What's on the horizon in Champaign-Urbana
Milo's new location at Lincoln Square Village in Urbana is just one of the openings in Champaign-Urbana.
Here's a look at what's happening:
Milo's
When open: Opened Aug. 1 at new location, 2870 S. Philo Road, U.
What remains to be done: It's complete, and owners Jane Anderson and Obdulio Escobar have already served lunch and dinner to a week's worth of customers.
What you'll see: Brick and stone exterior, orange and yellow interior with large floral paintings, wood and tile flooring. Dining-room windows have view of pond. Semicircular bar in same room as dining area.
"I" Hotel and Conference Center / Houlihan's Restaurant
When scheduled to open: 11 a.m. Monday for both, with public tours of the hotel from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What remains to be done: The hotel's "I" Cafe and spa won't open until September, but the conference center has already hosted two weddings and the Quarterback Club, and the hotel has had a few overnight guests, according to Andrea Ruedi of Fox Development.
What you'll see: Decorated in greens and oranges, Houlihan's has contemporary furnishings and panoramic views of University of Illinois Research Park, Memorial Stadium and Assembly Hall. Hotel lobby incorporates burgundy, green and off-white and features walnut columns, fireplace, video screens and contemporary furniture. Look for work by local artists and for illuminated sculpture suspended from the ceiling.
Urban Outfitters
When scheduled to open: 10 a.m. Thursday
What remains to be done: Lots. On Thursday, scores of students lined up to unload and pass boxes from truck to two-story store in the 500 block of East Green Street in Champaign. Little of the eventual interior design was evident, with a district manager claiming the decoration would be "an organic, creative process."
What you'll see: Urban Outfitters touts a "lifestyle-sensitive store environment," according to its Web site. The Philadelphia-based chain, which has more than 120 stores, sells women's and men's apparel, accessories and footwear aimed at 18- to 30-year-olds. Some merchandise, particularly T-shirts, has provoked controversy elsewhere.
Meijer
When scheduled to open: Service station at new Urbana location opens Aug. 20; main store at Philo and Windsor roads won't open until first week of October.
What remains to be done: Building is complete, but shelving is still being finished and product brought in, according to spokesman Frank Guglielmi.
What you'll see: A smaller store than the one in Champaign. The 156,000-square-foot store will have the full line of groceries, but it will have reduced offerings in general merchandise, which includes hardware and apparel. The new store – one of 181 in the five-state chain – is LEED-compliant, meaning it was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards but has not been certified as such.
Common Ground Food Co-Op
When scheduled to open: 8 a.m. Aug. 23 at Lincoln Square Village, less than 48 hours after the co-op closes its current location at 403 S. Wright St., C. Member-owners will get a sneak-peek the previous evening. There will be free deli samples, tours and music all weekend.
What remains to be done: The last of refrigeration and freezers are being put in place, according to General Manager Jacqueline Hannah. A few shelving units and outdoor signs still need to be installed.
What you'll see: Store with pea-green walls just inside the old east entrance to Bergner's, with expanded space for produce, as well as areas devoted to bulk foods, refrigerated foods, frozen foods. Unlike current location, the co-op will have a deli and a dining area outside. The porch in front will have eucalyptus wood tables, benches and chairs for enjoying coffee, muffins, soups and salads from the deli. With the move, the cooperative will become open to the public, not just its members.
Papa Del's at the Crossing
When scheduled to open: Projected for late September, according to owner Bob Monti.
What remains to be done: Equipment problems must be resolved. That's what pushed back the intended Aug. 15 opening.
What you'll see: A bright yellow and paprika interior. The pizza shop, located next to Piccadilly Beverage Shop at Champaign's Village at the Crossing, will have pick-up and delivery options only. It will eventually have a drive-up window.
Also on this date
- Community Action Team boosts policing in Garden Hills
- Champaign police looking into possible shooting on Bradley
- UI's IMPE to complete transformation to ARC on Aug. 21
- Man in critical condition after motorcycle crash in Urbana
- Those wanting ballot questions will have to organize earlier
- One lane of Randolph Street in Champaign to close Monday
- Arthur businessman's service suits customers just fine
- Obituaries