Red Cross Complex, Southwest corner of Eagle & Borman Drives, Rantoul, Champaign County, IL

Significance: The Red Cross Complex at Chanute Air Force Base physically and symbolically reflects the mission of aid to servicemen that stands as a distinguishing characteristic of the American National Red Cross. Built at the height of America's World War II military construction activities, the Red Cross Complex provided a crucial link between civilians and servicemen at Chanute during a time of intense interaction between groups. The Administration Building's shape and roof color physically reproduced a red cross, thereby using form to declare function. The resultant complex is architecturally unique among other temporary World War II structures on the base.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N480
Survey number: HABS IL-1161
Building/structure dates: 1941 Initial Construction