Gregory Place expands Urbana commercialization

Dan McDonald

Students and faculty in Urbana no longer have to trudge miles to get a Subway sandwich or a spicy Basil Thai plate - they can go to the newly constructed Gregory Place on Gregory Street.

Gregory Place is the result of a University initiative to revive commercial development in the Urbana side of campus.

Ryan Brault, redevelopment specialist of the Urbana economic development division, said the University requested construction on Gregory Street as a response to the loss of commercial businesses in the Urbana area. The disappearance of these businesses occurred because of University expansion, which converted businesses into University and educational buildings, Brault said. The new businesses in Gregory Place will add revenue to the city of Urbana with the collection of sales and property taxes, he said.

John Regetz, economic development manager, said the project serves as a "cooperative effort" among the city of Urbana, JSM Development and the University.

The building, which began construction in the summer of 2003, includes three spaces for businesses with apartments residing above and a parking lot stationed below.

Advance apartment leasing began last fall, Regentz said.

Subway opened for business three weeks ago in Gregory Place, said Subway manager Mike Hazelbaker. Subway decided to open a store in Urbana to cater to the residence halls, sororities and Urbana residents, he said.

Basil Thai opened its doors last week to the Urbana crowd, said manager Rachawan Tantharatn.

"Basil Thai @ Urbana" added a location in Urbana because the area holds no Asian restaurants and the Basil Thai Cafe on Green Street is "too far from students," Tantharatn said.

Although "Basil Thai @ Urbana" provides the same menu as the cafe on Green Street, it boasts a more formal atmosphere, she said. On the Green Street the customers are expected to serve themselves, but the restaurant in Gregory Place allows customers to order at the counter and sit down to be served. After customers finish, they must clear their own table, she said. The meals are also served on china - a change from the foam platters used at the cafe, she added.

Graduate student John Pfeister enjoyed his fourth time eating at "Basil Thai @ Urbana" Thursday. Pfeister said he started eating at the Thai restaurant because he likes the food and it is close to his apartment.

Chris Hartman, director of real estate, said no other leases have been signed at the building. JSM plans to construct an identical building across the street for more businesses, but another agreement between the City of Urbana, JSM and the University must occur, Hartman said.