Burnham Properties
Born from the rubble of the senselessly demolished A.C. + Julia Burnham house, the Burnham Group was formed to bring new life to threatened and underutilized historic places.
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The Burnham Group is a collection of architecturally and historically significant properties available for a variety of uses, including events, short term rentals, commercial photo shoots and long-term rentals. Our goal is to breathe new life into endangered historic places through innovative problem solving and adaptive reuse. From building relocation to creative reuse and deconstruction, the Burnham Group pushes the boundaries of traditional preservation with the ultimate goal of saving places and protecting the environment.
Baker Apartment
Champaign, Illinois
The Baker Apartment is an architectural landmark, located just steps from downtown Champaign. As featured in the book Space, Movement, and Light, and designed by renowned architect and University of Illinois professor Jack S. Baker, the space is recognized as a trailblazing early example of adaptive reuse loft living. Designed in 1963, the “Apartment”, as it was originally known, is preserved as a midcentury modern time capsule, complete with period furnishings and accessories.
The interior of the Apartment was fashioned out of the rear storage space of a late 19th Century commercial building. The two-story spaces exists as a 25 foot cube, with a portion of the second floor removed to connect the living spaces on the main level with the sleeping and office space above. Light spills through the immense sliding doors and through the second-floor skylight. The Apartment was originally designed for a prominent professor of architecture at the University and later was used to host many architects and artists.
Baker Performance Loft
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Champaign, Illinois
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The Performance Loft is an architectural landmark, located just steps from downtown Champaign. As featured in the book Space, Movement, and Light, and designed by renowned architect and former University of Illinois professor Jack S. Baker, the space is recognized as a trailblazing early example of adaptive reuse loft living. Designed in 1973, the "Performance Loft” is preserved as a midcentury modern time capsule, complete with period furnishings and accessories.
The interior of the Performance Loft was fashioned out of a late 19th Century wagon shop. A former vehicle elevator was infilled to create a sunken space and an elevated stage. The space has been frequented by students and local community members hosting seminars, dance, and theater performance and poetry readings, exhibits, and receptions.
Royer House
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Urbana, Illinois
The Royer House and Cottage make up the Urbana Royer Historic District and the site was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Royer House was designed and built by prominent local architect Joseph Royer in 1905. The house is a rare midwestern example of the Mission architectural style, more commonly found in the western and southwestern parts of the United States. Royer designed in a variety of period styles throughout his career, and for his own home, it is believed that he was inspired by the “California Building” at the 1904 Word's Fair in St. Louis.
The home is finished in stucco with a clay tile roof. A wrap-around terrace, covered pergola, and large lawn provide ample outdoor space close to town and the University of Illinois campus.
The house shares a site with the Royer Cottage, which Joseph Royer designed and built for his mother-in-law.
Classic Love
The best wedding showcase in Central Illinois brings professional vendors from all over so you can create a magical wedding. Couples are able to learn, connect, design, and book services to take your dream wedding to the next level, with the best of the best in the wedding community. Come see the new fashion trends, wedding ideas for 2024, beautifully design tablescapes, connect with local vendors, takeaway our Swag tote and more... all while enjoying speciality drinks and sweet & savory bites!
While walking through the showcase take in the historic and unforgettable newly-renovated Orpheum theater. No one will forget an event held in Orpheum Champaign. Say “I do” surrounded by the dramatic opulence that only a vintage theater.