Mixed-use development to be built in Urbana
Urbana city council members unanimously approved a special permit to allow the 
construction of a 5 ½ -story building to be used for commercial and residential purposes on West Oregon Street and West Nevada Street.
Illinois Properties, LLC proposed the development, which would be at 1108 W. Nevada St. and 1105 and 1107 W. Oregon St., south of the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
The building would consist of two levels of parking, one on the ground floor and the other below ground. Office space would also be located on the ground floor, and the remaining 4 ½ floors would consist of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, with an emphasis on one- and two-bedroom residences. The building would contain 59 apartments, housing 126 residents.
City council members approved a rezoning of the property to Campus Commerical District and a special-use permit to allow a mixed-use development.
The special-use permit would also allow the builders to reduce the amount of required parking by 34 percent, allowing for fewer parking spaces than would ordinarily be required by city zoning regulations. Fewer parking spaces are needed because the residences would primarily be occupied by students, and the number of students bringing cars to campus has decreased in recent years.
The building would adhere to the Illinois Energy Conservation Code, and green features are planned, such as a low-intensity green roof, collection of storm water for irrigation and motion sensor lighting.
City council members expressed concern over a couple of issues, including how close the building would be to the streets. The other main concern with the building was whether the modern design would fit in aesthetically with the surrounding university buildings.
Despite these concerns, however, the development would help to accomplish some of the city's goals. The building would contribute to Urbana’s tax base, which is eroded goals. The building would contribute to Urbana’s tax base, which is eroded when the university expands into the neighborhood, council member Brandon Bowersox said.
The building would also contribute to the goal of encouraging students to use mass transit and walk rather than bring cars to campus.
Construction of the development could begin as early as August 2012, when current leases expire.
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Thank you for discussing Ron Paul’s “successors” - the future of the freedom movement. The movement didn’t begin with Dr. Paul, nor will it end with his exit from the political scene. How many future political leaders were in that audience of nearly 5,000 last night?
I went to the Ron Paul event last night. There was alot of energy & the audience responded to Ron Paul’s ideas which surprised me. I didn’t think most people would be aware of NDAA. Another person, who was there last night, observed that quite a few…
A really well researched article. Great job!
I love the Guitars
Hi my name is Harry Huffman, professional speaker…. keynote humorist and above all story teller. I have also been a ballroom dancer, competitor and instructor over 45 years.I’m looking to get on the story telling circuit or radio. Can you give me some advice. Thank you. My web site http://www.speakdance.com
Man, I cannot wait for these four records to be released by Parasol/Hidden Agenda - seriously great music for them to be working with. Thanks for letting me hang out in the studio and see you at the party…
Rob, I’m slightly confused about the media player you are referring to.
I’ve looked at this page with two different browsers, and four different operating systems. I’ve decided that the embedded media player is just plain busted.
$100K for a toy house? No wonder my taxes are killing me. http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/solar-decathlons-rainy-start_594112.html
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Did the Crave Truck get a permit to park in city metered spots and city right of way? Or did they just get a permit? The city clerk’s office seems to be a suspect here, but it’s not clear they did anything wrong. Did the Crave Truck…
High-profile whining. AKA Lobbying.
it’s quite choice. looking forward to seeing how it and its patronage grow and develop over the course of the year. could be a neat little ecosystem.
“It was at this point, before he started his business, that working with city employees should’ve raised red flags…” But they didn’t because: 1) The City Clerk’s office originally mis-interpreted the rules, or are indeed re-interpreting them. 2) Champaign’s brick-n-mortar merchants hadn’t yet started whining about The Crave Truck.
Super cool! Excellent track, Excellent band.
Looking forward to trying this place!
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“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
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The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
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I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
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What a great job by all the volunteers! This event was really put together fast, and well. What I noticed about the crowd was how many old faces I saw despite occurring on a college campus. I talked to quite a few, including students, who assured me…