Major Construction Milestone Reached at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign - The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), in partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, state and local officials, and members of the campus community, joined together to celebrate a significant construction milestone for the Illini Hall Replacement and Altgeld Hall Renovation Project. The groundbreaking event marks Phase 3 of construction, which involves constructing a new academic facility that will replace the former Illini Hall, serving as a central hub for education, research, and innovation in data science, mathematics, and statistics.

The new 140,000 square foot facility will house the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences' Departments of Mathematics and Statistics, featuring lecture halls, classrooms, research labs, collaboration spaces, student organization meeting areas, faculty offices, and special program rooms. The second floor will be home to a new data science center, as part of the University of Illinois hub of the Illinois Innovation Network. Designed to meet LEED© Platinum standards, the highest designation from the U.S. Green Building Council, the facility will prioritize modern sustainability practices throughout construction. 

"This milestone highlights the state's commitment to strengthening the University of Illinois' efforts as they modernize their campus to meet the workforce needs of tomorrow," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With a state-of-the-art data science center, new lecture halls, and classrooms, this project not only provides students with the spaces they need to learn but also creates lasting opportunities for Illinois' future leaders."

Phase 1 of the project began in 2023 with the demolition of the original Illini Hall, following decommissioning activities. Alpine Demolition Services used a demolition crane to dismantle the 116-year-old structure, while ensuring minimal disruption to the adjacent campus buildings. 

Phase 2, performed in collaboration with Grunloh Construction, Inc., is focused on exterior repairs to the historic Altgeld Hall. The initial work included comprehensive masonry revitalization of the facility's sandstone facade and various wall and floor improvements. The restoration of its iconic bell tower will be completed this summer with structural upgrades, a new spire roof, and chimes system enhancements. 

The final phase of construction will focus on interior renovations to Altgeld Hall. The planned scope of work includes enhanced accessibility features and restoring the building's original murals. 

"These state-of-the-art, tech-enabled spaces will rejuvenate the core of campus and become home to current and future generations of Illinois students and faculty pursuing innovation and excellence in data sciences and advanced analytics," said University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Robert Jones. "It will reinforce our state's reputation as the center of the industries that will define the 21stcentury."

"This project represents a powerful blend of preserving historic architecture and building for the future with environmentally conscious design," said CDB Executive Director, TJ Edwards. "I'm confident the new Illini Hall will serve as a launching pad for groundbreaking research, collaborative innovation, and discovery, benefitting future generations of students and faculty."

"As a graduate of the University of Illinois and a longtime Champaign resident, I'm proud to see the future of our campus taking shape," said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). "The new Illini Hall will be a hub for innovation in data science and a great resource for students and faculty across disciplines. Investing in projects like this - and the renovation of Altgeld Hall - shows a strong commitment to the university's growth and its long-term impact."

"I'm excited that the University of Illinois is breaking ground on another new addition to the Champaign-Urbana campus," said State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana). "The new Illini Hall will be a world-class educational hub, providing students with an exceptional space to excel in their math, statistics, and data science studies. Along with the Altgeld Hall renovations, these investments show the state's commitment to the University of Illinois."

Berglund Construction is leading the project as the construction management team, with Williams Brothers Construction, Inc. serving as the general contractor for the new Illini Hall. The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) will continue to oversee the project in accordance with the protocol for state-appropriated construction projects. The Illini Hall Replacement and Altgeld Hall Renovation Project is anticipated for substantial completion in 2027.