Today our class explored Downtown Champaign starting at the train
station and looping around through streets of businesses and a park back
to where we started.
We first visited a large City Building, steadfast and strong looking it was built to look official and to lend an air of respect to the newer (in relation to Urbana) city of Champaign, once called West Urbana.
We then made our way to the streets of Champaign dedicated to business. This area of the city was once made to encourage only foot traffic; Champaign was one of the later cities to catch onto the fad of the time of trying to create a space in which pedestrians could roam freely. The idea was eventually widely discarded in light of the fact the people still needed to drive from their homes to get to the area.
Walking down Park Avenue, we eventually came to (predictably enough) a
park. This park, surrounded by churches and a library, served as a
gathering place for church-goers after meeting on Sunday mornings.
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| Park Avenue is the most common street name in America |
We also came across what once was a Post Office, built to look strong and professional because, as a federal building, it was supposed to represent the government's presence and protection. The steps, leading up to an entrance made to look grand, could host friendly games and conversations and could serve as a gathering area for citizens.
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| The News Gazette is also an important part of the city |
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