I’ve never been much of a history buff — too many years and names and boring facts — but if you show me through pictures, then I’m interested. So this is for all of you that need to see the difference in time, not just read it.
Virginia Theatre
Since 1921, The Virginia Theater has been a landmark in the business district of Champaign. For 75 years, the 1,525 seat theater has offered entertainment as a vaudeville house, legitimate theater, and movie house. The historic theater plays host to Roger Ebert’s Ebertfest Film Festival every spring.
Right now you can buy tickets for their upcoming shows here. And read about one of them here. (Hint: It includes Nick Offerman)
*Harker Hall
Situated between the Illini Union and the Natural History Building, Harker Hall is the oldest building on campus, and underwent renewal in 1991, restoring the building’s Italianate exterior. Renowned architect Nathan Ricker designed the building during his tenure as professor of architecture at the University of Illinois.
Jos. Kuhn & Co.
Jos. Kuhn & Co. is marking 153 years in business this year, one of only a few family-owned men’s clothing stores still in business. The display floor includes a few testaments to Kuhn’s history, including a sleigh that belonged to the Kuhn family. Now located toward the rear of the store, it has often been a feature in the annual Parade of Lights during the holiday season.
University High School
University Laboratory High School, or Uni High, was established in 1921 and is a laboratory school located on campus. The school is notable for the achievements of its alumni, including three Nobel laureates and a Pulitzer Prize winner; in 2006 and 2007 it was recognized as a “public elite” school by Newsweek because of its students’ high scores on the SAT.
Basically, these kids are SMART.
Urbana Landmark Hotel
The Urbana Landmark Hotel first opened in downtown Urbana in 1923 as the Urbana-Lincoln Hotel.
In the 1960’s, the hotel was acquired by the Carson Pirie Scott department store chain, which attached it to the then-new Lincoln Square Mall. Today, the hotel’s original front entrance opens on to the mall’s food court. The hotel has struggled under several owners in the 21st century. X.J. Yuan was the latest owner, buying and renovating the building in 2010, with financial aid from the city of Urbana. He later paid the money back after failing to open the hotel’s restaurant and conference center. Yuan put the Urbana Landmark hotel up for sale in 2015, and closed it in 2016. But it remains a key component in any future development of the Lincoln Square area in downtown Urbana.
It recently sold for $1.3 million, then it didn’t. You can read about it here.
Champaign County Courthouse
Originally many of the buildings along Main Street were made of wood. When these were destroyed in the 1871 Urbana fire, brick became the dominant construction material. Many of the architecturally significant homes and public buildings were then constructed in the late 1800s and early twentieth century — including the Champaign County Courthouse building.
Champaign City Building
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.
A few takeaways:
1. Wow, have automobiles changed.
2. Virginia Theatre is and always has been beautiful.
3. I can’t believe there are casually horses in that picture.
4. I prefer life in color.
5. I love this C-U community.
Photos from the Champaign County Historical Archives and Lea Peck
*This is actually the Natural History Building. It’s also important and was designed by the same architect.