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Specific legal services offered and expertise of attorneys are two elements most often cited to distinguish one law firm from another. In our case, there is a third: our physical surroundings.

Meyer Capel, A Professional Corporation is headquartered in the Burnham Athenaeum. Once threatened with demolition and ravaged by fire, the classic, revival-style building has been painstakingly restored and is today listed on both the National and Illinois Registers of Historic Places.

Completed in 1896, the Athenaeum was home for more than 80 years to the Champaign Public Library. After the library moved to larger quarters in 1978, the building was converted to use for the law firm.

Restoration work had barely begun when the building was hit by arson in October 1979. The fire destroyed part of the building's roof and interior. Fortunately, however, most of its wood paneled ceilings, decorative wood molding, columns and fireplaces were not lost.

Despite the fire, our firm's shareholders decided to continue the project, restoring those parts of the building not destroyed by fire and renovating the rest. Those efforts have preserved the beauty and character of the original structure, while creating an efficient, modern work space.

Throughout the restoration process, work was carried out following stringent State of Illinois and Department of Interior requirements in order to qualify for rehabilitation grants. Despite the increased expense and, at times, frustration for owners and architects alike, the careful renovation has not been without reward.

Meyer Capel has preserved a beautiful, historic landmark. At the same time, we have gained a modern, efficient office building. The Burnham Athenaeum stands today as a proud reminder of a glorious past and as a showcase for our firm's commitment to Champaign County and its residents.