Chicago Construction News staff writer
Construction has entered a new phase at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as work begins on a 140,000-square-foot academic building to replace Illini Hall, part of a broader $192 million project that includes the renovation of historic Altgeld Hall.
The third and current phase of the Illini Hall Replacement and Altgeld Hall Renovation Project will bring a state-of-the-art facility to the heart of campus, providing expanded space for the departments of mathematics and statistics. The new building will feature lecture halls, classrooms, research labs, collaborative spaces, student meeting areas, and a new data science center that will serve as part of the Illinois Innovation Network.
Designed to meet LEED Platinum standards, the project emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainability. The facility will act as a hub for data science, mathematics, and statistics, supporting both education and research.
Demolition of the original Illini Hall, a 116-year-old structure, was completed in 2023, marking the first phase of the project. Alpine Demolition Services handled the work, using a crane to dismantle the building while minimizing disruption to nearby facilities.
The second phase, led by Grunloh Construction, Inc., has focused on restoring Altgeld Hall’s exterior. Work has included masonry repairs, wall and floor improvements, and restoration of the building’s iconic bell tower, which is scheduled for completion this summer with structural upgrades and a new chimes system.
The final phase will address interior renovations at Altgeld Hall, adding accessibility features and restoring original architectural elements, including murals.
Berglund Construction is managing the overall project, with Williams Brothers Construction, Inc. serving as general contractor for the new Illini Hall. The Illinois Capital Development Board is overseeing the multi-phase project, which is scheduled for substantial completion in 2027.
