URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Lots of natural light, improved functionality, and closer proximity to essential services welcomed Champaign County officials last week as the Treasurer’s Office, County Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, and Chief County Assessment Office officially moved into their new home: the Scott M. Bennett Administrative Building in downtown Urbana.
While a few moving boxes still fill some hallways, staff across departments say the relocation has been smooth—and the benefits of the new space are already showing.
“We have so much more space now—for staff, for storage, for offices. Everything is more functional,” said County Treasurer Byron Clark. “We love that it’s right in the heart of downtown and easily accessible by public transportation. It’s also much easier to coordinate activities with the courthouse. The space is just better—and so is all the natural lighting.”
Previously scattered across various locations, county offices are now better connected and closer to residents who rely on their services. The central location in Urbana, within walking distance of restaurants, public transit, and the courthouse, marks a key improvement for both the public and county staff.
“The move went really smoothly. We’re closer to everything—downtown restaurants, meeting spaces, you name it,” said Chief County Assessment Officer Paula Bates. “There are seven of us in the Assessment Office and three in the Board of Review, and now everything is consolidated into one place, including our records. That’s a huge improvement.”
County Clerk and Recorder of Deeds Aaron Ammons, joined by State Representative Carol Ammons, called the move “a big step forward” for county services.
“We have 21 people in our office now, and everyone’s really enjoying the new space and all the natural lighting,” Aaron Ammons said. “It’s just configured so much better than the old office—we’re not cramped like we were before.”
Still, Ammons acknowledged a few logistical hurdles ahead.
“At Brookens, we had the gym for elections. It’ll be interesting to see how logistics and parking work out when we hit an election year here downtown,” he noted. “I’m so appreciative of my County Clerk staff—and the staff that came over from the Recorder of Deeds office. They brought so much institutional knowledge that’s been invaluable during the past few years.”
County officials say the transition will continue over the coming weeks, as they settle into the new environment. In the meantime, community members are encouraged to visit the Scott M. Bennett Administrative Building to experience the upgraded services and improved accessibility.