CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The City of Champaign officially accepted $500,000 in funding from the Illinois' Tourism Attractions and Festivals grant to get started on their plans for Downtown Champaign this summer.
"This is the first thing you see when you come south on Neil Street. When you're welcomed into our community, it's a surface parking lot. We can do better. We need to showcase what's the best of our community," said Senior Planner for the city of Champaign, Lacey Raines Lowe.
The city is planning to add a stage, and extra seating, essentially bringing more business to the area. The project will also bring more diversity to these businesses as well.
"I think it's important to have this kind of space. A: to showcase the best of our community. B: to support our existing businesses, diversify who's coming to those businesses who wants to be in that destination, and hopefully grow new businesses," said Lowe.
With spring and summer right around the corner, Lowe wants to reassure residents that outdoor dining won't be disturbed during construction this summer.
"We're definitely working with the business owners, and particularly the folks at Big Grove. We're looking at some other alternatives where they can have their outdoor dining space. Downtown is open for business, there's lots of fun things going on this summer." stated Lowe.
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