Blessed Are the Bulldozers: Historic Church or Trendy Truck Stop?
In a bold and visionary move sure to fuel Streator’s future—literally—the City of Streator is moving forward with plans to demolish St. Mary’s Church, a 19th-century architectural relic that has stood for generations, in order to make way for what officials are calling a “state-of-the-art fueling experience”: a brand-new Beck’s Gas Station.
Because when you think sacred ground, you think diesel pumps and two-for-$3 taquitos.
“This is about progress,” announced Mayor Tara Bedei at a recent city council meeting, where a 3D rendering of the proposed gas station was projected onto the very image of the historic Gothic Revival church. “St. Mary’s had a good run—150 years or so—but we believe it’s time to trade in old-world charm for the sweet smell of unleaded opportunity.”
The project is still in the planning phase, but Beck’s executives have reportedly promised not only competitive gas prices, but also a cutting-edge soda fountain with nine different flavors of Mountain Dew. Sources close to City Engineer Jeremy Palm say the new location will feature over 40 parking spaces—“none of that walkable town square nonsense”—and possibly a drive-thru for microwaveable brisket.
Palm called the proposed plan “a win-win for motorists and the local economy,” noting that the location’s proximity to downtown means that instead of seeing historic brickwork and spires, drivers will now enjoy an unbroken view of state of the art gas pumps.
“It’s about time we tore down something beautiful and irreplaceable,” added City Council Member David Reed. “Every town has a church. But not every town has a place where you can get Funyuns and fill up on E85 in the same trip with the ghost of Ralph Plumb watching over your every move.”
St. Mary’s Church, with its Spanish Revival exterior that has graced the city's skyline for more than 140 years has admittedly tugged at the sentimental hearts of some longtime residents. But the prevailing view at city hall is clear: if it doesn’t generate sales tax, it might as well be rubble.
To ease concerns from the preservation-minded minority, the city is reportedly working with Beck’s to incorporate a small commemorative plaque near the gas station’s air pump, reading:
“On this site stood a church. On this site stood opportunity. We now stand in line for lottery tickets.”
City Manager David Plyman praised the project for aligning with Streator’s long-term development strategy: maximizing surface parking, boosting car dependency, and making sure no pedestrian ever feels safe or seen again.
“We could’ve restored the church,” Plyman said. “We could’ve turned it into a community arts center, housing, or even a library annex. But at the end of the day, have you ever tried to fill your tank at a library?”
Some residents have expressed hesitation.
“Do we really need another gas station?” asked one local woman, who requested anonymity due to fear of being labeled anti-progress. “I just feel like there’s something kind of… sacred about St. Mary’s. And even if it's no longer a church, it could still be a part of the community.”
“Well, not for long,” replied a nearby resident. “Besides, how else are people supposed to get gas?”
The final vote on the project is not on the agenda at this time, but there is a TIF meeting looming that will pave the way for Becks to pave the church.
The city is also waiting to review traffic studies and an environmental impact report that is rumored to conclude: “Cars are good, old buildings are in the way.”
And while the spire still stands—for now—it may soon be replaced with a towering LED price sign proclaiming salvation for $3.49 a gallon.
In the words of Council Member Dan Danko, “We’re not just paving paradise. We’re paving it with purpose.”
Plans are moving fast. Blessings are pending. And if everything goes according to schedule, by this time next year, Streatorites will be pulling up to pump 3, whispering a little prayer of gratitude: “Thank you, Beck’s… for tearing down a piece of our soul to save us 15 cents per gallon.”
Contact your local council members to voice your opinion on the matter.
