July 28 at 10 a.m.
(Reporting by Liz Lape)
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