CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The Champaign City Council voted on July 2 to approve moving forward with construction on the Neil Street Plaza in downtown.Â
David Happ, a civil engineer for the City of Champaign, said that the city has been discussing the Downtown Plaza Project since it was originally proposed in 2006. The Downtown Plaza Project was created in order to develop the plaza into a more visitor-friendly location. "I think it's a great space now, but essentially it's just a parking lot. This will turn into something that people can really use," said Happ.
The construction will be split into two phases. Phase one will feature new landscaping, bench swings, tiered wall seats, additional dining areas, and a stage for public performance. Phase two won't start until 2026 but will include the addition of water features and areas to host the Famer's Market and other kiosks.
Happ said the city worked with the surrounding businesses in order to develop a construction plan to better benefit restaurants who have outdoor seating. "We know this is going to be a disruptive project," said Happ. "It's going to be messy; it's going to be noisy, and there's going to be times when they won't be able to have the seating that they're used to having. [But] they'll always have access to the building."
Construction for phase one will begin July 15, and construction in outdoor seating areas will begin September 15. The project is estimated to be completed by May 2.Â
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