Stand Up Now: Send A Message for Tomorrow
I'm being told it's a lost cause, that there's no way to fight it, it's a done deal. But you know, I stand up for what I believe. I don't do it perfectly, but I try my hardest to do it as best I can, and as honestly.
I voted for the school referendum 'to keep Central central.' However I didn't vote for one of the most significant houses within the city of Champaign to be torn down for a parking lot. For a Burnham and Root home, of national significance, to be a parking lot is ludicrous. I believe we should fight to save Burnham Mansion. Click here to read the landmark nomination for this structure.
The referendum stated:
Shall the Board of Education of Champaign Community Unit School District Number 4, Champaign County, Illinois, alter, repair and equip the Central High School Building, build and equip additions thereto, and acquire and improve the site thereof; improve facilities at Franklin Middle School, Spalding Park, and McKinley Field; alter, repair and equip the Centennial High School Building and build and equip additions thereto; demolish the existing Dr. Howard Elementary School Building and build and equip a new Dr. Howard Elementary School Building on that site; alter, repair and equip the South Side Elementary School Building and build and equip an addition thereto; alter, repair and equip the International Prep Academy Building and build and equip additions thereto; alter, repair and equip the Edison Middle School Building and build and equip an addition thereto; and issue bonds of said School District to the amount of $183,400,000 for the purpose of paying costs thereof?
I don't like Dr. Howard being torn down but I accept it. And I knew that adding and repairing Central High School would entail property loss within the area. Given that there are a number of properties in that area that are non-contributing to the historic nature of the neighborhood, or of much, much less significance, I didn't think it would actually come to pass that the Burnham Mansion would be destroyed. I couldn't believe a city that has been mandated by its own legislation to identify and support historic preservation would allow this to happen. And I put that on the City, not the School Board.
Both the City and the School Board knew well before the referendum that this property was historically significant. Landmarks Illinois listed it as one of the most endangered properties in the state in spring of 2016. Here is the article in the GOP caucus that reported on the press conference that day in April 2016.
I understand those that say it's too late, but you know what? If you fight for this, you are not just standing up for this nationally significant historic work of architecture, rich in community history and a core element of a historic neighborhood, you are standing up for the NEXT building that will be threatened. If you believe in the value of historic architecture to our community, then you must fight for this building. Perhaps it will be for naught...but next time an important building is threatened, perhaps the quick and easy excuse of, "well, nobody said anything about it," won't be so easy to use. THAT is important. THAT is vital. THAT is needed.
If you believe in the historical, cultural, sustainable and irreplaceable role of history in our community. You must stand up for the Burnham Mansion. Stand up for this because it's the right thing to do, and so the City and the School Board recognize the strong support for these values.
Stand up NOW to send a message for TOMORROW.
No matter where and who you are...please contact the City Council members. It is up to them on December 5, 2018. See below for contact info.
History OVER parking lots!
Burnham and Central can coexist together.
Save the 1884 Burnham & Root designed Burnham Mansion.
Contact Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen
Email: Deb.Feinen@champaignil.gov
Office Phone: 217-403-8720
"She has a passion to serve her community and to make Champaign a great place to live, work, play and stay."
Contact Clarissa Nickerson Fourman
Email: Clarissa.Fourman@champaignil.gov
Office Phone: 217-402-6743
Contact Alicia Beck
Email: alicia.beck@champaignil.gov
Office Phone: 217-721-2850
Contact Angie Brix
Email: Angie.Brix@champaignil.gov
Office Phone: 217-714-1121
Contact Greg Stock
Email: Greg.Stock@champaignil.gov
Office Phone: (217) 403-8720
He previously served on the City’s Historic Preservation Commission.
Contact Vanna Pianfetti
Email: Vanna.Pianfetti@champaignil.gov
Office Phone: 217-417-2417
Contact Tom Bruno
Email: Tom.Bruno@champaignil.gov
Office Phone: 217-328-6000
Contact Will Kyles
Email: Will.Kyles@champaignil.gov
Office Phone: 217-552-3625
Contact Matthew Gladney
Email: Matthew.Gladney@champaignil.gov
Office Phone: 217-355-1277