CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A building that’s been sitting empty for two decades in Champaign could be getting a makeover.

The Champaign City Council is voting Tuesday night to turn the lots that hold the old CS Johnson factory into residential property.

The city said this would be the biggest development agreement the city has ever entered into.
Champaign would reimburse any increases in property taxes up to ten years or $6.6 million — whatever comes first — to prepare the site.

Dan Saphiere, associate planner for the City of Champaign, said preparation would include a couple different things.

“Just, get rid of the factory, so demolition costs, and improve the soil conditions and any hazards. So it’s really focused on health and safety,” Saphiere said.

Saphiere said Champaign needs more housing because rental rates have increased by about 57% since 2015. The developer, Community Property Management, is proposing 228 multifamily units. The agreement goes up for a vote at the City of Champaign’s City Council meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m.