Peoria Civic Center Renovation Enhances Energy Efficiency with BILCO Roof Hatches

The Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois, completed a $45 million renovation project that addressed significant water intrusion issues after 25 years without roof updates. The project, managed by Western Specialty Contractors, involved restoring the 35,000-square-foot roof system, which had hidden water entry points and failing flashings. Jared Osterman, project manager, noted that the theater roof was the worst, with failing flashings and unknown water entry points discovered during the work. The restoration included two thermally broken roof hatches from BILCO, which provide R-20+ insulation and minimize heat transfer, enhancing the building's energy efficiency. The Civic Center, opened in 1982, houses 110,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 27,000-square-foot ballroom, and is home to the Bradley University men's basketball team and a semi-professional ice hockey team. The project aimed to stop water entry and protect the new roof, which carries a 30-year warranty. Roof repair and replacement costs in the U.S. exceeded $30 billion in 2024, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance.