CHAMPAIGN —The Champaign City Building is set to close for renovations starting next week on November 15.
City officials will be spending $2.8 million on construction, largely for improvements to accessibility and security.
In the Council Chambers, crews will remove a sloped parts of the ground and install new seating, lighting, and flooring.
“We have a slope that is not [American Disabilities Act] compliant,” said Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen during a meeting in September. “We’ve, I guess, put some paint on it and made it look bette, but we—it’s been a long time, probably 40 years … since anything has really meaningfully been done, and so it is time.”
The changes will also elevate the council dais to improve visibility and create a new audiovisual office with new equipment.
The project also has improvements to security and building access. The main entrance will be redesigned so reception staff can better observe visitors.
“The Council Chambers renovation project represents a long-term investment in the City’s historic building and the community it serves,” the city said in a news release. “By improving accessibility, security, and flexibility, the renovations will create a more inclusive and functional space for years to come.”
The building expects the renovations to take 10 months, according to the city. Future city council meetings will relocate to be held at the Illinois Terminal and other city board and commission meetings will take place at 201 W. University Avenue.
City meetings will remain available to live stream online.