What's Happening in Champaign, IL…

Residents of Champaign-Urbana have noticed that things are happening to buildings in the downtown area.

Late last month, a building was torn down at 202 West Main Street in Urbana, leaving an empty space that is attracting graffiti artists to the neighboring buildings. Other questions arose about what might happen to the former Goodyear store, located in Urbana on Vine Street.

The economic development manager of Urbana, Brandon Boys, said that the city has asked for development proposals for the Goodyear location. The deadline was submissions of proposals was May 29; it was originally May 8, but there was so much interest expressed in the location that the city extended the deadline.

In its Request for Proposal, the city said its goal for the location is to have a developer or a team of developers create some sort of development that is modern and high density, and that will contribute to the livability of the city's downtown.

On another site, developers are creating an Airbana market. The concept is of an event space, market, and outdoor beer garden.

Finally, the graffiti is not vandalism, but an art project. Artists have been encouraged to display their works or to try something different through a process called “open painting”. The project has been called a success, with an overwhelming number of artists taking part.

Champaign-Urbana officials might work with a flyer printing company to create a mailer for residents explaining the changes downtown.