Former convent, resale shop torn down in Peru

Demolitions clear way for expanded employee parking at OSF Healthcare in Peru

By Stephanie Jaquins, Shaw Local News Network correspondent

The former convent home is borded up just north of the former St. Mary's Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the intersection of 7th and Plum Streets in Peru. (Scott Anderson)

July 02, 2025 at 2:35 pm CDT

Two properties recently were demolished near the OSF Healthcare campus in Peru.

A brick home on West Street between 6th and 7th streets recently was razed, and the former Underseller Resale Shop, 1330 7th St., also was torn down last week. The building initially was used as the St. Mary Catholic Parish convent and later as a resale shop.

The demos will expand parking for employees, said Paul Arco, media relations coordinator for OSF Healthcare.

OSF has no plans for St. Mary’s Church or its rectory at this time, he said.

About 20 years ago, properties attached to St. Mary’s, including the school, were all sold to what was then Illinois Valley Community Hospital. St. Mary’s held its last Mass in August 2024, ending a 157-year run.