Devonshire Group and Oxbow Development will begin construction this summer of Main Street Commons, a184-bed mixed-use complex at the northwest corner of Main and Bourland in Peoria. The two-phase style student housing project will offer such amenities as a multi-layered security system, concierge service, 8,000 square feet of retail lease space, a swimming pool, tanning facilities and a 24-hour fitness center. Enhancing the options available to Bradley University students, Main Street Commons will open late summer 2011 with availability for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Main Street Commons is being developed by Oxbow Development and Devonshire Group. Oxbow Development, based in the Quad Cities, has extensive experience with projects similar to Main Street Commons having developed several student focused living communities on and near campus' throughout the Midwest. Oxbow managing member Ben Eastep states, "I am excited to partner with Devonshire on this venture. We are proud to bring a first class product to Bradley University."

Devonshire Group, based in Champaign, utilizes their Single Source Solutions approach encompassing real estate development services including civil engineering, mechanical, electrical, structural and environmental engineering, title services, and architectural services. Devonshire's expertise and services along with Oxbow's experience with student housing, combine to offer an upscale option for Bradley University students.

Bradley University, a strong supporter of the project, continues to experience strong enrollments which include expectations for another large freshman class for the fall 2010 semester. Main Street Commons will allow Bradley University to offer their students the modern, attractive, upscale housing and amenities today's students expect from a high quality, well respected and competitive University. Bradley University President Joanne Glasser, who is committed to providing Bradley students with the best possible educational and living environment, states, "Universities that continually enroll and appreciate outstanding students and that offer a complete, enriched educational experience, understand the importance of supporting quality of life options for students. Bradley is delighted with the Main Street Commons project and its outstanding features. We know our students, faculty and staff will find Main Street Commons a welcome addition to the area."

Area residents are also excited about the project. Golda Ewalt, who lives in the neighborhood states "The new apartments will bring more people to our neighborhood making the area more vibrant. More people may attract more business such as restaurants. This is exactly the movement I am looking forward to seeing. The new development makes this a better place to live."

Throughout the planning process Oxbow Development and Devonshire Group have worked closely with City of Peoria officials and Bradley University as well as local investors and Marine Bank. "I'm delighted by this significant investment on Main Street and the much-needed quality housing it will bring to Bradley University students, while enhancing the older neighborhoods that surround the project." states Council Member Barbara Van Auken.

Equity for the project was provided by a consortium of investors primarily in the Peoria, Bloomington and Champaign area. Financing for the project is provided by Marine Bank.

Main Street Commons will be available for leasing for the 2011 fall semester and is considered Bradley University approved housing for Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors and Graduate Students. Please contact Oxbow Development for leasing information at (563) 441-3055, email info@liveatmain.com or on the web www.liveatmain.com. Leasing information for the retail space can be obtained from Thomas Harrington, III at (309) 639-6100 or tt@cbcdr.com.