Construction Update - 4/18/25

🌸 Spring is popping—and so is the Downtown Plaza! 🌸

Construction crews have been on a roll downtown: pouring and sandblasting concrete, planting trees, installing new bike racks, and finishing the stage decking. There are still a few final touches but…the plaza is open!

Nearby restaurants like Big Grove have already set up outdoor dining to take advantage of the space. Existing public sculptures have been relocated and installed in planters. Bench swings and the stage canopy will arrive and be installed over the next few weeks. Trees are in, and additional landscaping will be planted as it becomes available (with more to come in the fall so it has the best chance to grow).

🎶 While we’re wrapping up the final touches to the space, City staff are preparing for summer fun. Partnerships with The Land Connection, Champaign Park District, and 40 North will bring three weekly concert series to the Downtown Plaza:

• Rhythm & Roots – Live music during the Tuesday Farmers Market, 3–6pm

• Sound Bites – A lunchtime series on Thursdays, 11:45am–1:15pm

• Friday Night Live – returns Fridays, 6–9pm—with a new location in the Plaza!

🌱 And there’s even more to look forward to! City staff are working with landscape architects and 40North to design Phase 2, scheduled to break ground in 2026. The next phase will include a public lawn, pop jet fountain, small business kiosks, and more. The intent for this plaza—funded by $12.5 million in state grants—is to provide more public green space downtown, benefit nearby businesses, and be the first place you bring visitors.

From unique bike racks to wood-capped seating with accessibility cutouts, every detail in the plaza contributes to this space being one for everyone to relax, gather, and celebrate. Come out and explore the space!

A view of the downtown plaza facing north from Main Street, featuring trees, bike loops, a historic well, and outdoor seating for a nearby restaurant. A view of the Downtown Plaza, facing north from Main Street. Photo taken April 18, 2025. Gentleman sits on a woodcapped bench on the south side of Phase 1 by bike racks and a planter near the intersection of Main and Neil Kris Koester, Administrative Services Manager for Champaign Public Works, enjoys the new seating. Photo taken April 18, 2025. A view of tiered bench seating facing east. A public art sculpture is featured next to a tree in a landscaping planter. Also pictured are two seats and a chess table fixed to the plaza. Try your hand at our new chess table and take in the views of existing public art that has been relocated. Photo taken April 18, 2025.

An anthropomorphized public art sculpture is pictured in a planter on the west side of the plaza facing north, just east of Neil Stret.

This sculpture, called "Strider," was relocated from the parking lot to the north to a more prominent location in Phase 1 of the Plaza. Photo taken April 18, 2025.

Three electrical workers actively working in a planter on the west side of the plaza to install electrical power hookups.

Trees are in and electrical work is happening now! Light poles, bench swings, and the stage canopy will be installed over the next few weeks. Photo taken April 18, 2025.