Champaign City Building

The Champaign City Building serves as a symbol of the city, with its likeness featured on the city logo. Designated a Champaign Landmark on July 18, 2005,[1] the ornate decoration, art deco architecture, and copper roof distinguish the building as one of the most recognizable in downtown Champaign. The main inspiration for the building's art deco design was Los Angeles City Hall.[3]

Champaign City Building
Champaign City Building at night
Location within Illinois
General information
StatusChampaign Landmark (designated July 18, 2005[1])
Architectural styleArt Deco
Location102 North Neil Street
Champaign, Illinois
 USA
Coordinates40°6′59.5362″N 88°14′35.829″W
Construction started1935
Completed1937
Design and construction
ArchitectGeorge Ramey[2]

History

Land for the original City Hall was donated to the city of Champaign in 1888 by David Bailey, who was a charter founder of the First National Bank of Champaign. It is believed that he donated the land due to the lot's odd shape, and his inability to develop the land. Bailey also insisted that the city must develop a building worth no less than $5,000 within a year of his donation. The city, in turn, built a multi-purpose structure that housed the Police and Fire Departments, an auditorium, a library, and a chamber and meeting room for the City Council.[4]

Within almost 40 years, the building was in such poor condition that the City Council voted to demolish the multi-purpose building and in its place the current City Building was constructed from 1935-1937.

Current use

Currently, the City Building serves as Champaign's City Hall and includes the City Council Chambers and administrative offices.

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References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-08-26. Retrieved 2013-08-30.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. Blakeman, Tj (11 February 2013). "Champaign History: 102 North Neil Street - Champaign City Building".
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-03-13. Retrieved 2013-08-16.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-12-21. Retrieved 2013-08-16.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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