Shopping and errands near CollegePlace Uptown range from a CVS in the same building to a full lineup of grocery stores a short drive away and a shopping center anchored by Target. CollegePlace Uptown, at 100 South Fell Avenue, sits one block from ISU campus in the heart of Uptown Normal, putting a surprising number of everyday errands within walking distance.
Between what’s built into Uptown Normal itself and a quick trip to the grocery stores just outside it, most of the essentials rarely require much planning.
CollegePlace Uptown Guide to Shopping and Errands in Normal, IL
Uptown Normal is a compact, walkable district built around a roundabout, with a post office, a bank, and a handful of specialty shops all within a few blocks of CollegePlace Uptown. Groceries and bigger shopping trips sit just outside Uptown proper, generally a short drive down College Avenue or Veterans Parkway. Because CollegePlace Uptown sits right in the middle of it, most errands are a matter of minutes either way.
Where Can You Get a Prescription Without Leaving the Building?
CVS Pharmacy, at 100 S Fell Ave Suite 103, shares the same address as CollegePlace Uptown, making it about as convenient as a pharmacy run gets. Beyond prescriptions, the store carries the usual CVS lineup of over-the-counter medicine, toiletries, snacks, and basic groceries, plus photo printing and a UPS drop-off point. For anything urgent or last-minute, it’s hard to beat not having to leave the block.
What Errands Can You Run in Uptown Normal?
A handful of everyday errands are covered right in Uptown Normal, all within an easy walk of CollegePlace Uptown.
| Errand | Business | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Mail and packages | U.S. Post Office | 200 W North St |
| Banking | Heartland Bank and Trust, Uptown Branch | 200 W College Ave |
| Kitchenware and gifts | The Garlic Press | 108 N St |
| Comics, games, and gifts | Graham Crackers Comics | 115 W North St |
Between mailing a package, depositing a check, and picking up a gift on the way home, a good chunk of the week’s errands don’t require leaving Uptown at all.
Where Can You Do a Full Grocery Run?
For a full cart of groceries, a few chain stores sit a short drive from CollegePlace Uptown:
- Jewel-Osco, at 901 S Cottage Ave, is one of the closest full-service grocery stores to campus, with a pharmacy and bakery on-site
- Schnucks, at 1750 Bradford Ln, offers a wider selection for students who prefer to shop less frequently
- Meijer, at 1900 E College Ave, combines groceries with general merchandise for a one-stop trip, and stays open until midnight
- Aldi, at 301 Greenbriar Dr, is the budget-friendly option for students watching their grocery bill
Between the four, students have a grocery store to match nearly any list, whether it’s a quick restock or a full move-in haul.
Where Can You Handle Bigger Shopping Trips?
The Shoppes at College Hills Covers Clothing, Home Goods, and More
The Shoppes at College Hills, an open-air shopping center anchored by Target, Hobby Lobby, Von Maur, and Crunch Fitness, sits along Veterans Parkway and covers most non-grocery shopping needs in one stop. Target alone, at 301 Veterans Pkwy, carries clothing, electronics, home goods, and groceries, making it a practical option when a single grocery store doesn’t have everything on the list. With roughly 25 stores in the same shopping center, it’s worth the short drive for anything Uptown’s smaller shops don’t carry.
Shopping Near CollegePlace Uptown Rarely Requires Much Planning
Between a pharmacy in the same building, a post office and bank a short walk away, several grocery stores nearby, and a shopping center anchored by Target, most errands near CollegePlace Uptown take minutes rather than a special trip. Living right in Uptown Normal does most of the work.
CollegePlace Uptown adds to that convenience with fully furnished private 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, an in-unit washer and dryer, and a fitness room and study lounge just steps from campus. Take a look at the floor plan that fits your needs and settle into a spot built around walkable student life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a pharmacy near CollegePlace Uptown?
Yes. CVS Pharmacy, at 100 S Fell Ave Suite 103, is in the same building as CollegePlace Uptown.
What is the closest grocery store to CollegePlace Uptown?
Jewel-Osco, at 901 S Cottage Ave, is one of the closest full-service grocery stores to campus.
Is there a post office near Illinois State University?
Yes. The U.S. Post Office in Uptown Normal, at 200 W North St, is within walking distance of CollegePlace Uptown.
Where can students do bigger shopping trips near ISU?
The Shoppes at College Hills, anchored by Target, Hobby Lobby, and Von Maur along Veterans Parkway, covers most clothing, home goods, and general shopping needs.
Is there a bank in Uptown Normal?
Yes. Heartland Bank and Trust operates an Uptown branch at 200 W College Ave, a short walk from CollegePlace Uptown.
