The Virginia Theater is located at 203 West Park Avenue Champaign, Illinois. Construction was begun early in 1921 and it opened on December 28, 1921. The builder and general c was contractor was Almond Whitfield Stoolman.  Building costs were $400,000.  The architect was C. Howard Crane and the architectural firm of Gill and Jackson. The architectural style was a blend of Spanish Renaissance and Italian Renaissance Revival.

     The building’s exterior feature classic brick facade accessory cream colored terra cotta details.

Key Exterior Elements

     The arched windows: Three large, two story arched windows dominate the upper facade framed by ornate terra cotta molding.

     The Marquee: A prominent, brightly lit Art Deco canopy hangs over the sidewalk, which was added during a 1939 RKO remodel to  replace the 1921 original.

       The Materials: Red-brown pressed brick forms the main structure, contrasted sharply by the white tile accents.

     The Cresting: ornamental terra cotta shield motifs and a decorative corn ice line the very top edge of the building.

    Seating was 817 main floor and balcony 646 seats.  During reeling the number of seats was reduced.

Timeline of theater ownership

Charles CC Pyle and A.W. Stoolman.(1921-:1930)

     The promoter was CC Pyle.  He partnered with A.W. Stoolmam.  They were joint owners

RKO Pictures (1930- 1967) The major Hollywood studio held a       long-term commercial lease and operational control over        the venue for nearly four decades

The Stoolman–Julian.family (1967–1968) A.W. Stoolman’s        Elizabeth Virginia Stool man and her husband briefly                 reclaimed direct control

     

     Harper Hall also known as the Chemical Laboratory is located on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.  It  was built between 1877 and 1878. It was designed and built by Nathan Clifford Rocker and John Mills Van Osdell.

     Nathan Clifford Rocker was a professor at the University.  It was his very first major architectural work.  He went on to design many other famous campus buildings.

     John Mills Van Osdell was a well known Chicago architect.  He worked with Rocker to create the building plans

     It is a 3 story  red brick facade designed in the historic Second Empire and Italianate styles.

  

Features of the building

     Mansard Roof

It is a classic slate roof with two angles on each side. The lower section is much steeper than the upper section.

     Patterned slate shingles

Roof was durable colored slate tiles arranged in a pleasing geometric design.. Most of the shingles are black,but red and green tiles are used to create a beautiful pattern.

     Building layout

There is a I shaped layout. This set up helped morning  natural window light for early science students

     Italianate Exterior

The outside walls feature  gorgeous red brick accents and large arched windows that give the hall a grand classic look

In 1896, the roof  caught fire and had to be replaced. In 1991 to 1992, the building underwent a major renovation.  This was a 3.5 million dollar project.  The inside of the building was completely rebuilt.  The exterior was restored to its original 1870’s look

Haker Hall has served many different purposes over it 140 year history, transitioning from a science labarotory, to a law school, and eventually into an administrative hubs.

     1877-1902 Chemical Laboratory

The building was originally built to be the  university’s first dedicated chemistry building.  It was state of the art space filled with laboratories and classrooms for students learning the chemical sciences

     Law School 1902 to 1927.

The building became the home of the college of the law. It was renamed for Oliver A. Harker, a law school dean in 1941

     Department.of Entomology

In 1926,the building was changed so it could be used for the studies of insects.

     Department of Botany

In 1930, the Botany.Department moved into parts of the second floor.

     General Classrooms

For many years , the ground floor and other rooms were used as general.spaces for student classes

     University of Illinois Foundation

In 1992, the building beca!e the main home for the University’s fund raising group.  The Foundation utilized the space for decades before relocating to a new headquarters.

     This building is located at 41 East University Avenue Champaign, Il.  It was built in 1913. The architect was Joseph Royer.  It is three stories.  The style is 20th Commercial . The exterior is constructed of red brick accented by white terra cotta detailing

Key structural and decorative element of the exterior include:

     Facade material: A classic red brick exterior paired with intricate white terra cotta details.

      Structural Division: Four vertical piers that split the front facade into three distinct bays with the two outer bays being slightly bowed

      Ornamental Detailing:

      Terra Cotta medallions crowning  each pier and detailed scrolled shields marking the top of the first floor

     Window details:  Every window features molded terra cotta silks and lingerie

      Roofline: The original ornate terra cotta has been replaced for nice has been replaced by a white brick pediment

Transportation and utilities era (1913-1985)

     Illinois Traction System

     Operated its main corporate headquarters and Champaign       depot here from 1913 to 1928.

    Illinois Power and Light Company: Established office in             building after the railroad was consolidated into a utility          subsidary in the 1920’s.

   Illinois Terminal Railroad

    Continued utilizing the facility as its corporate                       headquarter and inter urban passenger station after  absorbing it’s in 1928, until Tran service ceased at this   locationin 1936

    Illinois Power Company

     Maintained its regional corporate offices throughout the upper levels of the for decades   until relocating in 1985

Modern Commercial and Retail  era (1985-to present)
      Kane and Company Spa and Salon purchased the building in 2000 and transformed the   

     6000 square first floor into a prominent local salon and       day spa.

     Commercial Office Tenants  The upper levels have been           subdivided into professional office space hosting various         local services including Susan W. McGrath law office and     financial consultants

     Currently the first floor is vacant.

    The upper levels have been converted to luxury apart units

     This six story landmark building is located at 17 E. University Avenue, Champaign, Il.

     This hotel opened its doors on March 11,1915. Inman was advertised as  premier fireproof luxury hotel in downtown Champaign.

     The building was commissioned by George Inman.  The builders were  the English Brothers. The architects Nelson were Spencer and Harry Temple.  Originally, the building had 5 floors in a c shape to optimize sunlight and air flow.  There were 120 guest rooms.   A six floor was added in 1916.

     The 1915 construction costs were over $200,000. Renovation in 2022 was approximately $24,000 per room.

     List of uses due the years

     1915–1974:  Luxury Commercial Hotel

      Premier 120 room regional lodging

     1915 to mid 1900’s: Commercial Hub

     Billiard hall, Turkish bath,barbershop, drug store

      1965–1978 Television Studio (WICD TV

      Broadcast headquarters on the 2nd floor.

      1975-1987 Residential Arts School

       National Academy of the Arts student housing

       1989-2021 Senior living community

       (Inman Place 55+ independent senior apartments)

     2022- Present: Mixed use complex

     Residential apartments, Airbnb short term rentals,                     Farren’s Pub

    This was the Venice Housing Authority’s first public housing complex.  It was built in the late 1960’s on North Grove Street. It served as a key affordable housing hub for families in Venice’s historically Black neighborhood.  The 50 unit complex was demolished in 2009. It was replaced by the modern Venitian Walk subsidized housing community.

Origins

     Location :  Grove Terrace was built on a nearly 6 acre site near the Intracoastal Waterway.

    Historical Context: The site was located in what was formerly known as the  “Negro or Blackburn Quarters “, one of the earliest historically  Black neighborhoods in the city of Venice

     Development: The complex was officially opened in 1970 and was designed by Jack West. It was established as the Venice Housing Authority’s major public housing project.to provide n low-income housing

Redevelopment in the 2000’s

     By the mid 2000’s, Grove Terrace had aged significantly . In 2006,the Venice Housing Authority secured the necessary funding and tax credits to redevelop the site

     All 50 units of the Old Grove Terrace were torn down in 2009.

     Phase 1 Venetian Walk Senior (2014)

     A 61 unit , three story apartment complex reserved for low income seniors aged 62 and older was built just south of the old footprint at 201 Grove Street N.

     Phase II Venetia n Walk II (2020)

       Built directly on the original footprint of the old Grove Terrace Complex, this $12.2 million dollar project opened as an all ages ,mixed finance family community.  It features 2 and 3 story garden style buildings offering 52 modern units

    The property at 106 Pocono Trail East Nokomis is a multiple unit complex containing three restored historic buildings dating from 1923–1926.  This complex was built and developed by Doctor Fred Albee. .   These buildings are home to Rum Runner Antiques an antique mall with over 15 dealer;RUM Runner Auctions: Nokomis Art Market a  seasonal market held from  November to April;:The Cottage Art Gallery is an art gallery and teaching studio.

     The first owner of.the current Rum Runner Building was Doctor.Fred Albee.

     The Cottage Art Gallery  is an eclectic, artist run cooperative tucked away at 106 Pocono Trail East in Nokomis.  It features affordable original paintings, jewelry, pottery,and metal crafts.

Key Highlights

     Local Talent The space is run by a collective of regional artists, the inventory is always rotating and features uniquely bespoke items. 

    The cooperative is currently managed by local artists Brandy Boyd, Judith Light, and Nancy Taylor.

      Teaching Studio Beyond shopping the venue operates as an instructional space where you can sign up for specialized classes like watercolor and alcohol ink.

     Visiting  The gallery is open during classes and by appointment.

     It was a  1920’s boom era residence transforming into a modern, local historic landmark.

     Dr. Fred Albee constructed the building as a private home and rental investment within his newly planted Albert Nash subdivision.  The style of the building was Mediterranean Revival.

     Olga Grosjean was a long time owner of the building.  Under her ownership the home was designated as a part of the local historic architectural push

     The Pocono Trail Preserve is a 9.2 acre preserve located at 189 Pocono Trail East Nokomis, Florida.  The preserve is managed by Sarasota County.  It was originally established as a 8.2 acre park in 2002.  The county completed a $1.475 million expansion to acquire an additional acre of land.

     The preserve offers a quiet, brief retreat into old Florida landscape.

    There are short shaded networks of both paved and unpaved walking paths. There is a wheel accessible wooded path and parking lot. There is an observation and fishing dock overlooking Shakers Creek and Dona Bay

     In 1915, Chicago socialite Mabel Linn sold 60 acres of undeveloped acres to Edson Keith, Jr. for  $7000. This land was located along the south bank of Phillipi Creek just south of downtown Sarasota.  This land was to become  the Edson Keith estate.  In 1916 he built a clap board farmhouse to live in while his main home was being built.

     His residence was completed in December, 1916.  The architects Otis and Clark were from.Chicago. It was an L shaped 2 story Italian.Renaissance style. The builder was Edson Keith

Exterior Architecture

     Structure built with hollow clay tile and brick. It features white washed exterior walls    

Roofing 

     The home is topped with a low pitched hip roof covered in red ceramic terracotta tiles

Outdoor Living

     Large expansive veranda and Northern corner porches designed to capture coastal breezes, acting as a form of natural air conditioning

Terrace

     A large rear terrace overlooks a lush lawn that sweeps down toward shores of Philippines Creek

Interior Features

     Grand entry the mansion opens into a stately foyer characterized by exquisite craftsmanship

   Living spaces

        The main floor includes an expansive living room and twin sun rooms featuring elegant Palladian window    Historical Finishes

       interior details include hand painted ceilings, intricate woodwork and a wood paneled library

         

Modern for its time

     Featured indoor plumbing,.closets,and electric lighting

Upper level

     Second floor contains 4 main.bedrooms and suites
 

Ownership Timeline

     Edson Keith,Jr.  (1916–1939)  Edson was a wealthy Chicago       businessman who built the mansion as a year -round                 residence.  He lived there until his death in 1939.

      Mae Hansen Produce  (1939–1986) After Keith’s death,              his  widow, Nettie, sold the property to Mae Hansen              

      Prodie, a Chicago -based designer of doll clothing (famous        for creating wardrobes for Barbie dolls)

       During this era , Mae’s husband, Charles Prodie                             operated the mansion as a luxury inn and restaurant                   known as Philippi Plantation.Inn in the 1950’s.

Sarasota County (1986 to present)

Following Mae Prodies death, Sarasota County purchased the 60 acre estate for 5.2 million dollars through a public referendum. It was transformed into Philippines Estate Park, A public space managed by Sarasota County Parks Department

     This home is an architecturally significant house built in 1924. The architect was Thomas Reed Martin. Builder was Doctor Fred Albee. It was built for William Parson. It is located in the East Nokomis Historic District across from the Pocono Trail Preserve.

     Style is classical Mediterranean Revival architecture with original plaster walls. Interior details: original heart of pine flooring, Saltilla terra cotta tiles, vaulted ceilings and a masonry fireplace.

    Compound layout: includes a main residence and a detached guest house totaling 2033 square feer under roof.

     The exterior structure of the house is a single story wood frame construction finished with traditional stucco exterior.

     Walls: textured stucco over wood framing characteristic of the 1920’s Florida Boom Style.

    Foundation: built on a crawlspace foundation

    Roofing: A multi material configuration utilization of a combination of metal, shingle, and tile elements.

     Porch:includes a prominent front porch and patio space configured for hour t door coastal living