At the end of World War II, the United States created an assitance program for returning veterans to help with the return to civilian life. This was known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, commonly identified as the G.I. Bill. One of the most visible benefits in the Champaign-Urbana area was the low-cost student housing situated across the street from Memorial Stadium: Stadium Terrace.
With the end of the war, the University of Illinois faced a housing crisis unlike any other in the years of the University. Suddenly, thousands of veterans with young families were enrolling in the University, thanks to the G.I. Bill, but had no place to live. Married dorms were in short supply, but married dorms with young children were virtually unheard of. Thus Stadium Terrace was born.
This temporary housing started with about 200 portable homes in 1946. The single rooms were long and narrow and featured a small kitchenette. With the ever growing families living in this area, eventually playgrounds, roads and community mailboxes were installed. Although Stadium Terrace was only meant to be utilized for a short amount of time, the advent of the Korean War expanded the need for economical housing options for young veterans. However, nothing lasts forever and ultimately Stadium Terrace was torn down in 1967 and replaced with student apartments surrounding the campus. Today, Stadium Terrace is a playing field open to the public.
Lara, Archives Assistant