Savoy marks 70th anniversary with eye on future growth

SAVOY, IL (Chambana Today) — The Village of Savoy is celebrating its 70th anniversary on April 10, marking decades of growth from a small community of a few hundred residents to a village of nearly 9,000 today.

Savoy was officially incorporated on April 10, 1956, after residents voted to establish the village in order to fund their own fire service.

Since then, the community has seen significant expansion. According to the latest American Community Survey data, Savoy’s population has reached 8,968. From 2000 to 2024, it was the fastest-growing municipality in Champaign County, more than doubling in size.

Public amenities have also grown over time. Since opening its first park in 1979, the village now features eight parks and a recreation center that opened in 2005.

“I’m amazed at Savoy’s evolution from a small village to a thriving suburban community,” said Village President John Brown. “Even in my 25 years as a resident, we’ve achieved a lot as our people have taken ownership in building Savoy and its identity.”

Recent developments include a shared-use path along First Street connecting Savoy to Champaign and the University of Illinois, expanded fire department staffing, and record usage at the Savoy Recreation Center.

Village Administrator Andy Quarnstrom said the community continues to focus on economic growth and regional partnerships.

“Savoy is continuously seeking opportunities to grow our local economy – by assisting both long established businesses and new endeavors,” Quarnstrom said.

Looking ahead, several major projects are expected to shape the village’s future, including the Downtown Savoy development near Dunlap Avenue and Church Street and the Curtis Road Grade Separation project, which will improve transportation access and safety while supporting economic development.

Additional growth is expected through new housing developments in Prairie Meadows and Lake Falls, along with park improvements at Colbert Park and Jones Park.

“We’ve come a long way since we first came together to raise funds just to have a single fire truck,” Brown said. “We have a big vision for even more development that will come to fruition in part from these significant projects on the horizon.”

Population Change in Surrounding Communities, 2000–2024