Horizon House finishing $3.2 million consolidation project

By the end of February, employees at Horizon House will have to bundle up and load the moving vans – maybe when it’s bitter cold and snowing. And they can’t wait to get started.

After years of shuttling back and forth between two locations – both feeling the effects of Father Time – the staff at Horizon House are abandoning the location on Progress Boulevard in Peru and moving into a consolidated location on Plank Road. The project cost is about $3.2 million.

“To say we’re excited is ridiculous,” said Carol Fesco, director of development at Horizon House.

Horizon House of the Illinois Valley provides support services for the disabled and for their families. Founded in 1969 and today serving primarily residents of La Salle and Bureau counties, Horizon House has provided jobs, companionship and places to live, among numerous other services.

And it has done so from two locations in Peru. At one time having dual facilities was workable, but as services have shifted, that model gradually became obsolete. The large, unused warehouse space at both locations began straining finances.

“When you’re not utilizing 20,000 square feet, that hits your bottom line,” Horizon House CEO Michelle Rich said. “It’s a big heating bill.”

Fesco called the combined upkeep “a ticking time bomb.”

“Both our buildings are about 40 years old with as-old HVAC, computer cabling, electrical and plumbing,” Fesco said. “We’ve been putting Band-Aids on issues for years.”

Then there was security to consider. Protecting clients and families from the unthinkable stood atop the list of concerns when discussing the future of the physical plant.

Fesco said discussions about consolidating locations began informally within the past decade and “went into high gear” about two years ago. Architects were brought in not only to draw sketches but to interview staff about their needs and concerns. Gradually, it became clear: Progress Boulevard needed to be relinquished and Plank Road was the ideal location for a consolidated facility.

Longtime donors responded generously. Springfield chipped in as well; former state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, helped procure a $200,000 grant. Horizon House has sold the facility on Progress Boulevard and has secured a mortgage to pay the remainder.

“Our community is the reason why Horizon House is successful,” Fesco said. “It’s very encouraging to see the Illinois Valley embrace the individuals served by Horizon House again and again.

“This is the largest capital investment in the organization’s 56-year existence. This, by far, is the largest undertaken we’ve had financially.”

Construction began April 1. Move-in day will be in late February, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be in the spring.