For many people in Urbana, there’s a place that still comes up in conversation—even though it’s been closed for years.

“You know… where the old Sipyard used to be.”

That space sits quietly downtown right now, boarded up and unused, but it holds a lot of memories: gathering with friends, live music drifting through the air, art on the walls, and the feeling that you were exactly where you were supposed to be.

My name is Ronnette Chopp, and in June 2025 I opened Olive & Orchard, a small, locally owned shop in downtown Urbana. When I signed my lease, it included the adjoining outdoor space—the former Sipyard. The hope was simple: that someone might be able to bring it back to life.

After many months of conversations, planning, and meetings with the City of Urbana, I’ve officially been given the go-ahead to reopen the space as a public outdoor gathering area, honoring what it once was while making it safe, responsible, and welcoming again.

We’re calling it ‘The Old Sipyard’—because that’s how the community already refers to it. Renaming something so beloved felt wrong. This space already has an identity, and we want to respect that.

Since closing in 2020, The Old Sipyard has been left mostly untouched. There is still debris, old furniture, and even beer cans scattered throughout. Before it can safely open to the public, the space needs significant cleanup, repairs, and infrastructure work.

That’s why I’m asking for the community’s help.

How your support will be used:

Funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward bringing The Old Sipyard back in a thoughtful, transparent way, including:

• Site cleanup & repairs

Removing debris, repairing worn walkways, and addressing safety concerns

• Permits & legal requirements

Covering the necessary fees to operate responsibly and in compliance

• Infrastructure & equipment

Lighting repairs, coolers, speakers, and basic operational needs

• Safety & security improvements

Gates, lighting, and security cameras to protect both visitors and the artwork that makes the space special

• Initial setup & supplies

The essentials needed to open the space to the public and host the community

Every dollar raised will go directly back into this space. I’ll be sharing updates and progress along the way, so you can see exactly how your support is making a difference.

Why this matters:

This isn’t just about reopening a space—it’s about restoring a place that belongs to Urbana.

The Old Sipyard has the potential to once again be a place to gather, connect, relax, and enjoy being part of this community. With your help, we can clean it up, repair it, and reopen it—together.

If you’re able to donate, share, or simply cheer this project on, thank you. Your support means more than you know.

Let’s bring The Old Sipyard back!