Proctor, John C., Recreation Center
Also known as: Proctor Recreation Center
Why it's listed
Occupying a full city block on Peoria's near south side, the John C. Proctor Recreation Center is a three-story brick building opened in 1913 as a recreation center and public baths. It was funded by the estate of John C. Proctor, a banker and lumber dealer who left his fortune to benefit the community. Peoria architects Hewitt and Emerson designed it, with Frank Emerson, a former student at the Ecole des Beaux Arts, credited for its Classical Revival character. Inside are two gymnasiums, an auditorium, a library and game and meeting rooms, with separate wings for men and boys and for women and girls. Marble, terrazzo and durable finishes were chosen to make the interior boy-proof. Gray brick laid in patterned bond, buff limestone trim and a tiled roof give the exterior its distinctive look. The grounds include a swimming pool, tennis courts and playfields. A national recreation representative praised it in 1934, and it still serves neighborhood residents of all ages.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is a fine example of quality Classical Revival architecture from 1913. It was established under the will of banker and lumber dealer John C. Proctor to promote the physical, social and moral welfare of the community. Its plan was original rather than modeled on earlier institutions, and it was praised in 1934 as the finest recreational center in the middle west.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 79000860, listed September 6, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 300 S. Allen St, Peoria |
|---|---|
| County | Peoria County |
| Listed | September 6, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79000860 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Architect / builder | Frank Emerson (Hewitt and Emerson) |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Occupied and still used as a recreation center; described as virtually unchanged, with minor roof repairs and wheelchair-access modifications to two side entrances. |
| Acreage | 5 |
| Coordinates | 40.68548, -89.61634 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 79000860.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6224595
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.