Two proposed developments in downtown Champaign have joined together for what would be the largest conference center in Champaign-Urbana. Developer Hans Grotelueschen has moved his hotel and conference center project a few blocks south from its original proposed location at Washington and Walnut to merge with the planned expansion of the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District’s Illinois Terminal.

The council unanimously directed staff to start working on a $95 million private development with Hans Grotelueschen.  The new plan's central site is the parking lot at Washington and Walnut Streets, and would be the site for a high-rise that includes a conference center, apartments, and hotel rooms.