Lighting Up History: QC Lights Installs Gemstone Permanent Lighting at the Peoria County Courthouse
When one of Central Illinois’ most iconic landmarks needed a modern lighting solution, Peoria County turned to QC Lights, trusted experts in permanent outdoor lighting across the Midwest. Now, the Peoria County Courthouse glows beautifully at night, blending historic architecture with smart, energy-efficient Gemstone Lighting technology.
Located at 324 Main Street, Peoria, Illinois 61602, the Peoria County Courthouse has long served as a hub for civic and government activity. The current building, completed in 1964, replaced earlier courthouses dating back to 1829, 1833, and 1873, preserving Peoria’s rich civic heritage.
In 2025, county officials undertook a modernization project to renovate the courthouse plaza, enhance public safety, and highlight architectural features after dark. QC Lights was proud to be selected as the lighting partner for this transformation, installing a Gemstone permanent outdoor lighting system that blends historic charm with modern technology.
The Peoria County Courthouse is more than a government building — it’s a historic landmark that bridges Peoria’s rich architectural past with a modern civic identity.
The new system provides year-round flexibility, allowing county officials to celebrate holidays and civic events with programmable lighting — from patriotic red, white, and blue to warm architectural white for daily use.
Gemstone Permanent Lighting Installation
The goal was simple: enhance nighttime presence while reducing maintenance and energy costs. QC Lights installed a discreet Gemstone track system along the courthouse roofline and cornices, producing a balanced, elegant glow adaptable to any occasion.
Key Features:
Individually addressable LED nodes for precise color, brightness, and animation control
App-based programming for holiday themes, events, or daily illumination
Durable, weatherproof track system built for Illinois winters and storms
Energy-efficient operation, reducing energy use vs traditional floodlights
From patriotic red, white, and blue on national holidays to warm white for everyday civic pride, the courthouse now shines as a beacon for downtown Peoria.
Learn more about the benefits of LED track lighting from the U.S. Department of Energy.
About the Peoria County Courthouse
The courthouse acts as the central hub for Peoria County’s legal and administrative services, serving residents across the region. The recent renovation not only upgraded the plaza with new landscaping and pedestrian improvements but also integrated state-of-the-art LED lighting to illuminate the building and surrounding areas at night.
Visitor Tips:
Main public entrance: Jefferson Avenue near Hamilton Blvd.
Parking: Nearby decks such as Hamilton Square recommended, especially during construction or high-traffic court dates.
Check Peoria County Courthouse Updates for closures or schedule changes.
Community Impact & Sustainability
This project is more than decorative—it contributes to Peoria’s downtown revitalization, improving safety, sustainability, and the public experience.
Advantages of the Gemstone system include:
Reduced energy consumption compared to traditional floodlighting
Minimized light pollution in the surrounding area
Eliminated seasonal ladder work or temporary installations
Flexible programming for community events, holidays, or civic causes
By modernizing the courthouse’s exterior lighting, Peoria County demonstrates a commitment to innovation, civic pride, and energy-conscious design.
QC Lights: Lighting Up Landmarks Across the Midwest
QC Lights installed holiday lighting at the John Deere Pavilion
QC Lights installed Gemstone permanent track lighting at the Peoria County Courthouse.
QC Lights specializes in holiday lighting, permanent outdoor lighting, and landscape lighting solutions for homes, businesses, and civic landmarks throughout Iowa and Illinois. Our team provides:
Professional installation of Gemstone permanent lighting systems
Fully customizable app-controlled lighting
Durable, energy-efficient solutions built to last in Midwest weather
Design expertise that enhances architecture and safety
Whether for historical landmarks like the Peoria County Courthouse or your own home, QC Lights helps communities shine beautifully, efficiently, and year-round.
