This is an unofficial document curated from contributions by the residents of the West Urbana neighborhood to share reviews of local businesses with each other. The views expressed are all personal opinions and experiences and do not represent the City of Urbana or WUNA as an organization.

Please contact our moderator here if you would like to update the content.

Last update: October 26, 2025 by administrator PJ

Air conditioner / HVAC / furnace

Ray’s Heating and Air Conditioning

Website: https://www.raysheatingandairconditioning.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I was very happy with Ray’s a few years ago when my AC died.
• Ray’s will give you an honest opinion as to whether to try to save the old unit. Many folks in WUNA will recommend them. With a big project like replacing the old unit, its good to get two estimates.
• We have been using Ray’s for 30 years and have been very happy with them.
• I’ve always had very good luck with Ray’s for both cooling and heating.
• We have used Ray’s for the past ten years and have been happy with them.
  We used Ray’s after the quote from Lanz was $2000 more for a similar level furnace+A/C. Lower-key, and the dad installed and serviced our old system.

Bash Heating and Air Conditioning

Website: https://bashheating.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I’ve been happy with both Bash and Rose’s (which I now use because they also handle hot-water heating systems, which Bash doesn’t)
• We had Bash Heating and Cooling install a new AC unit for our home in 2000 and it’s been working perfectly ever since.

Rose Heating and Air Conditioning

Website: https://www.rosehtg.com

Telephone: 217-328-4557

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We use Rose.
• I’ve been happy with both Bash and Rose’s (which I now use because they also handle hot-water heating systems, which Bash doesn’t)

Cleaning ventilation ducts

Rose Heating and Air Conditioning

• In order to get the right brushes and vacuum tools fished throughout the entire duct system of our 2 story house (with full basement), we had to go with a vendor who had pretty specialized gear. That turned out to be Rose Heating and Cooling. It was not cheap, but it was worth it. They came in with a several man crew and spent all day cleaning out our ducts. They brought a very large vacuum device down into the basement that was almost the size of a small refrigerator. They connected it with a temporary hookup to the the cold air return system and sucked the debris out and captured it while they were snaking brushes through the ducts to loosen all the accumulated dust/lint/gunk.

Dogtown Heating & Air

Website: https://dogtownheatingandair.com

• We used Dogtown Heating & Air with no complaints; it took a few hours.

Counterargument

• It may not have much effect. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned

Lanz Heating & Cooling

Website: https://lanzinc.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I had a great installation by Lanz Heating & Cooling 2.5 years ago. Great service.
• I deal with Lanz, who watch over my Train A/C and furnace. Several years now and I’m very satisfied with their professionalism, efficiency and good humor.

Chief Bauer

Website: https://www.chiefbauer.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I had this problem a few weeks ago and after researching issue decided to go with a new unit. Chief Bauer came out and installed a new unit in one day. Salesman’s name was Jeff. Very knowledgeable. The new Lennox model they installed has a ten year warranty.
• I had a bad experience this winter with Chief Bauer with regard to our furnace. The technician quoted me $700 to repair a part on our 12 year old furnace, then said I really should think about replacing it. A salesman showed up at my door within the hour. When I told him I was getting a second opinion on the repair from another company, he backtracked and said maybe I really didn’t need to replace my furnace with a new one right now. It felt like a bait and switch situation to me. I ended up getting the part repaired for $200 (not $700) by Rose Heating.”
• Reviews (06/16/2022)
• We’ve had a maintenance contract with Chief Bauer since an emerergency call in 2020, when they were the first available service team. In 2021 the annual a/c inspection indicated things were fine, but given the unit was 16 years old we should know that it’s life expectancy isn’t too much longer. Our 2022 inspection was Friday June 10 (with the heat wave in the forecast). The maintenance team arrived, accompanied by a salesperson (Jeff). There had been no prior communication that the appointment was for anything other than the routine maintenance and evaluation. We learned that it’s company policy to have a salesperson on all maintenance appointments. There are not words to express how offended I was that the team arrived with the assumption that the a/c unit would be declared dead and I would be sold a replacement on the spot. Well, it was declared “failing fast” – there’s a freon leak somewhere. $508 to diagnose where the leak might be; once a leak is found the cost to repair a leak might be a few thousand dollars; freon to refill is crazy expensive, as it’s the “old” kind of freon and who knows how much it would need, etc. They could not provide any guidance on how to manage usage so as not to freeze the system. We were presented with a proposal for a replacement, which had no details on the model of the units they were proposing we buy, so nothing to compare with other options. Needless to say, I did not buy a new unit on the spot. We’ve managed nearly a week on rationed air, afraid of totally killing the unit – quite uncomfortable. Shoutout to the Urbana Free Library, where the Consumer Reports Database provided very helpful information that helped us proceed to address a dying central air conditioning system. Needless to say, we went with a recommended competitor who will install a new unit next week. (And a much more energy efficient unit than Chief Bauer would have sold us, for much less than Chief Bauer’s price.)

A&R Mechanical

Website: https://ar-mech.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) About 12 years ago we replaced our AC and at the same time decided to upgrade the furnace. I interviewed 6 companies and went with A&R; most people do not know they do residential work. I thought they were really up to date technologically and honest. They did the work very well and they have been great service wise. I replace the filters myself, I order from them, and have really had no problems.

Cassel Home Comfort Heating and Cooling

Telephone: (217) 352-2800

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Cassels did ours a couple of years ago. They are big, they have talent, they have a range of units.
• I’m very happy with Cassel Heating. Great prices and great service.

ABC Heating and Air Conditioning

Website: https://www.abcheatingandac.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We’ve always used ABC Heating and AC and we take their advice on replacement/repair questions. They’ve been great.

Fred’s Plumbing and Heating

Website: https://fredscu.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Fred’s Plumbing and Heating. Ask for Joe. He did an inspection on my furnace last fall. I asked how old it was. He said probably 18 years, but the inside label would say for sure. And guess what! It was 18 years old, so I knew he was experienced. I felt comfortable having him in the house too. My dogs liked him. 🙂

A-Z Appliance

(217) 344-3949; that number will also give you a different cell number you can use to text him: 217.721.6600.

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I can’t recommend highly enough John Benz at A to Z. It’s a family-owned business and he’s busy, but he’s scrupulously honest and did a fantastic job saving me from having to buy a new unit this week:
• Dec. 2023 – He knows his stuff & works quickly, but careful – he may charge you to come & then add on his hourly rate on top of that (so showing up & working 45 minutes might cost you 2 hrs.)
• January 2025 – “I have used them multiple times and they are good” — “Ditto!!” [both Frazier’s and A to Z Appliance]

Appliance repair

Lichti

Yellow Pages information: https://www.yellowpages.com/champaign-il/mip/lichti-appliance-refrigeration-1644631

Telephone: 217-351-7800

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Have had good service from both of them in the past.
• Turns out that one of the places we called–Lichti–asked a lot of good questions and based on that call, we determined we had an electrical circuit problem

A-Z Appliance (John Benz)

Telephone: 217-344-3949 or 217-721-6600

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) They seem to respond best if you text them.
• (6/20/2019) John Benz is amazing!
• (2/12/2022) A few months ago, John Benz fixed our washing machine just by tipping it a bit, and then didn’t charge us. Unfortunately, he didn’t respond to a text about a month ago, so I don’t know if he is still in business or not.
• NextDoor review site: https://nextdoor.com/page/a-to-z-appliance-repair-2
• January 2025: “I have used them multiple times and they are good” — “Ditto!!” [both Frazier’s and A to Z Appliance]

Frazier’s Appliance Repair

Located in Mahomet

Telephone: (217) 586-3013

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) Have had good service from both of them in the past.
• I have the most awesome appliance repair man ever – his name is Frazier Appliance Repair. It was very funny. I was in the post office asking a customer if she knew of anyone good because my stove was having issues, she recommended him and two other people in line chirped in – Yes, best guy ever!! Phone is 217-586-3013. Nice guy too!
• January 2025: “I have used them multiple times and they are good” — “Ditto!!” [both Frazier’s and A to Z Appliance]

Waters Electric

Located in Rantoul

Telephone: (217) 892-2396

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We called Waters Electric, and they sent someone out on call in 45 minutes. It is all fixed!

Dick Van Dyke Appliance World

Website: https://www.appliance-world.com

Reviews

• (11/19/2018) Dick Van Dyke has an excellent appliance repair service … old and new.
• (6/20/2019) Dick Van Dyke repair … versital, honest, fair price
• I agree. I vote for Dick Van Dyke repair.

Art

Ingrid Melief (pottery)

Website: https://www.ingridmeliefceramics.com

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) A wide variety of functional and decorative pottery from soap dishes and salt cellars to vases and plates. Also mugs. Ingrid’s work is beautiful.

Cinema Gallery

Address: 120 W Main Street, Urbana

Telephone: (217) 367-3711

Email: baxley@baxleymedia.com

Website: http://www.cinemagallery.cc/

Gilbert Gallery

Address: 102 West Main Street, Urbana

Telephone: (217) 367-2400 (gallery); (217) 493-1700 (cell)

Email: gilbertgallery102@gmail.com

Website: http://thegilbertgallery.net/

Barbershop

King’s Barber

Telephone: (217) 384-5822

Address: 104 S. McCollough

Basement (waterproofing)

Woods Basement Systems

Website: https://www.woodsbasementsystems.com/urbana-il-basement-repair-contractor.html

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I had a perimeter drain installed around my seller. By Woods Basement. And it looks delightful. So they’re very good at what they do.

Bats (removal)

Anything Wild

Telephone: 217-355-2997

Website: https://www.anythingwildanimalcontrol.com

Reviews

• (August 2022): Anything Wild is very much in business, I used them last year for squirrel issues. I just phoned them and they are available. The answering service usually answers first, you give them your information and problem.
• (11/21/2017) They solved our bat situation a few years ago – knowledgeable, efficient, and humane (they will set up one way bat doors in the right season so the bats will go out but then can’t get back in.)

Champaign County Animal Control

After-hours phone number is  (217) 333-8911 and goes through police and fire dispatch

Website:  http://www.co.champaign.il.us/animalcontrol/contacts.php

• August 2022: “Champaign County animal control are on call 24/7. They came and removed the bat. Animal control takes the bats to the U of I Clinic for testing for rabies. However, results might not arrive for a few days, which makes it pretty useless in terms of deciding whether or not we need to get the rabies shot series. Animal control officer said he had received about a dozen calls for bat removal from the States street area in the last two weeks. Old houses make good hibernation habitat.  There has been at least one recent bat that Champaign county animal control caught that tested positive for rabies, but he did not remember where from (he was not the officer to catch it). “
  
  

DIY

Reviews

• August 2022: “I trapped the bat. Segregated it in a room, waited until it rested on the wall, then trapped it using a cardboard box (with airholes). Slid another cardboard pane between the box and the wall, then put the capped box on the ground, with a weight on top. Did this while wearing leather gloves and a long-sleeved puffy jacket.” [and then called Champaign County Animal Control to remove bat]
• (9/13/2018) There’s an excellent WUNA thread (8/22/18, Bat in the basement!) on how to relocate a bat by yourself.

Brickwork

see Masonry

Bike sharing/rental

Veoride

Chambana Bikes

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) Semester or year long bike rentals available.

Book binding

Lincoln Bookbindery has been acquired by Dixon Graphics (2025)

Website: https://dixongraphics.com/book-bindery

Cake baker

Hopscotch

Website: https://hopscotchmarket.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Hopscotch Cakes (working out of Art Mart) has wonderful flavor combinations for layer cakes, but they don’t do sheet cakes.

Rick’s Bakery

Formerly located on Philo Road, now on Main Street in Urbana

Website: https://ricksbakeryurbana.com

Reviews

• (10/10/2019) Have you ever had princess tort cake? Marzipan top with raspberry whipcream and vanilla cake on the inside! It’s my favorite. I had it for my wedding in CA. Rick’s bakery in Urbana does a nice job. I’m sure they could make you what you want.
• Rick’s bakery and you’d be supporting an Urbana business. I’m not a big cake person but I have several friends who rave about their cakes.
• I second Rick’s bakery on Philo road. They made Lamington’s for my daughters wedding reception – They were willing to try something they never made before!
• Count me in as ardent fan of Rick’s Bakery – for reasons in addition to my appreciation of his baking artistry.
• (regarding sheetcakes) And then I found Rick’s, now where Mirabelle’s used to be on Main St. Rick will do anything you want. For the last 3 years he has made us two half sheet cakes in 2 different flavor combinations. People love the cakes and the price is quite reasonable compared to other bakeries. It’s best to order at least a week in advance.
• Rick’s makes fantastic cakes, he’ll do any combination and any size you want.

Car (used)

Carmax

Bloomington, https://www.carmax.com/

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) They offer a great process. You visit their website, review cars… if there is a car in our area that you like they will transport it to Bloomington so you can take a look at no obligation. They use computer models to price each car and no haggling is possible, but they make it a very Smooth experience.

Heller Ford

El Paso, IL, https://www.hellerford.com/used-vehicles/priced-under-10k/

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) If you’re looking for a really good deal & are prepared for a drive of about 1 1/2 hrs, it’s worth checking with Heller Ford in El Paso, IL (yep!), eg: https://www.hellerford.com/used-vehicles/priced-under-10k/
  We found them because, when searching for a particular used car within an 80 mi radius, they consistently came in at well under any other dealer on CarGurus: https://www.cargurus.com/
  Our car was a few thousand dollars less than any others of its type & equivalent mileage (they deal in such high volume, they deliver all over the country…).

Subaru

Champaign

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) Suburu of Champaign is good. Some below 10k, many above that.

Wuna / Honda

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) We bought two used cars from neighbors on the WUNA list and found it to be a good resource. We have not purchased from a local dealer in many years but did shop st Honda and have heard good things about the local Honda dealer from friends who bought gently used cars there.

Car (autobody repair)

Auto body shop on east university after the new Mtd building

on south side of the road before the farm gas station

Reviews

• (8/26/2017) After a rear end collision trashed the back half of my car they fixed it perfectly … even matched the paint to a t …

Gallo/Miller

Frontage road – 501 W Kenyon Rd, Champaign, IL 61820 (https://gallomiller.com/)

Reviews

• (No date) They were by-the-book, did quality work, and sorted out the bill with my insurance company.
• (A few years ago) I have used them for two minor autobody repairs. They were thorough, kept me posted on the availability of parts, and did all communication with insurance company. I would definitely return.

Tatman’s CARSTAR

701 N Mattis Ave, Champaign

Reviews

• (Many times over the years) I’m a Tatman’s girl. I’ve used them so much that I have some of their branded coffee mugs. It’s a pleasure to recommend such a fine family-owned company.
• (Approx. 2020?) I was very happy with the repair and paint at Tatman’s on Mattis. I’m very picky, so I was expecting to be able to tell where they blended the paint – but I couldn’t! They made the insurance part very easy, and they have an arrangement with the rental car agency right next door. It’s nice to know they’ve been in the business for 25+ (?) years.

Car detailing

Touch of Class

behind the mall

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Touch of Class behind the mall is great.
• We used Touch of Class for car detailing on Market St. in Champaign. It was $150.00 and then one month later our car got dirty again! (I am not sure if they give you a ride to and fro.)

Philip Owen of Convenient Car Care

Telephone: 217-367-0971

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Comes and picks your car up and returns it at the end of the day. He’s terrific.
• I have used him several times and he’s a decent, honest, thorough guy.

M&M Auto Detail and Sales

509 E. Main Urbana, 217-607-2223

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Erick and his staff did a great job of making my 2010 car look almost new at a very reasonable price.

Car (mechanic/maintenance)

Beaumont Alignment Plus

on Dennison in
Champaign

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We’ve been going there for over 20 years as the “first line of support” for car work (they don’t do everything, so sometimes they point me to another place). We’ve been very happy with them, in terms of competence, integrity, honesty, price, and availability/scheduling.
• Over the past 15 years our experiences with Beaumont Alignment Plus on Dennison in Champaign are very similar. We too have been very happy with them, and would also recommend them in terms of competence, integrity, honesty, price and availability/scheduling.
• I also have two thumbs up for Beaumont.
• I’ve been taking my vehicles to Beaumont Alignment Plus for over 20 years. I recommend them very highly. Before that, I had used maybe a dozen other repair shops in town, and while some of them were good, none were as good as Beaumont.

Kirby Firestone

Website: https://www.kirbyfirestone.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I’ve had good luck with Kirby Firestone in downtown Urbana for my 2003 subaru baja.
• I have been pleased with the Firestone station at the junction of Springfield and Main. Also, Strawberry Fields next door to it is a good place to wait with coffee and Wi-Fi.
• 5/7/2019) Just as a caution–I had a bad experience at Firestone near Strawberry Fields–new tire with nail in it, and a subsequent bad experience where they did work without checking with me. I used to use them all the time–I could walk there and drop off the car, but it seems to me they changed ownership or something. I would not recommend them.
• I have had good experiences with Firestone in downtown Urbana.I have purchased at least 4 sets of tires from them over the years.
• We got new tires last week from Firestone in Urbana – that quaint little building by Strawberry Fields. They were the only place in town that had our tires in stock. $580 for 4 tires, including a $40 insurance of sorts. They put them on in just a couple of hours.
• I have had good experiences with Firestone in downtown Urbana.I have purchased at least 4 sets of tires from them over the years.
• I have both bought and had tires repaired there, very satisfied. Just a few steps away from Strawberry Fields, which is a nice place to have coffee, plug into internet, and wait for car.
• We have also been happy with that Firestone.
• I will third that recommendation for Kirby’s. I’ve bought tires there for years. They also will patch flats for free on any tires you purchased with them.

Midas

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) I have recently been quite pleased with Midas on University. They do more than you might expect, and twice gave me accurate information about things my car did not need fixed, rather than making up extra stuff to do.

Specialized Automotive

840-8325.

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) Highly recommend Specialized Automotive. Works on Toyota’s mainly but also other makes. 840-8325.

Meineke

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) Has anyone tried the Meineke on Cunningham since Bob retired recently? They used to be great, and he kept our old VW running for many years.

Car (tires)

Tire Barn Warehouse

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I used to always go to Tire Barn Warehouse over in Champaign, but I had to swear them off. Their service just got too bad – even if you made an appointment you would end up sitting around for 3 hours or more.
• I am sitting at Tire Barn just now. I have been here 2 1/2 hours waiting for a routine rotate and balance which was prepaid with the purchase of a complete set of tires two years ago. Other customers are coming and going. I suspect since my service was pre-paid they feel no incentive to get my job done. Tire Barn used to be very efficient
• I share others’ irritation with Tire Barn. When I got new tires there I didn’t bother to shop around much since they gave me a price match guarantee. The week after getting my tires I saw a much lower price advertised on the exact same tires and I jumped through every hoop and obstacle Tire Barn setup for me to get the price match, only to eventually get the middle finger from their corporate office.

Beaumont Alignment

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) My husband ordered the tires and had them delivered there. They put them on for us. Not fancy, but polite and reasonably speedy. I didn’t wait even an hour, but that was with appointment.
• I know a great place for tires – and lots of other car/engine repair work – Beaumont Alignment Plus. They’ve been my regular place for 20+ years, and I almost always go there first (they don’t do everything, so sometimes they point me to another place). They’re component, honest, and reasonably-priced.
• I also had good experiences with Beaumont. In fact, they had me order tires on line for delivery for my Volvos as they didn’t stock what I wanted.
• I had a terrible experience at Beaumont… not only rude to me but told me work that needed to be done that was not necessary (took to Peter B’s for a check … and he said not needed). Won’t go back there…
• We have had good experiences with Beaumont Alignment in the past. There are two shops in Champaign, we go the one on Dennison.

Farm and Fleet

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I’ve gone to Farm and Fleet without wait but that was a long time ago.
• (01/05/2025) I wouldn’t rec. F&F for tires (or other service) since I had multiple issues with brand new tires.

Goodyear place on N. Cunningham

opposite McDonalds

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) There is also the Goodyear place on N. Cunningham across from McDonalds (used to be across from Lincoln Square on Vine). The former manager now owns the shop.
• Goodyear on N. Cunningham is quick, reliable, expert… Maybe not the cheapest place though I don’t kow that part.
• the tire store up on N Cunningham has treated me well. But the last time I had a nail in a tire, it couldn’t be fixed and they didn’t have the brand of tires that were already on the car, so I went to a place out on Bradley
  in Champaign; I forget the name but they were very reasonable also.

Kirby Firestone

near Strawberry Fields

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) Just as a caution–I had a bad experience at Firestone near Strawberry Fields–new tire with nail in it, and a subsequent bad experience where they did work without checking with me. I used to use them all the time–I could walk there and drop off the car, but it seems to me they changed ownership or something. I would not recommend them.
• I have had good experiences with Firestone in downtown Urbana.I have purchased at least 4 sets of tires from them over the years.
• We got new tires last week from Firestone in Urbana – that quaint little building by Strawberry Fields. They were the only place in town that had our tires in stock. $580 for 4 tires, including a $40 insurance of sorts. They put them on in just a couple of hours.
• I have had good experiences with Firestone in downtown Urbana.I have purchased at least 4 sets of tires from them over the years.
• I have both bought and had tires repaired there, very satisfied. Just a few steps away from Strawberry Fields, which is a nice place to have coffee, plug into internet, and wait for car.
• We have also been happy with that Firestone.
• I will third that recommendation for Kirby’s. I’ve bought tires there for years. They also will patch flats for free on any tires you purchased with them.

Peter B’s

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) i ordered tires online (Bridgestone) …and took them to Peter B’s for install and balance (his prices were equal to everywhere i checked).
• I would second the recommendation for Peter B’s…excellent and knowledgable shop. I bought new tires through Peter B last year, they may have been ordered from Tire Rack, but not sure about Peter’s sources. I completely trust them.

Dynotune

104 South Vine in Urbana

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Not specifically for tires, although they do sell and install them, I highly recommend Dynotune at 104 South Vine in Urbana. A small shop, they do excellent, dependable work.

Walker tires and muffler

Farmer City Illinois

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) It’s about a 20 minute drive they, get just about anything done in an hour, they are a national company and have excellent prices. We have probably bought our last five sets of tires there.If I need some simple tire service that I want to do locally I’m a huge fan of Chaparral tire in Champaign.

Chaparral tire

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) If I need some simple tire service that I want to do locally I’m a huge fan of Chaparral tire in Champaign.

Walmart

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Four Goodyear 60K tires for $335. Went on a Sunday at 8.30am, took about 1 hr 15 min. Minimum fuss, good experience, will use them again.

Urbana True Tires

North Cunningham

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Free rotations every 6 mo. We had our car and our work van done there last year and they were good.

Car (transmission)

Long’s Garage

367-3942; https://www.longsautomotiverepair.com/

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) Great! Not cheap, but good work;
• One person said they use Brett

Specialized Automotive

496-7003; http://www.specializedautomotiveinc.com/

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) Owner worked @ O’Briens for 20 years; specializing in Toyota, Lexus, and Scion

Kirby’s Firestone

367-6362; https://www.kirbyfirestone.com/

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) One person said they use Josh, not sure about transmission work

Peter B’s

367-3821; http://peterb.com/

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) Quality work and trustworthy

Illini Oil Change

384-4933; http://www.oilchangeurbana.com/

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) Not recommended: One person had a bad experience there, will never go back.

PDR on Cunningham

367-9481; https://www.pdrauto.com/

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) One person said they use Josh

Carpenter

The Picky Carpenter (Chad Myren)

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) He does other construction work too and is the most affordable, reliable and honest one we’ve found. Highly recommended.

Tom Toombs

898-1160;

Reviews

• (8/3/2018) photos of the buildings just FYI:
  http://www.tg-rentals.com/construction.html
  He charges $45 for carpentry and misc repairs, and $60/hour for plumbing – such as installing water heaters, dishwashers, microwaves, running new gas lines for stoves, replacing faucets, etc.

Dan Gilles

Reviews

• (8/3/2018) He has been mentioned numerous times on the WUNA emails, and is a former colleague’s brother.

Ben Baxley

(312) 498-8244; or email: benbaxley@me.com

Carpet Cleaning

Extreme Clean CU

217-621-2186 http://extremecleancu.com/

Reviews

• Andrew Deem is a fantastic worker and conusmmate professional. He does a fantastic job on carpet cleaning, upholstry cleaning and tiles. He also does pressure washing for houses, decks and driveways.
• (2021/04/15) Andrew, the owner-operator is a great guy, In addition to carpet, upholstery, and floor cleaning he also does exterior work. I just had him wash my house on Tuesday. For house exteriors he actually does a soft-wash with detergent and rinse. For cement and stone he will pre-treat with the the detergent and then pressure-wash. My house looks much better with a layer of grime washed off the aluminum siding and he took decades of dirt off my front walk.

Cat sitting

Angie Williams

217-367-8948

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Angie Williams is Amazing! I think she’s the Cat Whisperer. Many here in WUNA adore her and so do we and our two cats.

Kimmy’s Cat Care

http://www.kimmycatcare.com/

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Definitely something to be aware of if you need it, especially if you have an elderly cat or one that needs very specific care.

Chimney Sweep

Hammond

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I used to use Hammond, but he moved and his friend who replaced him charged me $100 for shining a light in my fireplace and saying that the chimney looked fine from the street. I felt like an idiot.

Cleaning

A-Z Professional Cleaning Services LLC

Phone number: 773-414-9564
Email: ezdetailing02@gmail.com
Company Location: Champaign/Urbana
Services Offered: House Cleaning, Office Cleaning, Mobile Car Detailing, Snow Removal, Lawn Care, & Pressure Washing

Reviews

Kim Wallen

217-722-7397

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) She is hard-working, trustworthy and reliable. Kim does a thorough job and we have be using her for 6 years. She currently has openings in her schedule and can be reached by text of voice at 217-722-7397.

Maribel Sanchez

550-4966, odalismaribel19@live.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Very, very highly recommended. Best method of contact is actually texting her

Maid to Perfection

217-398-1881

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) We have used them since we moved here in 2003, and have been very satisfied with them.

2M Cleaning (Sevy)

(217) 637-0501, services@2mcleaning.com, https://2m-cleaningservices.business.site

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) We know and trust them. Used them for apt. buildings

Cleaning (Stacy Irvin)

217-390-4016
slirvin@live.com

Sue McAfee

309-722-5002, Bellflower – no email

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) Strong recommendation; she’s very dependable, has been used by our family for years. She’s familiar with WUNA

Ray Ebert

(217) 419-3591, Urbana

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) Responds to texts; does cleaning with his wife and daughter. Urbana resident (but not WUNA). Ray also does yard maintenance and other labor-intensive projects

Steven McQueen

649-1271

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) He cleans our place weekly but also cleans as many times as you would like. His rates are reasonable and he does a pretty good job.

Ivale Helderle

637-6125

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) We have used Ivale (pronounced I-va-lee) Helderle for several years.

We Keep It Kleen

841-0766; https://wekeepitkleen.com/

Clothing (donation)

Cunningham Township Supervisor’s Office

205 West Green

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) accepts donations of used-but-clean-and-in-good shape warm clothing.

Scot Free at McKinley Foundation

5th and Daniel in Champaign

Empty Tomb

Reviews

• (10/10/2019) I take ours to Empty Tomb at 301 N. 4th St. They are open 9-5 Mon-Sat.

Twice is Nice

Reviews

• (10/10/2019) We really like to support Twice is Nice (Thrift Shop on Elm Street) which supports local causes, as well as Salt and Light on Philo, both in Urbana. Cunningham Township (across the street from the Urbana Free Library) may have an ongoing collection box as well.

Salt and Light

Website: https://saltandlightministry.org/donate-items/

the Urbana donation site is at 1819 S. Philo Road, Urbana

Reviews

• (10/10/2019) I’ve been taking my clothes to Salt and Light on Philo. They are struggling a bit now but they are a very good community resource. They give volunteers who need it credit for groceries and other things based on hours worked. Also your clothes donated don’t have to be pristine–they have a recycling service so clothes that aren’t good enough to go on the floor go into bundles for that.

Urbana First Presbyterian Church

Reviews

• (10/10/2019) You might try the thrift store run by Urbana First Presbyterian Church at 607 W. Elm St.
  They are open to receive items on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 9:00-3:00. Their number is 328-2724.

Compost

Landscape Recycling Center

http://www.landscaperecyclingcenter.org/

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) Compost available to residents.

Computer repair and service

Landscape Recycling Center

https://simplifiedcomputers.com

Reviews

• (2021/04/14) We have just had our computers into Simplified Computers on Neil Street and are very pleased.

Concrete

Gary Duce

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) does regular pedestrian and more ornamental concrete work too, does stairs and sidewalks, fountains and patios. can do color as well recently was working on the fountain in West Side Park from a long line of Italians stone masons.

Halfar Concrete

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) I don’t know if they have sold out, as with Halfar Plumbing. However, over on Washington St. (approx 600 block, north side) there is a beautiful concrete job, done by one Halfar company.

Total Concrete (Matt Wilson)

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) We had an excellent experience with Matt Wilson of Total Concrete (217-841-0189). Because our house is an historic landmark, the driveway was built to replicate the old one perfectly, including hand-crafted curbs that were meticulously fashioned. It was replaced four years ago and not only looks terrific but the function of the drainage and slope are much improved. Mr. Wilson is a perfectionist.

Curtains and blinds

The Blind Man

www.cublindman.com

Reviews

• We had Roman curtains done by the Blind Man and were very happy with them.

Flooring Surfaces

Reviews

I have used a number of vendors over the years but a few years back started using Lauren Duybnicek at Flooring Surfaces. Flooring Surfaces has been my go-to place for flooring for many years and a few years back they added custom shades, curtains. They have been great, as always, and I found their pricing to be very competitive.

Meyer Drapery

Website: https://www.meyerdrapery.com/

Reviews

They’ve been in business forever and have a lot of patterns to choose from.

General Contractors

New Prairie

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Two thumbs way up for new prairie, based on 3 major projects, all on time, as estimated, and beautifully done.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Sola Gratia

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) They do a really fine job and their veggies are always freshly picked and
  interesting. My only problem was remembering to go GET them every
• If remembering pick up is a problem, they do have a delivery option. Sola Gratia is a great CSA.
• They do deliver. It’s an additional $125/ season—great if you’re someone who has occasionally forgotten the pick up day (me).
• Our experience with Sola G. has been great over a period of a few years.

Daycare

All the Little Angels

allthelittleangels08@yahoo.com, 417-6927

Reviews

• All the Little Angel’s in home daycare has an opening for children ages 2 thru 5. Our hours are Mon – Fri 7am to 530pm. We are located at 205 W. High St. We’ve been in business now for 10 years and are affiliated with Head Starts new pilot program “Ready for Kindergarten.”

Deck washing

Dan Gilles

dsbgilles@aol.com (217) 359-6195

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Has done several jobs for us, from big (remodeling our kitchen & bathroom) to smaller (power washing, repairing, & staining our deck) & has always done a great job. Veryn skilled & professional.

Dental

West Main Dental downtown

Reviews

• (8/1/2019) They got me in quickly–are a Delta Dental provider so I only had a co-pay for a crown they had to put on and not wait for three years for a reinbursement. I saw both Dr. Bartel and Dr. Xu. They were very sensitive to not wanting to take business away from my dentist (which I liked). I’m not leaving my dentist, but if she ever retires, I would feel fine about going here. I really liked that I could walk there.
• Dr Xu at West Main Dental in Urbana does wisdom teeth extractions and root canals/crowns. He also works at their sister/brother clinic in Champaign called Illini Smiles.
• I’ll echo this recommendation. I’ve been going there since it opened under Dr. Cusack. Very convenient for walking or biking. Parking deck is half a block away.
• I’ve been very happy with West Main Dental on Main Street.
• I’ve been using West Main Dental for many years since it opened with Michael Cusak. However, he sold the practice and moved to far Champaign joining his wife’s practice when her father retired.??Dentistry seems to be a family thing! Anyway, I can recommend both Dr. Cusak and West Main Dental. West Main Dental takes Delta Dental and I haven’t had to pay anything. It’s also very convenient in downtown Urbana directly across from Rick’s Bakery.

Anthea Schwalbe

http://www.schwalbefamilydentistry.com/

Reviews

• (8/1/2019) I like Anthea Schwalbe http://www.schwalbefamilydentistry.com/
• I agree, and she is great with kids as well.
• We like her, too!!!
• Anthea Schwalbe is an Urbana High School graduate but her office is in Savoy. We love her.
• We also are very happy with Anthea Schwalbe, and she accepts university insurance (Delta Dental).
• …another vote for Anthea Schwalbe.
• And another for Anthea Schwalbe!

Anderson Dental

Reviews

• (8/1/2019) We like Anderson Dental.
• We’ve been going there for a looong time. Super quality care. Also: progressive engagement in the community which is a regular part of this practice, but never publicized. The website is does not represent their vibe.
• I have been a patient of Anderson Dental for more than 10 years. The practice is extraordinarily well-managed by great dentists and exceptionally friendly and competent staff. You know a great practice when you return and find employees who greet you by name and later (when asked) reveal their tenure at Anderson dental…lots of long-timers! The offices are modern and all service is absolutely top shelf. I see Dr. Scott Anderson. His father retired from the practice many years ago. Scott’s son now shares the growing practice on Galen Drive, just off Windsor Road.
• We also like Anderson Dental and have used them for many years.
• I recently started to see Anderson dental in Champaign. Really good.
• A second vote for Anderson Dental.
• My wife uses Scott Anderson and has been very happy with him for many years. However, he’s more expensive and out of network. You pay up front and eventually you get something back from Delta Dental. I’ve known Scott for many years, used to coach soccer with him in a past life. He joined his father who has since retired, and has now been joined by his son.
• Another vote for Dr. Anderson’s office. Dr. Anderson is the best dentist I have ever had. His son, who joined the practice a few years ago, is also terrific…and it is a great office.

Eric Martin

Reviews

• (8/1/2019) I recommend the practice of Dr. Eric Martin, although he is located in
  Champaign.

Deborah Stewart

Reviews

• (8/1/2019) Really pleased with Deborah Stewart. Very much the opposite of the big dental conglomerates that try to sell you everything you don’t need.

Barry Howell

Reviews

• (8/1/2019) Our whole family has been very happy with the care of Barry Howell out at Sunnycrest. One of our daughters is a dentist-phobe (not sure what the latin is for that) and she’s comfortable there, too.He also volunteers at several of the clinics around town, which I appreciate.
• A second vote for Dr. Howell on E Colorado in Urbana. He is excellent and just a 5-min drive. We have been going there since 2000.

Hill Dentistry

Reviews

• (8/1/2019) Dr. Cusak is with Hill Dentistry (his wife Kate – daughter of Marty Hill who has been our dentist for 40 years – very happy – our daughter still has zero fillings at age 46.
  Marty is now retired.
• Anyway, I can recommend both Dr. Cusak and West Main Dental.

Baytowne Dental

Reviews

• (8/1/2019) I recommend Dr. Vinh Hick at Baytowne Dental. I’ve never had a better dentist.

Dining (unconventional restaurant choices)

La Mixteca

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) We went to La Mixteca in the strip mall behind Walgreens on Cunningham and Univ Ave. Really tasty and interesting Mexican food.

El Oasis

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) A short walk away in the same mall is El Oasis, which is even niftier with the strangest selection of deserts you will find in C-U (e.g. prickly pear, cucumber, and corn ice creams).

Stango Cuisine

also available on Grubhub

Reviews

• (10/10/2019) We ate at Stango tonight, our first time in their new place at Lincoln Square (in the old Tang Dynasty space on the south side of the mall.) It
  was very tasty (the goat special was delicious) and I recommend it. You can get a pdf of their menu from their web site: http://stangocu.com/
• Let me second the recommendation for Stango’s dinners and add a recommendation for its breakfast offerings. Try the pancake sandwich — yum. Support gustatory diversity in Urbana and enjoy reasonable prices to boot.
• We’ve been fans of Stango ever since they opened up in the food court area. They have very interesting, tasty food.

Dog Boarding

Doggie Days on the Farm, Urbana

https://www.gopetfriendly.com/services/il/urbana/doggie-days-on-the-farm/165298.aspx

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Three recommendations.
• It’s not for every dog. The dogs have to be willing to play with or out run other dogs. As my dog gets older, I’m looking for other options too, but for young friendly dogs–Doggie Days seems good.

Crossroads, Urbana

https://www.crossroadsurbana.com

Reviews

• (1/25/2019) Two recommendations.
• With allowance for possible family bias, we think it is very good.
• One vote, one “awful”.

A and E Animal Hospital, Urbana

https://www.aandeanimalhospital.com

Pampered Pet Hotel and Doggie Daycare, Champaign

http://www.cudoggiedaycare.com/contact.html

Reviews

• (8/3/2018) They have been reliable and very kind and gentle with our insecure rescue dog for the past five years. INada and Michael and their staff are knowledgeable and professional. They also give excellent professional baths and grooming.
  Their number is 217/352-0595.

The Dog Den, Champaign

http://www.cudogden.com/

Reviews

• (1/25/2019) One vote.

Canine Design Dog Resort, Danville

http://caninedesigndogresort.com/kennel.htm

Willow Branch Kennel, Cisco

http://willowbranchkennel.com/index.html

Sawgrass Kennels, Decatur

http://sawgrasskennels.com/

Paradise 4 Paws, Chicago (airport locations)

http://www.paradise4pawschicago.com/locations/

Sportsvet Animal Medical Center

http://sportsvetamc.com

Reviews

• (1/25/2019) A premium boarding facility; limited in their pickup/dropoff times and the most restrictive in their vaccination policies.

Tailwaggers Pet Chateau

https://www.tailwaggers.us

Reviews

• (1/25/2019) Doesn’t look great on the outside but clean inside, and responsible and flexible.

Doggie Days on the Farm

Email: doggiedays@juno.com
Photo Website: flickr.com/photos/doggiedays/sets 217/202-3342

Reviews

• (1/25/2019) Southeast of town and lots of land; they only take boarders that use their day care regularly.

Donation

Empty Tomb (mattress)

Champaign

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) Empty Tomb in Champaign takes mattresses, but only if they’re in good/clean condition. I think they may even pick up.

Crisis nursery (baby formula)

Dryer repair

Grindley

John Benz, A to Z

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) John Benz from A to Z is installing our new dryer: a second-hand unit reconditioned by John and his team. We have had help from A to Z several times since we moved here, as they seem to be able to fix just about any problem with dryers, washers, fridges, etc. What I didn’t realize until recently is that they keep a large stock of reconditioned second hand appliances at their workshop in East Urbana. So when our dryer finally gave up, we had the option of buying a reconditioned unit from A to Z, supporting their efforts to keep these used appliances off the scrap heap. They even gave us a limited warranty. We highly recommend them.

Electrician

Remco

217-356-6999

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) We have always had excellent success with Remco.
• I like Remco (used to be Lynch).

Renaissance Electric

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) have used Renaissance Electric – owner is Dave.

– [ ] Aladdin Electric

Reviews

• (09/30/2024) tried multiple times to schedule a visit. Never arrived in the scheduled slot, never got a call. Would not reccomend.
• (5/7/2019) local medium-sized business. They recently replaced our fusebox w/ breaker box & some other work – very capable, seem to be honest & reliable, prices seem to be comparable to others.
• We had a good experience with Aladdin as well.
• 2 recommendations
• We’ve used Aladdin for several small things over the years and they have been great

Mattex Service

402 S. Staley Road
Champaign, IL 61822
217-355-9700

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) I always use Mattex Service. They are very good.

Kevin Martingale

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) I was told Kevin Martingale isn’t completely retired yet so I reached out to him again before contacting anyone else

Bright Electric

217-202-1228

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) Z. from Bright Electric has done some small work for us, and her prices are good.

Electronics

Good Vibes

https://www.gvibes.com

Reviews

• (2021/05/21) Some time ago I posted a question here about freeing ourselves from the clutches of cable as a means of viewing TV, and I received several very helpful suggestions. As we also wanted to update our old TV and as we’re completely devoid of any tech skills we went to Good Vibes, whom we had had provide our old TV & instal ceiling speakers many years ago. I wanted to let people know that Good Vibes met our requirements with great efficiency and superb customer service. Not only did they provide a great TV at a most competitive price, but they installed an antenna, as well as researching and furnishing a system (& device) to stream and record the over-antenna local networks. Their installation team are great, they work fast and with minimum disruption, and patiently explain to old geezers how to execute each function, even demonstrating how to display Android phone content on the TV, etc.

Energy audit (home efficiency)

New Prairie Construction

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) We had New Prairie Construction perform an energy audit on our 100 year
  old-ish home. The audit was free, educational, and actionable. They
  provided a quote for adding insulation that seemed reasonable. We have
  not hired them, yet, to do the insulation.

Fire extinguisher (disposal)

Illini Fire Equipment

2801 N Lincoln Ave

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) They took my (really) old ones, and I bought a couple of fresh extinguishers.

Fire Department

Reviews

• You should be able to recharge them. The fire department will either do it or tell you who will.

Firewood

Tim’s Premium Firewood

217-898-6443

Brian Huber

573-517-3284

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We’ve been buying from him for years and are happy customers.
• I don’t think he comes to Urbana very often. He charges $125 for a rick (I think) and will stack it wherever you want it.

Carlson Tree Service

1801 Carlson Ln, Danville, IL 61834
(217) 446-9864

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) Used them several times, good price, wood cut into a good size.

Eco-Trim

Ben 217-200-9605

Reviews

• (1/1/2022) For $60, he brought me ~1/2 face cord of mixed and seasoned hardwood, stacked it neatly on the rack, and even swept the driveway to clear the debris. He returned my call within a few hours and delivered it the same day.

Framing (art)

International Galleries

Lincoln Square Village

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I just wanted to share that Bill was so helpful to me just now at International Galleries at Lincoln Square Village (he helped me solve a framing problem). They are all so helpful over there! I find it the most reasonable framing in town too. While there, is was reminded they have lots of already made up frames in all sorts of sizes and lots of pre cut mats too.
• Not only is the framing expertise outstanding and professional. The offerings of greeting cards are unique and wonderfully diverse. I especially noticed the bountiful selection of feline, canine, and other beings as subjects. Quirky ones too. I obviously frequent the place and hope you do / will too! The are friendly, welcoming folks!
• So true about International Galleries! Such a resource!

Floor (hardwood, refinishing)

Lane Fricks

352-3566.

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Lane does a really great job. Room by room, over several years, he’s done most of our hardwood floors in our 100 year old house.

Bill Mitchell Fine Floors

217-356-1008/217-418-4310

Jim Sadorus

(217) 598-2925

Davis Floor and Sanding

217-384-7900

Floor (tile)

Carpet Advantage

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I’ve had two different friends who used them for carpet, tile, and laminate and were very happy.

Furniture repair

Victor Fein

217 344 6960

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) I have reparied furniture for over 40 yrs.

Furniture repair (chair caning)

Dave Burge

(217) 621-4875

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) There’s a guy who works for the Champaign Park District who does this kind of work out of his home. His name is Dave Burge, and his number is (217) 621-4875‬. We’ve had a number of chairs done by him and been very happy with the work.

Myrna Madigan

mmadigan34@gmail.com
217-254-3713

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) There is a woman in the spinners & weavers guild who does it.

Fix-it-Shop

Sidney. 688-3700

Floppy disc/disk drive rental

Urbana Library

Reviews

• Apparently you can check one out at the good ol’ Urbana Library

Garage door repair

Garage One

Rex Bagby, owner

Reviews

• (2022/02/15) He helped us get our broken door open—no easy feat—and diagnosed a busted spring. He ordered parts (supply chain delays, natch) and fixed and tuned up both of our doors to a point where they are performing better than they have in 20 years; including when we have had others fix them. Very fair prices.

Reliable overhead Doors

355-9060

Gravel / roadpack

Steve Royal

217-246-2423; sjroyal@comcast.net

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) I’ve frequently used Steve Royal for materials delivery. I just had him deliver 3 tons of road pack (gravel, but from 3/4″ stone down to fines, which is best for driveways) a couple months ago for a little over $100 ($50 for delivery). He can tailgate the material along a driveway, which gets it very roughly spread out, then hand work is easy after that. It took me and a helper about 30 minutes to evenly spread out 3 tons of road pack, then I spent about another 30 minutes running a plate compactor over it, and we were done. This was to resurface and flatten out about 60ft of existing gravel driveway. It only added 1-2″ of rock over that length, which was all we needed. For a a bigger project requiring significant regrading, Steve has a skid steer and I think his minimum charge is $100 for bringing it and some hourly rate after that.
• I’ll second the recommendation of Steve Royal. He does a great job.
• I’ve used him for road pack as well as dirt from the Landscape Recycling Center and was very satisfied. He’s super easy to communicate with and responds fast too.
• Steve has delivered gravel several times for me as well. He’s great!

Allen Dial

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) Allen Dial would be a good person to contact.

Gutter cleaning

Sparkle Pro – business now closed (2025)

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) I second Sparkle Pro, both for gutters and windows!
• Sparkle Pro!! Quick great
• Sparkle pro… though he gets really booked… but good…
• SparklePro does windows and gutters, and they’re very good.

Trish (drives a red truck with a Gutter and Roof sign on the side)

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Surprisingly short of references.
• I have used them for years for gutter cleaning. They do a good job for a good price, but sometimes don’t show at the appointed time. I’ve never used them for anything larger than that
• I’d say no. Our experiences–first with gutters, then with painting–were not good. She has a tough life, and I felt sorry for her, but she was unreliable, overcharged, and the painting was of poor quality.

Eric Smith, I Care Lawn Care

Eric (217-372-5849)

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Gutters and yard cleanup, landscaping, etc. The “company” is two brothers who took over the business from their father. They work extremely hard and fast at very reasonable rates. Their services are in high demand, though, so there is often a one or two week wait until they have openings in their schedule.

Window Genie

238-6645

Roger Dalton

356-1313

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Roger is still cleaning gutters, and he is very good and reliable.

Tony Olaivar

wtaylor.servicesco@gmail.com

Reviews

• (11/14/2023) For gutters I recommend … Wayne Taylor is starting his own business in the area and definitely does gutters, etc – he’s at wtaylor.servicesco@gmail.com.

Wayne Taylor

217 418 9499

Reviews

• (11/14/2023) For gutters I recommend Tony Olaivar 217 418 9499 …

Gutter (repair)

Dalton and Son

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) Dalton has retired and the new owner (not related) has proven to be unreliable and unprofessional.
• We’ve used Dalton and Sons a couple of times with good results.
• I had two comments on B Dalton: one positive and one negative

Revive stove and chimney

217-597-5375

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Quick response, great job, thorough …and quick. Fast, good work, fair priced … from Danville but did service same day as initial visit.

Bash

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) Two others worked with Bash but made no positive or negative recommendation on their work.

Hairdresser

H20 Salon

Broadway

Reviews

• (1/31/2021) They have been following all COVID safety guidelines from day one. They offer a variety of services and do a great job!
• (12/10/2022) Seconding the recommendation for H2O and particularly Hunter, who gave me a great “long haircut” at a really reasonable price.

Handyman

Kramz Handyman Services

Ramses Garcia; 217-202-1356; kramz.handyman.services@gmail.com

Reviews

• (07/21/2022) I was impressed with handyman services. Ramses cleaned my gutters and then powerwashed my garage and driveway. He also painted the basement and put a stairwell rail back on the wall. He is reliable, detailed, and he can problem solve situations. Mostly he goes above and beyond.

Corinne Suhm

766-4310

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Hired her for various projects over the years.
• Type of work done for others: fixing gates & fence posts, replacing ceiling fans, repairing screen doors, patching up plaster walls.
• Corinne is also a very good house painter – interior & exterior.
• We are ready to enthusiastically recommend our wonderful painter, Corinne Suhm. Corinne has lived in Urbana for decades and done quite a bit of interior and exterior work including wallpapering, repairing old windows, refinishing cabinetry. She has no webpage and isn’t on Yelp or Angie’s list. She would make my list any time, though. Her rates are very reasonable! She is available for smaller exterior jobs, weather permitting, right now and open for next year’s larger jobs. She can do interior work year-round, of course.
  Corinne is a low key, friendly presence, a true craftswoman.

Pedro Palzan

handymasterpedro@gmail.com or 217-550-4140

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Type of work done for others: terrific to work on our old house. He recently put up new drywall in our kitchen and is doing exterior work now; did a great job on my kitchen! He has also done a lot of excellent work for friends of my wife and me (which is how he was recommended to us).
• Recommended by two people.
• Pedro Palzan does excellent work, is prompt and easy to communicate with, and very, very reasonable.

Jane McClintock

janemcclintock@gmail.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Found her work good and reasonably priced. She’s also a really nice and easy to work with person.

Jubal Croegaert

217-369-2649

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Type of work done for others: put down new flooring in our kitchen.
• Based on the below email recommendation, we had Jubal Croegaer work on several projects in and around our home. Jubal was very professional, thorough, and creative. He communicated well, was considerate of our space and time and was all-around fabulous to work with! We highly recommend him.

Gary Gonzini

217- 649- 4908; glgonzini@herffjones.com

Doug Berkman

721 3345

Tom Toombs

(217) 898-1160

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) photos of the buildings just FYI:
  http://www.tg-rentals.com/construction.html
  He charges $60/hour for carpentry and misc repairs, and $80/hour for plumbing – such as installing water heaters, dishwashers, microwaves, running new gas lines for stoves, replacing faucets, etc.

Ben Baxley

(312) 498-8244; or email: benbaxley@me.com

Hauler

Steve Royal

(217 246-2423)

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I’ve used Steve Royal (217 246-2423) several times for hauling. He has a 3 ton dump truck. If your concrete is clean and not tinted it can go to recycling for free. Beware that disposal of waste is not cheap – I think the transfer station was charging something around $90 per pickup load last I checked.

Nejra Muminovic

1-224-600-0846

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) We have had Nejra Muminovic come twice to haul things to the landscape recycling center. She wasn’t expensive and did a good job cleaning up etc. I think she also does some yard work/landscaping, but we haven’t hired her for that.

Jordan Fox, Fox’s Junk Removal

217 552-9298

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) Here is the number of a very nice man I met while gardening at a new client’s new home in Champaign. He was hauling away dozens of yard waste bags full of weeds from the home they purchased that had been on the market long enough that 3 seasons (or more ) of yard waste had accumulated. but they also had other junk and debris left by the sellers. I liked him well enough when I met him that I asked for a wad of his cards.
• I used Jordan Fox this summer and he did a great job and was very nice to deal with. I will definitely use him again!
• If anyone ever needs a hauler I can recommend Jordan Fox Junk Removal. They are a bit expensive but very reliable and environmentally conscious.

The Mule

https://themule217.com/
(217) 550-2709

Reviews

• (2022/05/07) Rudi, whose company is The Mule, is great. Reasonable prices, reliable and careful worker.

Insurance brokers

Brown Hobbs and McMurray

Urbana

Reviews

• It was okay until all the local agents quit.
• We used Brown Hobbs and McMurray when they were an independent agency. The were convenient and provided excellent service. After they were bought out by an insurance brokerage conglomerate service went downhill and rates increased dramatically.

Country Financial

Savoy

Reviews

• Jordan McDaniel with Country Financial. Great customer service and always available.

Frerichs and Stillwell

St Joseph

Reviews

• Excellent service and good prices. It would be nice if they were in town, but after our initial visit to finalize the policy and sign documents, we actually don’t have need to have them close. Their telephone service is great – phone calls are answered by humans!!!

Loman Ray

Tolono
https://www.lomanray.com/about-us/our-staff/location/tolono

Reviews

• We’ve been happy with Loman Ray as an insurance broker. Brady Smith is good to work with.

State Farm

Reviews

• One resident recommended Brian Hanson
• We’ve always had State Farm for home and auto. We’re currently with Anna Schappaugh in Urbana. Very straightforward, no issues and they’re very responsive.
• W use the John Caywood Agency of State Farm (on University). I shop around a lot on home and car and they’ve been pretty stable on good rates the last 3 years. Good service too.

Sticklen

Tatman Court Urbana, https://www.sticklen-ins.com/

Reviews

• I have used Sticklen for 25 years. And have always been happy with them.
• I’ve been using Sticklen Insurance for decades for home & car insurance, & have been very satisfied with their fast personalized service. I started out with John Sticklen but now I work with his son Jason.

Thomas and Ellers Insurance

Champaign

Reviews

• One resident recommended

Knife Sharpening

Laurence Mate

laurence.j.mate@gmail.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Laurence Mate is THE knife sharpener and occasionally works out at Prairie Fruits Farms.
• Laurence Mate is very good, but he charged me $15 the last time I gave him knifes to sharpen.
• Working out of my shop in Champaign, I sharpen knives year-round. Just did all the knives for Watson’s Shack and Rail yesterday!

Schnucks

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Schnucks sharpens knives for free. Take them to the butcher and leave them overnight.
• I’ve also used Schnuck’s and they do a good job.

AccuSharp from Amazon

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Actually, I bought this thing on amazon, and now I sharpen my own knives. It works a treat.
• We also use the AccuSharp and think it works great!

House Sitting

Joe Omo-osagie

jomoosagie62@gmail.com or 217-621-6626

Reviews

• (12/2022) If you are in need of a responsible, mature adult to house sit for you, please reach out directly to Joe. One of his sons, who will visit from time to time, has allergies to animals, so please no house sitting with pets. Joe, a long time member of the UU Church is a counselor/psychology instructor at Parkland College. Or you may know him from his fitness
  classes at the YMCA or as president of the Champaign County Mental Health Board.

Landscaping

Brown Woods

Karen Decker, Hands and Feet

deckerk96@yahoo.com

MaryE Yeomans

ancienttones@gmail.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I do yard work and gardening as well as organizing and clutter cleaning. I have a small pickup. I currently work at the McCulloh residence (corner of Birch & W. Oregon). In fact I have worked there for many years in various capacities.

Joel Kouski

http://kouski.com

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) We used Joel Kouski for our big landscaping job. He is great! But now he is really busy, which is why we got somebody else for the more mundane tasks.

Country Arbors

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) We’ve worked with Country Arbors and Prairieview, with very mixed results. Any other suggestions?

Prairieview

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) We’ve worked with Country Arbors and Prairieview, with very mixed results. Any other suggestions?

Ludwig Brothers Landscaping

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) We had good experience with Bill Malone at Ludwig Brothers Landscaping. Recommend him highly.

Chris’ Water Gardens

https://chriswatergardens.com

Reviews

• (12/7/2021) Chris’ online reviews are good, and he has the pond market cornered, which is why we did not give much thought to hiring him to clean out the pond we inherited. The work was fine and, while pricey, we knew up front what the minimum cost would be. When we later hired him to install a net over the pond in the fall, I did not confirm the cost with Chris but rather relied on the estimate given by his employee at clean-out. I was very surprised to receive an invoice for $450. The materials involved, to be clear, are ~20 feet of pvc pipe, and ~50 square feet of mesh. It took two workers 30-40 minutes to install. When I politely requested a breakdown of the cost in terms of labor and materials (like just about any other contractor or trade might provide) his office was unable or unwilling to answer this simple question or provide any explanation of the charge. Chris then called me and agressively asked “what I wanted to do.” I took responsibility for not confirming the cost but he was not interested in having a reasonable conversation with a customer seeking a resolution. “Don’t send a check, and don’t call again” and hanging up was how he chose to end it.

Happy Green

• (10/2023) 1 cautionary note – Happy Green is a troupe of about 6 males, whose English is poor but who are energetic and hard working. They might be great for digging or hauling. However, they haven’t lived here long, they aren’t familiar with local plants, can’t identify them and don’t know how to take care of them. This is especially apparent when pruning is involved. Their crew couldn’t distinguish between peonies and other desirables and plants that we consider to be weeds. Pruning is important and different plants need different treatment. Trees and shrubs can really be harmed by bad pruning.

Landscape designer/ architect

John Brown, Brown Woods, Associates

http://brownwoods.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) i love, love, love John Brown of BrownWoods, Associates (check out the web site http://brownwoods.com/). He got his degree in landscape architecture from the U of Illinois and has been in business for decades. Being in the gardening biz, I have seen lots of others and thin he is quite good And he works well with a customer’s ideas too…
• Brown Woods and Associates do a lot of hard scape… they are great. Connect with John Brown…

John Brown, Brown Woods, Associates

http://www.allcreation.net

Reviews

• (10/2021) I had a great experience with Alan (owner) and Ben (lead installer). They designed and installed a smallish patio in the backyard with a new stone step entrance to the backdoor and some minimal lighting.

Lamp repair

Tepper Electrical

Neil St. on the east side of the street just south of Green St.

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) They have repaired two of my lamps.

Lawn care / yard work

Luis Juarez and Lupita Pedro

217 721 3176 or 217 721 1768 . gardenyardcare@gmail.com

Reviews

• (5/25/2022) I have asked Luis and Lupita for help at a number of locations. They are not the cheapest but they know what they are doing.

Ronnie Thomas

217 840 1397. rthomasoutdoorservices@gmail.com

Ask Joe to Mow

http://askjoetomow.com/

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) We have been using. “Ask Joe to Mow” and have been pleased! They mow, pull up weeds, etc. Full disclosure: a friend of ours works there

Nicolas Domingo

217-898-7031

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) He worked for my husband for years, and is a responsible, hard worker.
• Nicolas has a pick-up truck.

Noah Gingerich

217 621-5243

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) a very nice young man is offering to rake leaves for some extra earnings. Im sure his help will be well appreciated by many as our second to last free pick up is this week! Call Noah Gingerich who is a neighbor of mine on W. California.

Illini Rowing Team

Marc McCray (secretary):
(773) 552-6876
marcm2@illinois.edu

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) The Illini Rowing Team is also available for leaf raking, snow shoveling, miscellaneous house chores, moving, etc.! They are all teammates of mine, and the money earned helping you go towards our dues, which are ~$1,000 per semester, and doesn’t cover food and travel for our 4-7 regattas each semester. We’re all great kids, so please consider us now and in the future!

Colby

817-522-2577

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I can make a strong recommendation for Colby, a nice young man who has been mowing my lawn all summer. He is very dependable and REASONABLE. You can reach him at 817-522-2577. Give him a call if interested. You won’t be disappointed.

Happy Green

• (10/2023) 1 cautionary note – Happy Green is a troupe of about 6 males, whose English is poor but who are energetic and hard working. They might be great for digging or hauling. However, they haven’t lived here long, they aren’t familiar with local plants, can’t identify them and don’t know how to take care of them. This is especially apparent when pruning is involved. Their crew couldn’t distinguish between peonies and other desirables and plants that we consider to be weeds. Pruning is important and different plants need different treatment. Trees and shrubs can really be harmed by bad pruning

Lawyer (estate planning)

David Thies (Weber and Thies)

Reviews

• (10/2023) Multiple “shout outs” for David

Helen Grandone (Tummelson Bryant & Knox)

Ruth Wyman

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Another popular WUNA attorney.

Phil Knox (presume Tummelson, Bryant & Knox)

115 N. Broadway, Urbana, 367-2500

Reviews

• (10/2023) 1 recommendation

Michael Brown

Reviews

• (10/2023) 1 recommendation

Steve LeSeur (Tummelson, Bryant & Knox)

115 N. Broadway, Urbana, 367-2500

Reviews

• (10/2023) 1 recommendation

Marjorie Harris (Meyer Capel)

306 W Church St, Champaign, 352-1800

Reviews

• (10/2023) 1 recommendation

Barb Delonis (Danville)

28 W North St Suite 102, Danville, 446-9270

Reviews

• (10/2023) 1 recommendation

Brooke Didier-Starks

Owner of Legacy Legal, 2504 Galen Dr Ste 104, Champaign, (217) 530-0195

Reviews

• (10/2023) Highly recommended – Brooke was recommended to me by two different financial advisors when she was with Meyer-Capel, and has has since started her own firm specializing in estate planning

Lawyer (will planning)

David Thies (Weber and Thies)

Helen Grandone (Tummelson, Bryant & Knox)

115 N. Broadway, Urbana, 367-2500.

Ruth Wyman

Locksmith

Preservation and Conservation Association (PACA) for advice on old locks

Reviews

• (5/21/2019) 4 recommendations (and Tom at the PACA warehouse recommended removing the molding around the lock and cutting through the bolt)

Dave and Harry Locksmith

Reviews

• (5/21/2019) 2 recommendations (I call them first but they were not interested in the job [problem with old antique bathroom door with a failed thumb-turn mortise privacy lock)

Ron’s Locksmith

Reviews

• (5/21/2019) One recommendation. I called, then texted some photos of the situation. Ricky came immediately to work on the door. He deepened my two holes in the door to drill to the bolt, and then managed to slide the bolt back into the door. (I don’t care that the lock works, just that the door opens and closes.) It’s the best $85 that I’ve ever spent for a service call. Two thumbs up.

Locksmith Services

http://locksmithchampaignil.com/

Reviews

• (5/21/2019) One recommendation

Mattress

Bender’s mattress factory

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I purchased a queen bed set from Bender’s mattress factory on North Cunningham about 6 – 7 years ago. It was a great set, with a 10 year warranty. Pricey but worth it for 1/3 of my life… A spring on the side sprung, and I called for a repair. They picked it up, repaired and returned within about 3 hours. The repair was exceptional. They rebuild the entire mattress and added more padding,support, etc. As they headed out the door, the service person said – you are good for another 10 years! They may be a bit more expensive than Sears or any other big store…but ya can’t beat this kind of small town service!

Masonry (brickwork, tuck-pointing)

Hess Masonry

https://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/il/urbana/hess-masonry-inc-reviews-5292731.htm

Reviews

• (10/10/2019) I have used Eric Hess for tuckpointing and replacing damaged brickes and would highly recommend him. He has a good crew that has worked for him a long time (a good sign). He has state of the art grinders to remove the old mortar. He and his crew were professional and did high quality work at the bid price.
• Hess Masonry does all our work; they’re very good.
• Hess rebuilt our chimney, and did a great job matching old brick and all.

Steve Pankau (Pankau Masonry)

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We went with Steve Pankau (Pankau Masonry), very professional, did a good job. Others on WUNA had recommended him as well.

Millikan Masonry

Website: https://www.millikanmasonry.com

Reviews

Grizzly’s Chimney Service, Inc., Urbana

(217)504-2050

Reviews

• (03/2024) We can recommend Brad from Grizzly’s. They did a great job on our house for a price that we thought was very reasonable
• (03/2024) Second recommendation for Grizzly’s! They do much more than chimney repair… tuckpointing & replacing cracked bricks and more!

Bilbrix Masonry (Fithian)

(217) 530-1009

Reviews

• (03/2024) We recommend Bill from Bilbrix.  They were also very attentive and reasonable.   Our whole house needed work. They did a great job.

Misc.

Sylvie Khan, Professional Organizer (cleaning clutter, fixing stuff)

sylvie@sylviekhan.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Sylvie has been doing quality work advancing projects that have defeated me over many (many) years, from finding homes/disposing responsibly for “perfectly good” items in our attic and basement, to digitizing mounds of old family media, to getting items repaired, things appraised, cupboards organized, etc. She and her team are fantastic.

Mulch

Do It Best Hardware

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Will deliver bags of mulch (or almost anything else, I believe) for a certain minimum order (~ $50 or so – do verify with them for current minimums).

Country Arbors

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Country Arbors has a faster turn around then the Landscape center.

Ludwig Brothers

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Ludwig Brothers out off Duncan is also great.

Landscape center

Music (drum lessons)

Nikola

217-850-2745, ndjokic2@illinois.edu

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) Nikola, who is a PhD student in jazz performance and is an international student from Belgrade. He has many years of professional experience in performance and offers lessons in all styles. He provides lessons on-site as well as his residence in Urbana. His first lessons are also free.

Notary

Urbana Public Library

Office space

Independent Media Center

Website to inquire about office rentals: https://www.ucimc.org/office_rental

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I know the Independent Media Center has or used to have spaces, don’t remember if it’s quite that price, but could be.

Ortho-bionomy

Janice Rutherford

Reviews

• 2024-11-20 … for awful back pain years ago. Very positive experience! Janice Rutherford here in town is excellent.
• 2024-11-19 I’ve had success with ortho-bionomy with Janice Rutherford in Urbana. She’s very experienced, reasonably priced, and a kind/capable practitioner.
• 2024-11-19 I’ve used Janice Rutherford a few times now. I like her immensely. Since I do regular bodywork, stretching, etc, it’s hard to sort out causality but I think she helps.
• 2024-11-19 Janice Rutherford is an excellent practitioner in this method.
• 2024-11-19 I’m currently working with a practitioner named Janice Rutherford. All very positive, though the impacts can be subtle and “progress” takes a while. But she’s done great things for me.

Painting / painter

College Works Painting

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) Don’t hire College Works Painting. Today a neighbor had College Works come out to put a clear coat on his new fence, which is very close to my property. On a very windy day, they decided to spray the oil-base clear coat, all the way up and over the top of a 9ft fence. The wind was carrying it right onto my house, the cars in the driveway. I went over to tell them what was happening, and asked them to stop, but they refused. The manager, Tyler Langendorf, asked if I was going to pay for the extra labor it would take to roll the finish on instead of spraying. We eventually had to call the police, who looked at the accumulation of oil droplets on the cars and told them to stop spraying. Then the College Works manager refused to give us his business insurance info until we called the police again. Now we have a film of this oil finish on everything, all the way up to the 2nd story. What a mess. Over the years, every time I’ve spoken to anyone who hired these clowns, they were unhappy with the work. I can’t understand how they keep their operation going.

Corinne Suhm

217 766 4310

Reviews

Corinne did a beautiful job on my deck in 2018, after another painter walked away from the job. She was professional, fast, and thorough, so much so that my deck was in great shape for the next 6 years! And it was a complicated job with both uprights, arbors, banister, and decking. Highly recommend her. I know she does both exterior and interior painting.

Various house painters

• Rich Castle 217-621-2774
• Larry Meister 217-898-8860
• Chris McCubbins 217-417-2094
• Chad Ebert (Precision Painting) 217-384-7590
• Wesley Romine Painting 217-722-4658 (Commerical only, 2024)
• Kyle (last name not given) 541-398-8606

Peaches

Sager peaches

Farmer’s Market

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Sager peaches at Farmer’s Market, I buy Eckert peaches at Schnuck’s.

Eckert peaches

Schnuck’s

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Sager peaches at Farmer’s Market, I buy Eckert peaches at Schnuck’s. A Belleville, IL orchard in its 5th generation of Eckert’s.
• Quite a few people have said Eckerts at Schnucks are good and it turns out the Coop sells the same peaches as the farmers market (the one’s I’ve been getting there have been fantastic!).

Curtis Orchard

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) If you are using peaches for cooking, you might inquire about seconds at Curtis Orchard. I bought a half bushel last year for a very low price and they made great peach butter.

Pest control

TLC

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) I got one rating for Terminix and Weldon each, and three for TLC. I think TLC does not require a contract and will provide a free inspection, too, for anyone who is also researching. As long as I never see another camel cricket in my house again, I will consider any treatment a success.
• TLC Pest control… took care of my mouse problems… great guys… reasonable prices…
• For mice or termites
• I recommend TLC pest control. They did a very good job for me.

Terminix

Weldon

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) For mice or termites

Crist Pest Control (Arthur, IL)

(217) 543-2890
https://cristtermite.com/

Reviews

• (12/06/2023) We have used them for ants, termites, wasps, and inspections before purchasing or selling properties. They were always willing to come to C-U in the past, but I’m not sure about their current travel policy.

Anything Wild

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) For wild critters on private property: bats & squirrels in attics, possums, raccoons, skunks and more… I have had very good luck with: Anything Wild.

Pets

Dog Training

Dog Training Club of Champaign Urbana (DTCCU)

https://dtccu.com/
Located on Ford Harris Road (north of Urbana, just east of Cunningham/Rte 45)

Reviews

• (2024/06/21) Local, volunteer-run organization that offers a variety of classes including Puppy Kindergarten, obedience, agility, rally and more. See their website for their calendar and fees.

Pets (pet sitting)

Pampered Pets

217/352-0595

Reviews

• (8/3/2018) They also give excellent professional baths and grooming

Kelley McAlpin

kwmcalpin@gmail.com

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) Hi, we have been very happy with Kelley McAlpin, who lives on Oregon. She took care of our two cats for over a month last year when we were in Australia. And before that, for short gigs, as well. She isn’t a “live-in.” Don’t know what you are looking for. She has two small kids who often come with her and love pets.

Photography

Bridget Rubins

Website: https://bridgetrubins.com/

Email: berubins@gmail.com

Reviews

• Bridget is a recent Illinois Art & Design grad (class of 23) and an accomplished photographer and artist. She currently works for Urbana Park District as their digital media coordinator and also does freelance photography.
• (7/20/2024) Excellent job taking candid photography of an indoor/outdoor party of about 80 people. Very responsive and easy to work with!

Karissa Marshall

https://kmarshallphotography.myportfolio.com/work

Reviews

• You might try Karissa Marshall. She graduated from Parkland about 5 yrs ago (one of Peg Shaw’s students) and has set up her own part-time photography business. Although most people hire her for posed images, I think that she would be open to doing what you’ve described.

Illini Studio (Jon Dessen)

https://www.illinistudio.com

Reviews

• excellent posed and candid work.

Della Perone

https://www.facebook.com/DellaPerronePhotography

Reviews

• Della Perrone is superb.

Erick Adiches

erichadickes@mac.com or erichadickes@me.com

Reviews

• Erick Adiches, a good friend from our church, is an excellent photographer & does these kinds of gigs. We haven’t used his photo services so I asked another couple at our church who has done so & they said he did a great job at their 50th anniversary, taking informal shots being friendly & unobtrusive. The photos were great.

Holly Birch

https://www.hollybirchphotography.com

Lawrence McGown, Mcgown Photography

217-621-0087

http://www.mcgownphotography.com/

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Lawrence photographs all my artwork but does people and everything else too. And he was just awarded an ACE award for his arts volunteer work.

Steph Adams

649-1595

Photography (film developing)

Lyosha Svinarski at the Urbana Museum of Photography

lyoshastudio@gmail.com

Physical Therapy

Mettler Center

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) I’ve been very happy with J.T. Park and Jasmine Evans at Mettler Center.
• I highly recommend Peggy Hau at the Mettler Center.

Plaster work

Bruce Zindars

bazindars@gmail.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Also I took people’s recommendation of Bruce Zindars for plaster work and was very pleased.

Piano tuning

Dennis Cluver

https://www.denniscluver.com

Reviews

• (2022/08/28) We’ve used Dennis Cluver for the last couple of years and he’s been great –

The Piano Shop

https://www.thepianoshopcu.com

Reviews

• (2022/08/28) Very happy to recommend the wonderful piano technician John Minor! He worked for years for the School of Music, as well as Tanglewood, Steinway, etc. etc.

Plumbing

D & S Sewer Service

Reviews

• (05/29/2022) I had a such a good experience with them. Not only did they televise the line, troubleshoot the underlying problem and clear the pipe, but they did all of that for less than what it cost Schoonover to just snake the drain (which only lasted one day past the warranty date…). The workers from D & S were very knowledgeable and figured out why I’m having on-going problems with clogging drains. They will be my go-to company in the future.
• (11/21/2017) They saved us thousands in plumbing, landscaping, etc costs. compared to another service vendor (who tried scare tactics, bait & switch video (they didn’t see that I saw them swap the camera image), etc. etc).

Dan Warner Plumbing

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) D & S also recommended Dan Warner Plumbing for another issue that we had (with our water heater)- and Dan was fantastic, too!
• I’d highly recommend Dan Warner: he is doing my plumbing for a new bathroom and is absolutely terrific to work with. He is also extremely reasonable $.

Urbana heating and plumbing

(217) 367-0888

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) When our water heater was leaking in a bad way, we called Urbana heating and plumbing and he delayed leaving on his vacation to replace it right away. It’s been working great ever since. All his other work for us has been great too.

Fred’s Plumbing

217 356 9400

Reviews

• (10/10/2019) I’ve long used Fred’s Plumbing. Inexpensive, quick, friendly, always do good work,
• I want to recommend Fred’s Plumbing, who was able to fix a problem which another plumber said would be a very expensive intensive project!
• I second the recommendation for Fred’s. They also work on boiler heat
  which many companies can’t.

Rick Colbert of Harold R. Colbert Plumbing

(217) 398-1179

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) I’ve used Rick Colbert of Harold R. Colbert Plumbing for years. Always pleased with his service. He is especially skilled with old house issues!
• Colbert Plumbing had the most votes, but I called 3 times (left 1 message) and had no response.
• I got 5 recommendations for Colbert as a firm who is good with old houses and old plumbing—which is just what we need.

Darby’s Plumbing, Inc.

608 E Walnut St
Villa Grove, IL 61956
(217) 832-2383

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Owner Darby Kilber and his son Jeremy come to jobs as a 2-person team. They’re terrific.

Tim Culver

(217) 493-0433

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) 1 vote

Lanz Heating & Plumbing

(217 355 5512)

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) 4 votes
• They were efficient and fixed the problem on the spot – $69 call out and assessment, and then a flat-rate of $250 for fixing a broken outside spigot. I don’t know how this compares in price to other people, but thought this might also be useful info for you all.
• 1 negative comment – will not use Lanz again – terrible experience (01/11/2021)

Halfar Plumbing

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) 2 votes

Mattex

217-355-9700

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) 1 vote
• I have been very satisfied with Mattex.

Classic Plumbing

(217) 586-7473; http://classicplumbinginc.com/

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) They impressed us when they were a sub for a bath remodel. Highly recommend them!

Quality

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I’ve used Quality Plumbing myself for the last two years based on previous recommendations.

Reliable Plumbing, “Trent”

217-356-1841

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) 1 vote

Tom Toombs

(217) 898-1160

Reviews

• (8/3/2018) licenced plumber

217, Inc.

(217) 281-1650; https://217inc.com/

Reviews

• (1/11/2021) good at unclogging drains and reasonably priced

Jim Thompson

217.202.8907

Reviews

• (2020/11/05) Recommended by neighbor who said he is very busy so he may not call back for a few days.

Printing/ photocopy

Minuteman Press

S. Neil

XPress Print Plus

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I don’t have any experience with them, but… It’s Urbana 🙂
• An organization I belong to has had excellent experiences with xpress print.
• Same. I’ve used them several times for different purposes. Next door there is also an associated store where you can have things mailed, have documents shredded, and get packing supplies.

Radon abatement services

Paul Musser from Central Radon Systems

721-4683

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I was 100% satisfied. Paul was easy to work with, did what he said he would do in a professional and workmanlike manner exactly when he said he would and the price was reasonable.

David Smith Radon Remedies

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We used David Smith Radon Remedies two years ago and were very satisfied.

Reading tutor

The Reading Group in Champaign

Roofers

White Roofing

688-2522, http://www.ljwhiteroofing.com/

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) They are fabulous and especially good at flashing – usually a source for leaks.
• We have had excellent experiences with both White Roofing (they fixed a leak caused by another roofer’s poor flashing job) and bosworth roofing (they installed installed bathroom vent exhausts in the roof for us). Both were professional, courteous and cleaned up after the job was done.
• White seemed expert but pricey, since they use copper flashing.
• We had a problem with a leaking roof and a dormer window. White roofing found the issue and fixed it. Very professional and cleaned up well.
• I (and several of my friends) have had great luck with White Roofing of Sydney. They are superb at both diagnosis and, if necessary, replacement.
• I would also recommend White Roofing. We had then re-roof our house after another (cheaper) roofer actually damaged the roof further while attempting to fix it. White was excellent and well worth it.
• Several recommendations each for Roof Doctors and White Roofing.

Bosworth roofing

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We have had excellent experiences with both White Roofing (they fixed a leak caused by another roofer’s poor flashing job) and bosworth roofing (they installed installed bathroom vent exhausts in the roof for us). Both were professional, courteous and cleaned up after the job was done.
• I would avoid Chris Bosworth (the tall guy). We had a horrendous experience with him. He still owes us money, and he stopped returning phone calls.

Bash Pepper

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Expert and nice, but heavily booked so need to reserve in advance. They did a good job on our house extension.
• Ditto Bash this summer.
• One recommendation for Roofing Dog and Bash Pepper.
• Per the recommendations of WUNA, we had Bash Pepper come out this winter to give us an estimate. He was very thorough, professional, nice – and the estimate was reasonable. We decided to go with them. I have been calling to get on their schedule – and I can’t get him to call me back! I have left 4-5 messages over the past 2 months . . . no response. At this point, we are going to go with someone else. If communication is this bad when we are just trying to hire them – I can only imagine what it would be like if something actually went wrong. (another person said “I had the same experience.”)

Roof doctors

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) Roof doctors did a great job for us. They were tidy — very careful about debris and cleaning up trash, especially nails.
• RAndy is great to work with.
• Several recommendations each for Roof Doctors and White Roofing.
• Our experience with roof doctors a few years ago was that they were prompt, courteous, answered phone, came out on time etc. But when problems developed and we needed for them to come back and remedy the situation, they could not be reached.

Roofing Dog

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) Roofing Dog who is expensive, but very good.
• One recommendation for Roofing Dog and Bash Pepper.

Ron Meister

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Also, Ron Meister saved us a lot of money, but we were not in a hurry and had to fit into his busy schedule.

Dick Butler Roofing

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) I like Dick Butler Roofing, they are good at leak finding and fixing, and low pressure for getting a new roof (although we are getting one in a few weeks, ours is 25 years old-ish). Our contractor Rob Zych, who is very picky, uses them because he thinks they are the best.
• FWIW, I called Brad at Rick Butler Roofing. He came out to look at my roof in just a couple of days and diagnosed the problem immediately. As a warning, he can’t get to my project til late September. I figure the best people are really busy, and it’s the “bad” ones who can get to it right away, so I’m going with him. He is doing two other houses on my street this summer.
• We had great service from Dick Butler roofing both for repairs before a new roof for like 5 years, and for our new roof (2016) with no issues after the replacement.

Marcelo Hernandez

217-202-6250

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) When my roof required more extensive repairs than initially apparent, Marcelo Hernandez did not charge me for the extra hours and stood by his estimate. And years later when I ran into him, he not only asked if any problems had come up (there hadn’t) but reminded me that if anything happened, I should call him and he would make it right. Of course, I haven’t had a chance to test this promise, but that’s because there haven’t been any problems!

Roto-rooter (drain/sewer plumbing)

Schoonover

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) We have always had a good experience with Schoonover…fast response, good work and reasonable price even on the coldest day of January! And they are a local company.

Shoe repair

JJ Shoe Repair

https://www.facebook.com/Jj-shoe-repair-284865831671996

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) Yes have had good experiences.
• I will second that recommendation for JJ’s. I’ve been going there for years and they’re great for zippers, soles, heels, and also I think they’ll do luggage repair.
• I feel that it is my responsibility to share my experience with JJ’s with you and this forum. I had been going to JJ’s for shoe repairs for years, until last summer when the owner lost two pairs of my Italian sandals I dropped off for a quick back sole fix. What really surprised me is that, not only did he not produce my shoes (after several return visits and his “they must be here somewhere, we’ll find them”), but at one point he actually insinuated that I collected the sandals and are now trying to extort money from him. I simply could not believe my ears! I still have the original claim check he gave me when I dropped my shoes off, and on the back of it all the dates when I stopped-by to see if he located them in some random pile of things in his shop. After this incident, I went on Yelp to share my experience and found similar stories (some including leather jackets!) documented on the site. So, word of caution, if you really don’t want to lose your boot make sure that you document the drop-off (somehow) or simply go to someone more-reputable to do the job.

Snow shovelling

Lupi Juarez

2177211768

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) You are looking for someone to help with shoveling snow, my husband and I we can help you.

Brant Cork

(847 942 9000)

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Brant Cork (847 942 9000) shovels snow for me, and I can recommend him. Don’t know if he has time for more customers, however.

Ronnie Thomas

rthomasoutdoorservices@gmail.com

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Happy to recommend Mr. Thomas’s service.

Clay Barnhart

586-6577

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We’ve been happy with Clay Barnhart (586-6577) and his crew. We also have a corner lot, thus an amazing length of sidewalk to clear. Think about the question of how fast you need it cleared. Many of our local contractors (including Clay Barnhart) live out of town, for reasons of cost. In a bad storm, this means they can’t arrive until the roads outside town are passable. This is fine if you don’t need to drive right away or can shovel a narrow path for your car. Otherwise, make sure to get someone who lives in town.

Straw (bale)

Prairieland Feeds

Savoy, IL

Rural King

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) You can also get straw at Rural King, out by Sam’s Club in Champaign. It’s pretty cheap–something like $10 or so for a large bale. I’ve used straw cover many times for reseeding my lawn because it hinders the effects of my dog from trampling all over it.

Taxi

Datta Taxi and Charter

(217) 418-4568

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) I rode with Datta Taxi and Charter, 1 (217) 418-4568, to the airport a
  couple of times in the last two years. No complaints.

R&H cab, Fouad

(217) 721-6095

Reviews

• We always use R&H cab, Fouad. He’s a really nice man, always reliable, speaks a range of languages. We think he’s great.

Thrift store

Twice is Nice

607 West Elm Street, Urbana

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) Good prices, very interesting house packed with all kinds of used stuff- clothes, household goods, holiday deco.

Trash hauler

Tree trimming/ removal

Mike Poor

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Many people recommended him. Stump grinding has also been mentioned.

Keith Klismith, Owner Klismith Tree Service

217-418-9896 www.klismithtreeservice.com

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) Did a great job.
• Second for Keith. He is knowledgeable, conscientious, and great at returning calls (which, in our experience, is a problem for several local arborists).
• Several recommendations

Brad Drew (“Leaf it to us”)

Reviews

• Easy to work with. Used his services for tree trimming and tree removal, satisfied with the work done.
• As for hiring, I vote for Brad Drew https://totaltreecareplus.com/ He is a certified arborist and worked for Urbana for 10 years before starting his own business. Biggest obstacle with tree stuff is scheduling.
• (03/30/2021) I also recommend Leaf It To Us. They took down a large uprooted tree in my backyard the Monday after it happened on a Friday, impeccably and professionally.

Kevin Sanderson

417-6014 home 621-5226 cell

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Kevin Sanderson was good for us.

Ameren

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) Ameren will clear things that are in the way of the utility lines for free. I’ve not heard of them taking trees that are not in the utility ROW, but may pose a risk. Couldn’t hurt to try.

Henry Mapson

Reviews

• (5/7/2019) One recommendation

Metaspencer Tree Service

metaspenceronline.com/tree.html

Reviews

• (03/30/2021) We recently had some tree work done by Spencer Schaffner: I was really impressed by his professionalism, prompt action, and competitve pricing. Sometimes we’ve had to wait over a year for an arborist, and Spencer’s lead time is more like a few weeks – or no time at all for small jobs.

Brent Cork (Stump Grinding)

(847) 942-9000

Reviews

• (10/21) – My yard guy, Brent, removes stumps.  He waits until he has a few to do to spread the rental cost.  Very efficient guy.

Tuck-pointing

See Masonry

Upholstry (reupholstry)

Lorri Coey

lorri@uptownupholstery.us

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) Lorri Coey is so great.
• We had some outdoor wicker furniture that needed new cushion covers and Lorri Coey did an amazing job. She did the work quickly and it was a very reasonable price. Contact Lorri at Uptown Upholstery!
• Lorri also did a wonderful job reupholstering a vintage chair and ottoman we had. She even made a little tote bag out of the old fabric for my daughter who was sad to see the chair change colors. I highly recommend Lorri as well!

Wallpaper-er

Georgia King

Reviews

• (6/12/2019) Georgia King did some work for us. She is fantastic if you can get her (she’s busy).

Watch battery replacement

Spritz

on Neil, by Watson’s Chicken

Reviews

• (10/4/2018) Many people recommended both Spritz and Roberts Jewelry stores!!!
• Spritz jewelers in downtown Champaign. You can park behind the building in the parking lot, they have a rear entrance. They are very helpful and low key. Couldn’t be more senior friendly.

Roberts Jewelry Store

“Robert’s” downtown Champaign. Right by Esquire.

Web design

Accuraty Solutions, LLC

309 S Neil St Champaign – 390-2553

Reviews

• (11/13/2018) A small nimble and excellent company – great personal service.

Welder

Red’s Muffler Shop

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) There is a terrific welder at Red’s Muffler Shop, and she is a woman! I don’t know if this job is appropriate for them, but I have worked with them many times and found them to be reliable and honest.

Window cleaning

Johnson Maintenance

Tony Johnson
(217) 378-4516‬

• Sylvie Khan – highly recommended by a client of mine in SUNA, 10/2023

Window replacement

Jake Hurlbert with Hurlbert Windows

Reviews

• We have used Jake Hurlbert with Hurlbert Windows out of Mahomet. I thought he did a great job

Bacon and Van Buskirk

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) A huge tree fell in our backyard and took out the glass in many of our multi-paned storm windows, no problem for Bacon and Van Buskirk to replace.

Wood (refinishing/furniture/millwork/cabinetry)

Ali Tiouririne, General Manager of Ambiance at Home.

office in Champaign and a shop in Thomasboro.
217.418.9269

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) We are so pleased with the quality of the work and the ease of interacting with him for multiple visits that we are in the process of contracting with Ali to build a custom piece for us to solve a problem that we’ve never been able to find something already constructed to solve. Ali was terrific to work with, noticed a small problem adjacent to one he was refinishing, and just fixed it while he was at it. He was really focused on quality and working effectively with us.

Corrine Turner

217-762-2996

Reviews

• (11/21/2017) I would like to echo Bob Swisher’s recommendation in Saturday’s News Gazette of Corrine Turner for refinishing furniture, woodwork, doors, cabinets, etc. We have
  used her a number of times and just yesterday picked up an antique dresser that she refinished. She does beautiful work and her prices are VERY reasonable.
  Corrine did a lot of great work for us, but, unfortunately, she passed away not too long ago.

Kevin Bunn

his wife: Chance McDade and her number is 898-2208

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) I know a local woodworker who in recent years has chosen to do primarily craft work (wine bottle racks, decorative containers, etc.) but has many years of experience in cabinet making, interior remodeling,
  struction, and even teaching woodworking. I would imagine he’s taking jobs like yours (request for window frame work) but can’t say for sure. For what it’s worth, Kevin’s a stand-up guy as character goes, and while he has not done work for us, I have every reason to believe the quality of his professional work meets the same high standards.

Armstrong Lumber

University in Urbana, (217) 367-0511

Reviews

• (9/13/2018) They do excellent custom work.

Zipper repair (on leather jacket)

Heel to Toe

Yong’s (next to Merry Ann’s Diner)

Magic Needle (corner of Lincoln and University)

John Coppess

jcppss@aol.com, 217-417-0331

May’s Alterations on Neil Street