History
The beginnings of One Main Development.
In 2004, Jon “Cody” Sokolski took his experiences of living and working in New York City and decided to invest in the revitalization of downtown Champaign. The first project was One Main Plaza, which now stands at the northeast intersection of Neil and Main St.
This was also the creation of One Main Development, LLC, a collaboration to bring together the services needed to develop, construct, market, maintain and manage these new properties that brought downtown Champaign back to life.
Through Cody’s vision of “Live. Work. Play.”, One Main Development was tasked with creating the best environment for businesses to flourish and to attract residents seeking this urban lifestyle.
One Main Development has also evolved over the years, overseeing the construction of M2 on Neil, across the street from One Main Plaza and directing the leasing activities for the new retail and office space, as well as the sales of the new upper-level condos.
As of 2017, all the condos at One Main Plaza and M2 on Neil have been sold and are now in private ownership. All of the Retail spaces are host to some of downtown’s finest dining and services. And both buildings have over 95% occupancy on their available office space. These two Class-A buildings have catalyzed a renaissance of the downtown area as an entertainment district that is becoming increasingly attractive as an office and residential locale.
One Main Development, LLC, with offices at One Main Plaza is now the premier development company in downtown Champaign. One Main Management, LLC serves the downtown clients, residents and tenants with the highest standards of customer service.
Jon “Cody” Sokolski, One Main Development Founder and Visionary
Cody moved to Champaign, IL from his hometown of New York City in the mid-1990’s. At that time, downtown Champaign’s landscape was dominated by vacant storefronts and empty city surface parking lots. Being a creative, entrepreneurial person who was accustomed to vibrant city life, he decided to locate his first business, Periscope Records, in the downtown district at a time when there was little else to attract foot traffic. He also opened Boltini Lounge, the first bar of its type in the area serving an upscale crowd. In 2004, Cody teamed with another local entrepreneur to construct a 4-story multi-use building on the premier corner of the downtown. One Main Plaza is now a premier destination for office and retail tenants and residents seeking to live, work and play downtown.
In 2009, Cody spearheaded the opening of M2 on Neil, a 225,000 sq. ft. multi-use building with one floor of retail, four floors of office space and 51 upscale condominiums located across the street from One Main Plaza.
Cody launched One Main Development, LLC to oversee the development and management of these properties, as well as offer consulting services to communities looking for similar revitalization opportunities.
Cody and his wife, Marci Dodds, have been active in the Champaign-Urbana community for many years, serving on multiple boards and supporting many organizations. They recently moved to Chicago, so that Cody can focus on his music career as Cody Lee. Learn the whole story at www.codyleesongs.com.
Cody’s vision and drive have certainly made downtown Champaign what it is today!