URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – The Champaign County Executive’s office began phase one of moving into downtown Urbana earlier today. After years of planning and renovation, Champaign County officials are finalizing preparations to move into the newly refurbished Scott M. Bennett Administrative Center, formerly known as County Plaza.

The building is named after State Senator Scott M. Bennett, a dedicated public servant and attorney who represented Illinois’ 52nd Senate District, encompassing Champaign, Urbana, and surrounding communities. He died in December 2022 at age 45 due to complications from a brain tumor.

The county acquired the building in 2022 and began an extensive renovation process in 2023. Now, county departments currently based in the Brookens Administrative Center on Washington Street are gearing up for a multi-month relocation to the modernized facility, located at the corner of Main Street and Broadway Avenue in downtown Urbana.

The move will bring the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and administrative offices under one roof for the first time, streamlining operations and centralizing services for residents. The transition will be rolled out over four months, with each department moving at different times to minimize disruption. Officials urge the public to check the county website for updates before visiting any office during the moving period.

Move Schedule:

April 2025

  • County Executive’s Office (moving trucks were on site at 8 a.m. Monday morning)

May 2025

  • County Sheriff’s Office (from 204 E. Main St, Urbana)
  • Emergency Management Agency (from 1905 E. Main St, Urbana)
  • GIS Consortium
  • Veteran’s Assistance Commission

June 2025

  • Auditor’s Office
  • Board of Review
  • Planning & Zoning Department
  • Supervisor of Assessments

July 2025

  • Treasurer/Collector’s Office
  • County Clerk & Recorder’s Office (moving July 7; office closed during that week)
  • County Board

While many departments are relocating, the Regional Planning Commission will remain at the Brookens Center.

The public entrance to the Bennett Center is located on the south side of the building on Main Street, with free parking available for visitors. A dedication ceremony for the Bennett Center is also being planned, with details to be announced on the county’s website.