Illini Hall Replacement and Altgeld Hall Renovation Project FAQs
What is the timeline for the work?
Phase I (demolition of the old Illini Hall) was completed in Spring 2023. The roofing and masonry work for Phase II (exterior renovation of Altgeld Hall) was finished in 2024, with bell tower improvements and conservation work continuing into 2025.
Phase III (construction of a new building for mathematics, statistics, and data sciences on the site of Illini Hall) received an official authorization to proceed in March 2025. Construction is projected to take two years and four months (~860 days), with the opening of the facility anticipated for the Fall 2027 semester.
Phase IV (interior renovation of Altgeld Hall) is presently in the bid/award phase of the capital delivery process.
When will the exterior work end? What is the work schedule for this phase?
In Spring 2024, the exterior renovation work at Altgeld Hall (Phase II) continued with a current focus on finishing upgrades to the 1896 front turret, the facility’s north-facing front portion. Roof installations for the 1918 (SW) and 1926 (SE) additions were completed.
Various masonry solutions and floor and wall work were completed to prepare the tower for the removal and conservation of the chimes. Tower structural and roofing improvements are scheduled for 2025.
| Renovation Activities | Projected Start Date |
| Various Masonry Repairs | Completed |
| Attic Concrete Repair | Completed |
| 1896 Front Turret (north-facing portion of Altgeld) – Fabrication on ground | Completed |
| Remove Scaffolding – Other Than Tower Areas | Completed |
| 1896 Front Turret – Hoist and Install | Completed |
| 1896 Front Turret – Make Watertight | Completed |
| Remove Fence and Install Mulch from NW to SE Corners | Completed |
| Install Shoring – All Tower Floors | Completed |
| Masonry Removal/Sheer Wall Installation – Tower 1st Floor | Completed |
| Masonry Removal/Sheer Wall Installation – Tower 2nd Floor | Completed |
| Masonry Removal/Sheer Wall Installation – Tower 3rd Floor | Completed |
| Install Temporary Bracing/Frame at Tower Elevation | Completed |
| Removal of Tower Roof Structure | Completed |
| Removal of Bells | Completed |
When will construction start on the new facility (Phase III) or Altgeld’s interior (Phase IV)?
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees recently approved a revised budget for the Illini Hall Replacement and Altgeld Hall Renovation project. The Illinois Capital Development Board issued an authorization to proceed notice in March to begin construction activities for Phase III.
The timeline for Phase IV is still to be determined based on the successful finalization of the bid/award process and when an authorization to proceed is issued.
Did the cost estimates for Altgeld interior renovations initially come in over projections?
Yes. As the University of Illinois System noted in its capital budget request, labor and material costs have been significantly impacted, the latter due partly to global supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2020, costs have increased significantly for most construction materials (see this report from Gordian, for example, which found that overall costs rose an average of 19 percent for more than 80 percent of construction materials). This challenging economic environment is why the project team conducted a value engineering process earlier this year, systematically reviewing the project scope and cost estimates to retain essential features and functionality while striving to facilitate an effective bidding process once the various invitations for construction bids are reposted.
What will be the name of the new building?
An official name is still to be determined. The facility is now referenced as “the new Illini Hall” or “the new building on the site of the former Illini Hall.” A campus policy for Naming Campus Facilities, Programs, Projects and Existing Units for Distinguished Individuals and Donors provides some background information explaining the naming processes used recently for other Urbana campus facilities that may also be under consideration.
Is there a webcam for the project?
Yes. A project stream that will show the activities related to the construction activities for Phase III is available at https://las.illinois.edu/giving/altgeldillini/stream.
Are there image renderings of what the new facility will look like?
Yes. More project renderings are available at https://las.illinois.edu/giving/altgeldillini/details.
Are there additional updates or news stories about the project?
The project team strives to update unit stakeholders and associated campus audiences at least once a semester or whenever a significant project milestone or process update occurs. The Illinois Capital Development Board, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Facilities & Services continue to respond and support media inquiries about the project work regularly. Recently published feature stories include the following:
News Bureau (Chimes Removal) https://news.illinois.edu/a-temporary-farewell-to-the-altgeld-bells/
LAS (Chimes Removal Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2NRAxVtlRs
WCIA-TV (https://www.wcia.com/news/renovation-of-u-of-is-altgeld-hall-reveals-hidden-elegance/)
News Bureau (https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/39701901?utm_medium=web&utm_term=newsbureau&utm_source=uihomepage)
F&S Insider (https://fs.web.illinois.edu/Insider/2023/06/23/altgeld-glow-up-generations-of-dirt-cleaned-from-eons-old-stone/)
F&S YouTube (Illini Hall Time Capsule Discovery)
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Capital Programs 
Capital Programs directs the programming, design, and construction of capital projects with more than a $250,000 total project budget at the University of Illinois.
