Summer Construction 2026

The Urbana campus will feature more than 40 active building and infrastructure capital projects this summer. Upgrades to facilities are vital to meeting the university’s strategic goals and feature classroom and laboratory modernizations, roof replacements, accessibility improvements, life-safety advancements, restroom enhancements, infrastructure revitalization, and utilities renewal in support of energy production, distribution, and conservation efforts.

 

1. PARKING STRUCTURE LOT B4 – EXPANSION JOINT REPLACEMENT AND TRAFFIC COATING

These enhancements will strive to minimize water infiltration into the structure to preserve concrete integrity.

2. HOLONYAK MICRO AND NANOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY – INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY UPGRADE

The project will feature upgrades to the chilled water loop to address water purity and improve routing efficiency.

3. TALBOT LABORATORY – MULTIPLE BUILDING – LIFE SAFETY UPGRADES

This project phase focuses on modernizing fire protection and life safety systems in two key campus facilities: Talbot Laboratory and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. This multiyear investment, administered through the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), is designed to improve building safety, reliability, and compliance with current fire safety codes.

The work at Talbot Laboratory includes installing a new automatic fire suppression system, a dedicated fire pump, and upgraded fire alarm devices throughout the building. These improvements will significantly enhance fire detection and response capabilities. Construction has been carefully phased and coordinated with facility operations—including daytime and nighttime work—to minimize disruption. Once complete, Talbot Laboratory will benefit from a modern, fully compliant fire protection system that improves occupant safety and reduces fire-related risks.

4. ENGINEERING SCIENCES BUILDING – MULTIPLE BUILDINGS – ELEVATOR MODERNIZATIONS

The multiple building upgrade project will modernize elevator systems in Everitt Laboratory and the Engineering Sciences Building. By modernizing the elevators, the project aims to improve accessibility, safety, and efficiency within the buildings.

5. EVERITT LABORATORY – MULTIPLE BUILDING – ELEVATOR MODERNIZATIONS

The multiple building upgrade project will modernize elevator systems in Everitt Laboratory and the Engineering Sciences Building. By modernizing the elevators, the project aims to improve accessibility, safety, and efficiency within the buildings.

6. TURNER STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING – ELEVATOR MODERNIZATIONS

This multi-facility project aims to modernize two elevators in the Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics Building and replace two vintage 1960s elevators in the Turner Student Services Building.

7. STUDENT SERVICES ARCADE BUILDING – ROOF REPLACEMENT

Upgrades at the Student Services Arcade Building will include installing a roof system with a minimum 25-year lifespan to update the building envelope and prevent water infiltration.

8. ALTGELD HALL RENOVATION AND ILLINI HALL REPLACEMENT PROJECT  

The replacement of Illini Hall will provide a new world-class facility for the mathematics and statistics departments. The building program will also feature an innovative data science center that connects the university’s data scientists with businesses, industry, and the community. This building will also provide administrative offices and support spaces, multi-purpose gathering areas, and classrooms. This new building will be LEED Silver certified at a minimum.

The timeline for Phase IV (comprehensive interior renovations of Altgeld Hall) is still to be determined based on the successful finalization of the bid/award process and when an authorization to proceed is issued.

More: https://las.illinois.edu/giving/altgeldillini and https://fs.illinois.edu/illini-hall-replacement-and-altgeld-hall-renovation-project/

9. ILLINI UNION ROOF REPLACEMENT

The Illini Union roof replacement project will utilize a multiyear, phased approach to facilitate a comprehensive upgrade schedule. The work will completely remove the three existing roofs, all of which (north, south, and center) have different construction and materials that are beyond their serviceable life. Additionally, the scope will include the replacement of windows and associated trim for 78 dormers. Window replacement on the south building continues and is expected to be complete by the end of summer, with the scaffolding at the south building to be removed in August. The roof replacement on the center building will continue into the fall semester.

More: https://fs.illinois.edu/Projects/the-illini-union-roof-replacement-project/ and https://union.illinois.edu/unionhappenings

ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION

This project will provide students, faculty, staff, and visitors with safe, reliable vertical movement in the Illini Union. The current elevators are at the end of their useful life cycle and are experiencing frequent service requests.

MCKINLEY HEALTH CENTER (MHC) SATELLITE – HEALTH AND WELL-BEING RENOVATION

The Illini Union and McKinley Health Center are collaborating renovation to create a new wellness location in the northwest lower level currently occupied by the CLASS computer lab. The project will include a satellite clinic to provide on-site medical care to students, as well as a Reflection-Meditation Center in the Union.

10. NOYES LABORATORY – MULTIPLE BUILDING – ELEVATOR MODERNIZATIONS

This multiple building upgrade project will improve the existing elevator systems in Noyes Laboratory and the Levis Faculty Center. By modernizing the elevators, the project aims to improve accessibility, safety, and efficiency within the facilities.

11. MORRILL HALL – MULTIPLE BUILDINGS – RESTROOM RENOVATIONS

Each restroom renovation will include new finishes, toilet partitions, wall partition modifications, doors, frames, hardware, toilet accessories, and lighting and plumbing fixtures. The work will also address MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), including exhaust systems, building code compliance updates, compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, and potential reconfiguration of restrooms. The corridor finishes will match the existing finishes in the affected restrooms. Minimal finishes to include new flooring, rubber base, and paint. Part of the exhaust upgrade will require replacing the serving exhaust fan.

12. KRANNERT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – MULTIPLE BUILDINGS – LIFE SAFETY UPGRADES 

This project phase focuses on modernizing fire protection and life safety systems in two key campus facilities: Talbot Laboratory and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA). This multiyear investment, administered through the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), is designed to improve building safety, reliability, and compliance with current fire safety codes.

At KCPA, the project involves replacing the existing fire alarm system with a new, upgraded panel and devices installed throughout the facility. Work is scheduled in phases to accommodate performances, events, and ongoing operations. The project team is coordinating closely with stakeholders to preserve the building’s architectural and acoustic integrity. The new system will serve as a central, reliable control point for fire safety, enabling faster and more accurate emergency response across the facility.

Overall, this project will deliver safe, modern, and code-compliant fire protection systems that help protect building occupants, preserve critical facilities, and support uninterrupted campus operations for years to come. Together, these improvements support the university’s commitment to maintaining safe, resilient, and high-performing facilities for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

13. SHERMAN HALL – ELEVATOR UPGRADES

Freight elevators at the residence halls are original to the facility and in need of replacement.

14. GREGORY HALL – GROUND LEVEL REMODEL

The ground level of Gregory Hall will be remodeled to improve overall traffic flow and enhance ADA access for College of Media activities.

Rooms 1, 2, and 3 will be transformed into a single 1,438 sq. ft. classroom to better accommodate larger groups and also enhance the integration of advanced technology in the facility. This remodel will create a versatile environment that supports diverse teaching methods and activities, significantly enhancing the learning experience for students across all three departments. The introduction of flexible furniture and movable room dividers will allow for easy reconfiguration throughout the day, catering to varying class sizes and types of activities. Moreover, the incorporation of state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and computers will ensure that the classroom meets contemporary technological standards, equipping both students and faculty with the necessary tools for success.

15. FOELLINGER AUDITORIUM – COMPREHENSIVE LIGHTING UPGRADE

Foellinger Auditorium is the university’s largest general assignment classroom, seating 1,350 students and supporting approximately 600,000 hours of annual use. Instruction alone accounts for nearly 500,000 hours per year. The auditorium’s lighting-control and power distribution systems will undergo a comprehensive upgrade to address critical operational needs supporting classes and events. The work will implement new Ethernet-based lighting control network components, complete LED lighting for enhanced controllability, install new stage lighting, and implement new raceway areas to improve the setup of cabling and equipment.

16. LITERATURES, CULTURES AND LINGUISTICS BUILDING – ELEVATOR MODERNIZATIONS

This project aims to modernize two elevators in the Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics Building and replace two vintage 1960s elevators in the Turner Student Services Building.

17. MAIN LIBRARY – ROOF AND HVAC REPLACEMENT

The work will renovate several low-slope roofs and a shingle roof located above the circulation desk. Also, dormer roofs will receive new windows as part of this project. Other improvements that will help protect the building envelope include insulated ductwork; a new, energy-efficient air handling unit; and repointing of adjacent brick walls, chimneys, and stones. The project is essential to maintaining the various historic elements of the facility, helping to ensure its long-term use as one of the most active locations on the campus.

18. UNDERGRADUATE LIBRARY REDEVELOPMENT – ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

At its March 20, 2025, meeting, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved a revised budget and construction contract for the University Library’s Archives and Special Collections building project. The work will transform the former Undergraduate Library into a new home for three special collections units: the University Archives, the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections, and the Rare Book & Manuscript Library. The Library recently provided a construction progress update at https://www.library.illinois.edu/specialcollectionsbuilding/new.

More: https://www.library.illinois.edu/specialcollectionsbuilding/

19. OBSERVATORY – EXTERIOR REHABILITATION

This improvement project will comprise the full replacement of the existing roofing systems across roofs 1–5. The work includes removing the deck, installing new insulation, installing PVC roofing (roofs 1–4), and installing flat-seam zinc-coated copper roofing (roof 5, dome flashing, and shutters). The work will replace and reconfigure transit and dome shutters and install a code-compliant lightning protection system per University Facilities Standards. The project will also upgrade gutters, downspouts, and related drainage components. The exterior restoration will encompass coating all metal elements, finishing all exposed wood surfaces, and repairing masonry by grinding and tuckpointing, with full salvage and reinstallation of existing brick. Additional scope includes construction of a new observation deck with historically matched railing components, dome repairs utilizing its rotating capability, and interior improvements tied to shutter work, including electrical upgrades and lighting relocation in room 121.

20. MORROW PLOTS – REVITALIZATION PROJECT

The College of ACES, through support from Bayer’s Crop Science division, will revitalize the landscape surrounding the Morrow Plots, the oldest experimental agricultural fields in North America.

More: https://aces.illinois.edu/news/bayer-gift-launches-morrow-plots-revitalization-150th-anniversary.

21. CLARK, BARTON, AND LUNDGREN HALLS – HEATING PIPE REPLACEMENT

The goal of the project is to upgrade the current heating and cooling systems of these residence halls. Most of the heating water risers in these three buildings are from the original 1940 construction. The improvements will benefit overall system performance, such as managing temperature control and reducing future reactive maintenance.

22. MUMFORD HALL – MASONRY REPAIRS

Exterior masonry improvements at Mumford Hall will help protect the building envelope and reduce the need for reactive maintenance in the future.

23. TURNER HALL – SUBSTATION REPLACEMENT

This vital project will replace utility equipment in a manner that maintains service for ongoing activities at Turner Hall and the Art and Design Building. Two-unit substations will be consolidated into a single new unit at each location. The upgrades will better support and be responsive to current energy loads and usage.

24. PARKING STRUCTURE LOT F29 – EXPANSION JOINT REPLACEMENT AND TRAFFIC COATING

These enhancements will strive to minimize water infiltration into the structure to preserve concrete integrity.

25. LINCOLN AVENUE RESIDENCE HALLS (LEONARD AND SHELDEN) – ASSESS AND REPAIR EXTERIOR MASONRY

The project will address exterior masonry and related building envelope conditions at Lincoln Avenue Residence Halls (LAR) through focused improvements. The work includes designated brick masonry repairs and rebuilds, parapet repairs, limestone coping and flashing work, sealant replacement, lintel replacement, stone repair, downspout strap repairs, helical tie installation, expansion-joint work, and localized concrete repair as required by the contract documents and field designations. The work is scheduled for substantial completion in July, with finalizing work in August. The project will stabilize and repair priority exterior masonry conditions while preserving the historic character and appearance of LAR, which was constructed in 1949.

26. SNYDER HALL – BASEMENT REPAIRS

The work will replace and/or repair electrical equipment to energize the building and determine any other damage caused by the flooding that occurred in March. Just after spring break began, a 6-inch water main in the basement of Snyder Hall burst overnight. No student possessions were affected since the dorm rooms are all above ground, but the emergency forced all 450 residents to relocate to other residence halls on campus for the remainder of the semester.

27. ART AND DESIGN BUILDING – SUBSTATION REPLACEMENT

This vital project will replace utility equipment in a manner that maintains service for ongoing activities at the Art and Design Building and Turner Hall. Two-unit substations will be consolidated into one new one at each location. The upgrades will better support and be responsive to current energy loads and usage.

28. LAW BUILDING – MULTIPLE BUILDINGS – RESTROOM RENOVATIONS

Each restroom renovation will include new finishes, toilet partitions, wall partition modifications, doors, frames, hardware, toilet accessories, and lighting and plumbing fixtures. The work will also address MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), including exhaust systems, building code compliance updates, compliance with ADA guidelines, and potential reconfiguration of restrooms. The corridor finishes will match the existing finishes in the affected restrooms. Minimal finishes to include new flooring, rubber base, and paint. Part of the exhaust upgrade will require the serving exhaust fan to be replaced.

29. GIES MEMORIAL STADIUM – NEW SCOREBOARDS AND ELECTRICAL EXTENSION

Daktronics is installing one of the largest video displays in the country, more than 17,300 square feet in the south end zone. The project includes 16 LED displays totaling more than 26,750 square feet and 30 million pixels.

More: https://fightingillini.com/news/2026/1/13/illinois-daktronics-install-largest-video-display-in-college-football.aspx

LIGHTING REPLACEMENT

This project will replace the current lighting fixtures at Gies Memorial Stadium with new LED fixtures. Lighting posts on the northeast and southeast towers will be removed and replaced with new supports. Additional lighting fixtures will be added to the roof of the west side press box. This project will deliver better lighting for televised events and a better fan experience through MUSCO show control features.

EAST ROOF (NORTHEAST TOWER, SOUTHEAST TOWER, COLONNADES) REPLACEMENTS 

This project involves replacing the existing EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofing systems at the northeast and southeast towers, including installing tapered insulation over existing drains, ½-inch DensDeck, and an 80-mil PVC membrane with complete flashing at penetrations and parapets. The scope includes restoration of parapet walls through tuckpointing, selective brick replacement, and application of a Thoroseal coating on interior faces. At the northeast tower, a portion of the north parapet wall will be reconstructed, including the replacement of limestone and the full replacement of the interior face brick. Additional work includes replacing existing wall-mounted ladders, installing four new steel ladders, providing walk pads to connect roof access points and equipment, and replacing seven parapet wall scuppers.

HIGH-DENSITY WI-FI NETWORK DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES

The work will improve Wi-Fi coverage inside of the stadium, which will benefit fans, Division of Intercollegiate Athletics staff, media, and others on Illini gamedays.

30. PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE RESIDENCE HALLS (LOUNGE BUILDING) – ELEVATOR UPGRADES

Freight elevators at the residence halls are original to the facilities and in need of replacement.

31. FLORIDA AVENUE RESIDENCE HALLS (TRELEASE) – RESTROOM RENOVATION

The goals and objectives of this renovation project are to enhance the restroom experience for all residents of Trelease and Oglesby by ensuring privacy, comfort, and compliance with ADA guidelines. Work is occurring on Trelease exclusively this summer, with similar upgrades for Oglesby to be bid in the future. This renovation project is justified as it aims to enhance the restroom experience for all residents of Trelease and Oglesby Residence Halls by ensuring privacy, comfort, and compliance with ADA guidelines. Additionally, the project will convert the restrooms to be all gender, aligning with the university’s commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, gender-neutral, and modern living environment for its students.

32. ROUND BARNS AND MANAGER’S HOUSE EXTERIOR RENOVATION

Construction began on the Leah J. Wightman East Round Barn (1151 St. Mary’s Road) and Managers’ House (1101 St. Mary’s Road) the week of April 6, with the installation of construction perimeter fencing and marking of utility locates. The project will restore all four building envelopes to improve weather resistance using materials consistent with historic features. The barns will be conserved reflective of their status on the National Register of Historic Places, which will support the College of Veterinary Medicine by transforming the buildings into future community spaces.

More: https://vetmed.illinois.edu/2025/08/25/wightman-gift-illinois-round-barns/ and https://vetmed.illinois.edu/facilities/round-barns-and-manger-house/

33. VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITAL – SMALL ANIMAL CLINIC ONCOLOGY CENTER ADDITION

The College of Veterinary Medicine is dedicated to preparing practice-ready veterinarians, with clinical experience in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital playing a vital role in this professional training. Currently, approximately 560 professional veterinary and affiliate students rotate through the hospital’s facilities, which are now operating at full capacity in both teaching and patient care spaces.

In response to continued growth and evolving program needs, college surveys and master planning efforts identified the need for a dedicated Small Animal Clinic Cancer Care Center. The Oncology Center Addition will offer a unique blend of compassion and science in a client- and patient-centered environment designed to minimize stress for veterinary patients and their human family members from the beginning of the cancer treatment journey.

While the Oncology Center will be integrated into the existing veterinary campus and connected to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, it will have its own distinct identity. Plans include a designated entrance with separate areas for patient drop-off and pick-up, as well as accommodations for long-term parking to support extended visits and treatments.

More: https://vetmed.illinois.edu/hospital/oncology-expansion-updates/

34. JAPAN HOUSE ADDITION – OGURA-SATO ANNEX

The Ogura/Sato Annex at the Japan House includes the selective renovation of the existing historically eligible Japan House to accommodate a new addition while maintaining ongoing operations. The project adds a single-story annex of approximately 6,250 SF (4,805 GSF at grade), constructed slab-on-grade, located to the southwest of the existing facility. The addition is oriented at 90 degrees to enhance spatial relationships and strengthen the surrounding garden environment within the Arboretum context while remaining architecturally harmonious. Site work includes landscape development and improved access to a new primary entrance.

A fully accessible tearoom in the annex will enhance the visitor experience and make the grounds even more inclusive for visitors with physical disabilities. The facility will contain a dedicated classroom, offices, and a commercial kitchen. Lead gifts from Dr. George Ogura and Professor Emeritus Shozo Sato, the house’s founder, and his wife Alice, Ogura’s sister, made the project possible. Support for the annex has also come from more than 100 other donors and university funds.

More: https://japanhouse.illinois.edu/support/ogura-sato-annex-fund

35. DORIS KELLEY CHRISTOPHER ILLINOIS EXTENSION CENTER

A gift of $45 million from Doris Kelley Christopher, ’67 ACES, will support a new engagement-rich center at the U. of I.’s Arboretum. The Doris Kelley Christopher Extension Center will become the future home of Illinois Extension, consolidating six state extension offices into one location. The center—which will be integrated into the open spaces of the Arboretum—will serve as a bridge between discovery research conducted at the university and the translation of that work into communities around the state and beyond.

More: https://extension.illinois.edu/global/christopher-extension-center

PARKING LOT ADDITION

This project will provide additional parking in a popular area on campus and support the future Doris Kelley Christopher Extension Center.

36. WATER SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER – BUILDINGS 1, 5, & 6 RENOVATIONS

Buildings 1, 5, and 6 will receive renovations. The work will include painting, carpet replacement in some areas, floor cleaning, additional outlets, and internet jacks. Windows and blinds will also be replaced.

INFRASTRUCTURE

A. MATHEWS AVENUE LIFT STATION – RENOVATION

The project will renovate the Mathews Avenue Sanitary Lift Station to current standards and optimize piping flow. A temporary pumping and piping system is currently being utilized and is visible above ground across the front of the Transportation Building.  Crews are working to finalize the new pumps, valves, and piping and the new associated generator by mid-June, and will then work to remove the temporary systems.  The bulk of the work should be complete by start of the fall semester, but turf restoration may be scheduled to coincide with the preferred planting season in the fall.

B. LORADO TAFT SHARED-USE PATH

The pathway near Lorado Taft Drive, from Fourth Street to Sixth Street, will be widened and improved to support all modes of active transportation. Long-term planning for that area took into account the addition of facilities such as Wymer Hall and and the future need to widen the existing shared-use path area to benefit all transportation modes (something similar to the one like the newer path on First Street south of Windsor Road). This work will help alleviate congestion and potential pedestrian conflict from the south entrances of Wymer Hall and the Business Instructional Facility. It will also help extend out the landscaping areas and create additional outside spaces for those building occupants.

C. OAK STREET – COMPLETE STREET & CROSSWALK

A midblock crosswalk will be added to Oak Street near Lot E14. A previous feasibility study recommended a road diet design that will convert two-lane, two-way travel into one-lane, two-way travel. This will be done through the addition of a two-way left-turn lane down the center of Oak Street between the intersections with Kirby Avenue and St. Mary’s Road. The proposed design will allow for the installation of a bicycle lane in both the northbound and southbound directions.

D. PARKING LOT F27 – BUS LANE & ADA IMPROVEMENTS

Nineteen parking spaces will be added at the south end of Lot F27. The lot will also include various ADA improvements, pedestrian access enhancements, and updates for MTD buses.

E. KIRK DRIVE/CIRCLE DRIVE – RECONSTRUCTION

The project will improve pavement, build ADA-compliant walks, add green infrastructure, and modify parking areas.

F. ORCHARD DOWNS – PLAYGROUND UPGRADES

Comprehensive upgrades to the playground areas will remodel existing equipment and also help to enhance drainage and eliminate the potential for future flooding to occur.

NOT SHOWN

BEEF AND SHEEP FACILITY MANURE HOLDING LAGOON

This project includes installing a two-stage holding lagoon system to store processed manure liquids for 12 months. This system will feature a clay liner and concrete pads to ensure durability and protection against erosion, with a total storage capacity of approximately 6.5 million gallons. The lagoon will incorporate a gravity flow system for efficient liquid transfer and will be designed to accommodate agitation equipment for manure management.

NEWMARK CIVIL ENGINEERING LABORATORY; HENRY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING; REHABILITATION EDUCATION CENTER – MULTIPLE BUILDING – SUBSTATION REPLACEMENTS

An ongoing replacement of main building electrical equipment will address various areas of the campus. These upgrades will help retire legacy infrastructure equipment that is no longer serviceable because of a lack of compatible parts and electrical gear.

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING RESEARCH LABORATORY (CERL) BUILDING 2 – EAST SIDE AHU REPLACEMENT

This project shall design and install a new air handling unit (AHU) for Room 2169. This AHU will serve more than 25 spaces. Room 2169 has an existing air handling unit suspended from the underside of the roof trusses. The upgraded equipment will also help reduce noise output to nearby research labs.