Celebrating 34 years as one of Champaign-Urbana's highest-rated landlords in 2025!
The John Ekstrom Studios
An empty canvas with endless possibilities
Available for the first time in four decades: The downtown, Champaign studios of renowned regional abstract expressionist artist and former University of Illinois professor John Ekstrom.
The ultimate in flexibility
Located at 69 E. University Avenue, Champaign, the block-deep John Ekstrom Studios offers you a one-of-a-kind living space and/orcommercial, retail, office, or light manufacturing business of about 2600 square feet. This space boasts a nearly 1,000 sq ft forward bay off of University Avenue for living room / client reception or retail, and a 900 sq ft rear-facing bay at 68 E. Chester Street with an 8' overhead door and enclosed dock--or indoor parking! The two 12'+ ceiling bays are separated by a small private living / conference space /bedroom, with adjacent bathroom with full-size washer & dryer and just-remodeled kitchen. This living area is just shy of 800 sq ft, all with a touch of genuine mid-century modern / Scandinavian design elements.
The property has 400 amp electrical service.
A rare opportunity for your own artistic vision
The John Ekstrom Studios are located adjacent to downtown, Champaign, and are easy walking distance to downtown's restaurants, pubs, shopping, and entertainment. The John Ekstrom Studios are a block from the Illinois Terminal--Champaign's local and regional transportation hub (Amtrak rail, CU's Mass Transit and Greyhound regional bus service). And the University of Illinois campus is a 3-minute drive or bus ride away. See the images below to get an idea of what The John Ekstrom Studios can do for you and your business. Length of lease and amount of rent negotiable depending on use. Don't hesitate to email us at info@electrumgroup.com for more information or to schedule a private showing.