A Look at our Venues

The Illini Union

At the Venue: Friday Evening Dance; Sunday Workshop
Location: [Google Maps]

The Illini Union originated in 1919 when the University rented space on the first floor of the YMCA, now Illini Hall. With the Illini Union taking over the entire building, plans were made to expand with a new building in 1938.

Built in 1939, and dedicated by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1941, The Illini Union is an establishment rich in history. Modeled after colonial Virginia, most of the interior woodwork was carved by hand including an ornate lettering above the Pine Lounge fireplace that spells Illini.

Not only does the interior reflect the colonial tradition but special details highlight the exterior as well. The two clock towers are topped by an 11-foot bronze weather vane that supports an 8-foot bronze arrow. The northern clock tower houses a clock, which was a gift from the class of 1878.

In 1962, the Illini Union underwent a renovation expanding the Hotel guest rooms as well as the addition of the Rec Room. To this day, the Illini Union remains as a gathering place for students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests.

McKinley Foundation

At the Venue: Saturday Workshop
Location: [Google Maps]

McKinley Presbyterian Foundation was founded in 1906, and the first pastor was called (Presby-speak for hired) in 1907 – so we have just celebrated our centennial. In 1911, work began in building the church at 5th and John. Prior to that happening, a house that was on the spot was picked up in one piece and moved about 100 feet to the area between the current foundation building and the church (it was probably done by mule power back then). That house became the first Presby House, a residential facility for Presbyterian women studying at UI – organizations were generally exclusionary like that up until the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Much of the early impetus for McKinley came from Sen. William B. McKinley, the only U.S. senator to come from the Champaign-Urbana area, and a UI grad. McKinley was the son of a Presbyterian pastor (one of our stained glass windows honors the father), and served in the U.S. House of Reps from 1914-1921, and in the Senate from 1920-1926. He was also one of the town’s wealthiest citizens, and very civic minded, which is why so many things have his name on them (McKinley Health Center, McKinley YMCA, our organization) – he often made large gifts to organizations in the form of challenge grants, matching the money raised from everyone else.

Independent Media Center

At the Venue: Saturday Evening Dance, Saturday Late Night
Location: [Google Maps]

The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center, past home to the Urbana Post office, is located minutes from downtown Urbana and only a short car or bus ride from campus. It currently hosts a local radio station as well as a variety of other events and meetings. We will be hosting our late nights in the big room on the first floor with smooth tile floors. The room is great for a late-night dance, complete with mood lighting and ample space for both naps and dancing. Food and drink are permitted but snacks and water will also be provided.

The Foellinger Auditorium Patio

At the Venue: Sunday Farewell Dance
Location: Across from Illini Union; [Foellinger's Auditorium Maps and Parking]

Dance outside in the heart of the University of Illinois, on the Main Quad outside of Follinger Auditorium. The perfect place for a lazy afternoon dance to enjoy the (hopefully) beautiful spring weather. Bring your outside shoes, for we will be dancing on smooth cement on the patio!