The district is getting some of the electrical and construction work donated, Colvin said, and has received $7,000 from private donations.
Colvin presented plans for the new Legacy Park at a city council meeting last week and the council voted to forgo the resolution’s third reading so construction could proceed as soon as possible.
“We’ve got the opportunity to get on it this year. We knew if it took too long to get through the city council, it would delay the construction part,” Colvin said.
The park could be finished by August.
In the past, the lot was used as a flex space for downtown events. Vendors would set up booths in the area and the chamber used it to sell tickets to events.
Patsy Thackery, owner of Cafe Paradiso in downtown Urbana, remembers when the space was an old tobacco and newspaper shop.
It suffered structure damage 10 years ago and was taken down.
She said she is glad the city and Monument Square District will use the vacant lot for green space instead of trying to construct a new building.
“Unfortunately once a historic building is gone it cannot be replaced, even if you build a new structure. One hundred percent it doesn’t replace the one that was there. So I think this is a very appropriate use for this location versus seeing a newer building erected in the future that really wouldn’t replace the one that was there,” Thackery said.
Colvin said the architectural designs are done for the park and he is currently finishing up lining up contractors for the project.
Plans for the new park feature an arbor system with 26 columns around the three open sides of the space.
The Monument Square District hopes to get a mural on the side of the building, pending the property owner’s approval. The grounds of the park will be brick. The city will donate leftover bricks from when it redid the downtown sidewalks.
The park will feature a new kiosk. The Monument Square District will pay for the kiosk and it will provide information about downtown shops, restaurants and hotels.
The park will add value to visits for people who come to Urbana for the antique shops and mom-and-pop restaurants, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce President Sandi Arnold said.
“Any time we create a space where people can sit and linger, it creates an opportunity for enjoyment and makes this a downtown destination for enjoyment,” Arnold said.
Colvin agreed, saying it will create a trickle down effect for businesses, including the Scioto Inn.
“Anything that will help with the downtown growth, will help with my business,” he said.