Champaign City Building

Champaign City Building
Champaign City Building at night
Location within Illinois
General information
Location	102 North Neil Street Champaign, Illinois United States
Coordinates
Construction started	1935
Completed	1937
Design and construction
Architect	George Ramey

The Champaign City Building serves as a symbol of the city, with its likeness featured on the city seal. Designated a Champaign Landmark on July 18, 2005, 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.

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.

Within almost forty 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, administrative offices, and the city's law department.

External links

• State of Illinois Database for Municipality Landmarks