I have often said that Champaign and Urbana seem bigger than their populations would imply. There are two interesting and walkable town centers (three if you count campustown); a reasonably dense street plan; and a good amount of culture through the university. Champaign is even getting a skyline thanks to several . I recently took pictures of the most visible projects.
The imposing 18-story building is just two blocks from my apartment. Every morning I see the construction crane from my bedroom window. The building, scheduled to open in August, will house retail shops and a grocery store. It will be nice to be able to walk down the street for groceries. Right now, the outer walls are nearing completion.
One can see Burnham 310 and the Tower at Third for miles, but the 24-story highrise at will eventually become the tallest building in Champaign. It sits on the former location of a Burger King, hence its nickname "The Whopper". It does not look like much right now, but it will eventually have a fitness center, pool, and 17 floors of apartments over parking and businesses.
There are three comparatively short infill projects nearby, one at 507 East Green Street, Presby Hall on John Street, and the Saint John's Catholic Newman Center on the western edge of campus.
The university is also for reasons that no one seems to be able to explain.
Finally, will provide nine floors of retail, office space, and high-end condos in the center of downtown Champaign. I heard a story that the university bought one of the condos to house rich alumni for fundraisers and sporting events.
It has been interesting to watch these construction project progress over the winter. A fellow Champaign resident named Dan O'Brien has .
Gwynne Says:
Looks like the University of Illinois is following the national trend of putting in luxury boxes in their stadium to try to make more money.