Downtown Champaign

March 10, 2015

Founded in 1855 and originally known as "West Urbana", Champaign eventually flourished and became its own individual city. Champaign started its roots with the Illinois Central Railroad and the railroad station. It has become the central hub of the city community and the rest of the roads extend from the station. A building that also serves as a central hub is the Champaign City Building or the city hall building. This building sits upon the continental grid that once separated the land into parcels meant to be sold. 

Around the 1980s city officials decided to close vehicular traffic on Neil Street to try and create a pedestrian mall, but once business drastically declined Neil Street opened once again. Another factor that led to the growth of downtown Champaign was the "north Prospect" shopping district and the opening of bars in the community. 

We ended our tour at the West Side Park. Originally meant to house the courthouse and other public buildings, it now serves as a wide open space for the community and its gatherings.