Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, the Springer Cultural Center offers cultural, recreational, and educational programs for all ages as well as workshops, lectures, group fitness, exhibits, and performances.
Constructed as a post office in 1904 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the architectural design represents the Renaissance Revival style with its aesthetics emphasizing simplicity and order. The stately Springer Cultural Center provides the perfect setting for parties, meetings, conferences, luncheons, demonstrations, and receptions.
The Springer Cultural Center’s cultural arts programs are partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
-Springer Cultural Center Facility Information-
-Facility Features-
Rental Information
The following rooms/spaces are available to rent as programming permits:
Room 201
Capacity: 60 (chairs only), 30 (tables and chairs)
Room 207
Capacity: 25 (chairs only), 14 (tables and chairs)
May be rented along with room 201
Historical Lobby
Capacity: 60 (chairs only), 30 (tables and chairs)
Kitchen
Not available as a standalone rental.
Appliances not available for use without prior approval.
Find more information at our Rental Information page below.
Birthday Party Packages
STAFF-LED THEMED BIRTHDAY PACKAGES-Unavailable
Ages 3-10
Choose from one of four fun themes. Theme details are in the table below.
Duration: All parties are for 2-hour blocks
Reservations: Schedule at least 2 weeks in advance of date for Creative Art & Cooking Birthday Parties, and at least 4 weeks in advance for Dance and Pottery Birthday Parties. Find more Birthday Party information at our Rental Information page below.
| Party Type | Party Description | Includes | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Art Party | Art-loving kids can choose an art theme from painting to 3-D art. Invite some friends to join in on the fun. | Includes private party room and set up of tables and chairs, staff party leader, and treat bags. | 10 Participants |
| Cooking Party | Let us handle the mess while the kids have the fun! The children will make pizza, and bake and decorate their own cupcakes for your child’s birthday! | Includes private party room and set up of tables and chairs, staff party leader, and treat bags. | 8 Participants |
| Dance Party | If your child loves to dance, we have the perfect party for you! Learn the graceful movements of ballet or the modern flow of creative movement in this birthday party. | Includes a dance activity in our dance studio with a specialized instructor and a private party room with set up of tables and chairs. | 10 Participants |
| Pottery Party | Your child and their friends will not only have fun playing in clay, but will learn how to make and paint a beautiful pot, bowl, mug, or vase while making beautiful memories. | Includes a pottery activity in our pottery studio with a specialized instructor and a private party room with set up of tables and chairs. | 10 Participants |
History
(source material from: Historic Structures Report by Melvyn Green & Associates Inc. July 1987)
- The site, located at the northwest corner of Church and Randolph, was purchased for $27,000 in 1902.
- Drawings were prepared in the office of James Knox Taylor, supervising architect of the U.S. Treasury. The final selected design was in the Second Renaissance Revival Style.
- Construction began in October of 1904. The contractor was George Weber, and the masonry work was from Excelsior Terra Cotta Company.
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
- Building was renamed for William L. Springer in 1978. Mr. Springer served as a United States Congressman from 1951-1973, Federal Power Commissioner 1973-1975, and Federal Election Commissioner 1976-1979.
- On October 4, 1990 the building was declared surplus by the U.S. Government and no longer used for office space.
- On November 21, 1990 the Champaign Park District submitted an application for acquiring the surplus building.
- Building deeded to the Champaign Park District on May 21, 1991.
- After extensive remodeling and upgrades to the interior, the building was dedicated as the Springer Recreation Center on September 19, 1992.
- Renamed the Springer Cultural Center on December 12, 1996.
Grants
The Springer Cultural Center’s cultural arts programs are partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Additional grant funding provided by:
2010: $10,408 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant for energy efficiency at the Douglass Center, Douglass Annex and Springer Cultural Center.
