- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 2,800 sqft
68 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820
Home Highlights
Apartment
2,800 sqft
Attached Garage
Local Information
-- mins to
About this House
The John Ekstrom Studios in Downtown, Champaign
The downtown, Champaign studios of renowned regional abstract expressionist artist and former University of Illinois professor John Ekstrom.
Located at 68 E. Chester Street (69 E. University Avenue), Champaign, the block-deep John Ekstrom Studios offers a live-in facility with commercial, retail, office, or light manufacturing potential. Nearly 3,000 square feet of floor space, including a 1200 sq ft forward bay off of University Avenue for client reception or retail, and an 800 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 recently remodeled bathroom with storage area and new laundry machines, and remodeled kitchen with new on-demand water heater. New furnace/air conditioning, too. All with just a touch of genuine mid-century modern / Scandinavian design elements. The property boasts 400 amp electrical service.
The John Ekstrom Studios are easy walking distance to downtown's Champaign's restaurants, pubs, shopping, and entertainment, and just 7 blocks straight down University Avenue from the University of Illinois North Engineering Quad (Beckman, Newmark, Holonyak, etc.). You're 3 minutes from campus by car or free to U of I Faculty and Staff CU-MTD Bus (Orange Hopper).
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. We're looking for a 2 year lease minimum, but the amount and length of lease are negotiable depending on use!
Massive Urban Loft Living / Light Commercial Opportunity!
The downtown, Champaign studios of renowned regional abstract expressionist artist and former University of Illinois professor John Ekstrom.
Located at 68 E. Chester Street (69 E. University Avenue), Champaign, the block-deep John Ekstrom Studios offers a live-in facility with commercial, retail, office, or light manufacturing potential. Nearly 3,000 square feet of floor space, including a 1200 sq ft forward bay off of University Avenue for client reception or retail, and an 800 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 recently remodeled bathroom with storage area and new laundry machines, and remodeled kitchen with new on-demand water heater. New furnace/air conditioning, too. All with just a touch of genuine mid-century modern / Scandinavian design elements. The property boasts 400 amp electrical service.
The John Ekstrom Studios are easy walking distance to downtown's Champaign's restaurants, pubs, shopping, and entertainment, and just 7 blocks straight down University Avenue from the University of Illinois North Engineering Quad (Beckman, Newmark, Holonyak, etc.). You're 3 minutes from campus by car or free to U of I Faculty and Staff CU-MTD Bus (Orange Hopper).
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. We're looking for a 2 year lease minimum, but the amount and length of lease are negotiable depending on use!
Massive Urban Loft Living / Light Commercial Opportunity!
68 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820 is a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 2,800 sqft apartment. It last sold for $178,000 on Jul 25, 2022 (11,775% above the $1,499 asking price). More recently, it was listed as a rental in March 2025 with an asking price of $1,499 per month. That rental listing was removed on April 1, 2025. This property is not currently displayed as for sale or rent on Trulia. The Trulia Estimate rent is $980/month.
Home Details for 68 E Chester St
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Property Type / Style Property Type: Apartment |
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Lease Term: 1 YearAvailable: now |
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Appliances & Utilities DishwasherDryerRefrigeratorWasher |
Heating & Cooling Air ConditioningCooling System: Central Air |
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Parking & Garage Parking: Attached, On Site |
Comparable Sales for 68 E Chester St
Address | Distance | Property Type | Sold Price | Sold Date | Bed | Bath | Sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.52 | Apartment | $336,500 | 09/09/25 | 2 | 1 | - | |
0.81 | Apartment | $282,500 | 01/12/26 | 1 | 1 | - | |
0.25 | Apartment | $2,125,000 | 01/30/26 | 3 | 1 | - | |
1.06 | Apartment | $350,000 | 06/12/26 | 1 | 2 | 900 sqft | |
0.56 | Apartment | $460,000 | 10/03/25 | 7 | 7 | 4,200 sqft | |
1.10 | Apartment | $225,000 | 12/11/25 | 4 | 1,152 sqft | ||
1.88 | Apartment | $215,000 | 05/29/26 | 2 | 1 | 945 sqft | |
1.93 | Apartment | $215,000 | 07/15/26 | 2 | 1 | 945 sqft | |
1.28 | Apartment | $260,000 | 12/10/25 | 1 | 230 sqft | ||
1.31 | Apartment | $37,612,000 | 03/31/26 | 2 | 2 | 861 sqft |
Home facts updated by county records
Nearby homes
Get a sense of prices in the area by checking nearby homes.Rental Market Trends in Champaign
Last updated Sep 2026
Trulia Rent Estimate$980/mo
Average rent
$1.48K
$25MoM
Available listings
276
Around this home
What Locals Say about Champaign
At least 509 Trulia users voted on each feature.
86 % Say parking is easy
86 % Say it's dog friendly
82 % Say car is needed
81 % Say there are sidewalks
72 % Say yards are well-kept
70 % Say there's holiday spirit
63 % Say kids play outside
60 % Say people would walk alone at night
58 % Say it's quiet
49 % Say neighbors are friendly
47 % Say it's walkable to restaurants
47 % Say there's wildlife
47 % Say streets are well-lit
44 % Say they plan to stay for at least 5 years
40 % Say it's walkable to grocery stores
32 % Say there are community events
Sourced by Trulia users. Learn more about our methodology.
LGBTQ Local Legal Protections
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Price and Tax history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
Apr 1, 2025 Source: Zillow Rentals | ListingRemoved | $1,499 |
Mar 10, 2025 Source: Zillow Rentals | Listed For Rent | $1,499 |
May 31, 2023 Source: Zillow Rentals | ListingRemoved | |
May 18, 2023 Source: Zillow Rentals | PriceChange | $1,379 Price decreased by 37% |
Mar 8, 2023 Source: Zillow Rentals | Listed For Rent | $2,199 |
Feb 10, 2023 Source: Zillow Rentals | ListingRemoved | |
Oct 10, 2022 Source: Zillow Rental Manager | Listed For Rent | $2,499 |
Sep 25, 2022 Source: Zillow Rental Manager | ListingRemoved | |
Aug 25, 2022 Source: Zillow Rental Manager | Listed For Rent | $2,499 |
Jul 25, 2022 Source: N/A | Sold | $178,000 |
| Year | Property tax | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,659 | $125,880 |
Home facts updated by county records
Frequently asked questions about 68 E Chester St
- What is the price history for 68 E Chester St?68 E Chester St in Champaign, IL last sold for $178,000 in July 2022.
- Is Champaign a buyer's or seller's market?Champaign is currently a balanced market, based on recent for-sale activity.
- What's the median sale price in Champaign?The median sale price in Champaign is $240K. That is up $24.5K from the prior month.
- What do residents say about Champaign?Residents describe Champaign, IL as easy to park in, dog-friendly, and pedestrian-friendly. See recently sold homes in Champaign, IL.
- Does 68 E Chester St have air conditioning?Yes, 68 E Chester St in Champaign, IL has air conditioning.
- Does 68 E Chester St have laundry facilities?Yes, 68 E Chester St in Champaign, IL has in-unit laundry.
Homes for rent near 68 E Chester St
Affordability
TIP:Try to keep your rent within a third of your gross household income. Learn why in our Renter's Guide.
For this property
PER YEAR
is the suggested income
Win over prospective landlords with your smart budgeting. As a good rule of thumb, ideally you would have at least three times your monthly rent in combined household income.

