Savoy celebrates 70 years with eye on future growth

SAVOY, Ill. (WAND) — The Village of Savoy will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Friday, recognizing its growth while looking ahead to several projects.

Savoy was officially incorporated on April 10, 1956, following a vote by residents to establish the village so they could fund their own fire service.

Starting with a few hundred at incorporation, Savoy is now home to 8,968 residents, according to the most recent American Community Survey data.

The village said that from 2000-2024, Savoy was the fastest growing municipality in Champaign County, more than doubling in size. Since 2010, the population has increased by more than 23%.

"I'm amazed at Savoy's evolution from a small village to a thriving suburban community," said Village President John Brown. "Even in my 25 years as a resident, we've achieved a lot as our people have taken ownership in building Savoy and its identity."

In celebration of the anniversary, Savoy is looking forward to several planned projects, including:

Downtown Savoy: Demolition has already begun at the corner of Dunlap Avenue and Church Street, clearing the way for a shovel-ready area for the Downtown Savoy Development.
The Curtis Road Underpass: According to the village, the project officially called the Curtis Road Grade Separation and Complete Street Project will improve safety, provide economic benefit, and protect the environment. It will serve as a reliable southern access point to the University of Illinois and provide corridor access for future research, development, medical facilities, and economic growth on Curtis Road between I-57 and U.S. 45.
New Home Construction: New residences are coming to both the Prairie Meadows and Lake Falls subdivisions.
Parks Upgrades: New amenities and a new access point are coming to Colbert Park, along with a renovation of Jones Park.

"We've come a long way since we first came together to raise funds just to have a single fire truck," Brown said. "We have a big vision for even more development that will come to fruition in part from these significant projects on the horizon."