In the heart of Peoria’s Randolph-Roanoke Historic District stands the Ballance-Herschel House, an architectural jewel completed in 1888.
Architect Warren H. Milner infused the design with the elegance of the Queen Anne style and the gravitas of Richardsonian Romanesque accents.
The home first belonged to Willis H. Ballance, Sr., a prominent figure whose lineage included Colonel Charles Ballance, a pioneering attorney in Peoria.
Until Willis’s death in 1913, the mansion remained the domicile of the Ballance family.
Afterward, the Herschel family, notable for their agricultural implement manufacturing business, took residence until 1979.
That year marked a new chapter for the house when the Junior League of Peoria, an organization dedicated to community improvement and historic preservation, acquired the property.
Under their stewardship, the house underwent extensive restoration, bringing back to life the intricate woodwork, ornate fireplaces, and some of the most exquisite stained glass in the region, as originally envisioned by the Gipps Brewery baron.
Now, this Victorian mansion is more than just a home.
It’s a piece of Peoria’s history nestled within walking distance of major medical centers, minutes from downtown Peoria, and with easy interstate access.
This residence remains a vibrant part of the community, echoing the past while serving the present.
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