Design and Constrution Report staff rwiter
Berglund Construction and Williams Brothers Construction, Inc. have reached a major milestone in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s ambitious campus modernization plan, as Phase 3 of the Illini Hall Replacement and Altgeld Hall Renovation Project is now underway.
Construction officially broke ground in May on the new Illini Hall, a 140,000-sq. ft. academic facility that will anchor the university’s growing footprint in data science, mathematics, and statistics. Williams Brothers is serving as general contractor, while Berglund Construction is overseeing the effort as construction manager. The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) is managing the state-funded project in partnership with the university.
The new Illini Hall will feature modern lecture halls, research labs, classrooms, and collaborative spaces, including a second-floor data science center that will serve as part of the Illinois Innovation Network. Designed by Cannon Design to meet LEED Platinum standards, the highest designation for environmental sustainability, the building is expected to become a hub for interdisciplinary learning and research when it opens in 2027.
“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 Gov. JB Pritzker in a statement.
Work on the broader project began in 2023 with the demolition of the original, 116-year-old Illini Hall by Alpine Demolition Services. That phase included careful deconstruction to minimize impact on surrounding campus facilities.
Phase 2 has focused on Altgeld Hall, one of the university’s most iconic buildings. Grunloh Construction, Inc. is leading exterior repairs and structural restoration, including masonry improvements and a revitalized bell tower with a new roof and enhanced chimes system. The historic sandstone façade has undergone major repairs, with interior renovations scheduled next to improve accessibility and restore original murals.
University Chancellor Robert Jones called the work transformational. “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,” he said.
CDB executive director TJ Edwards said the project “represents a powerful blend of preserving historic architecture and building for the future with environmentally conscious design.”
The Illini Hall Replacement and Altgeld Hall Renovation Project is projected to be substantially complete in 2027 and is part of a wider effort to modernize academic infrastructure across the state.
The completed complex is expected to serve as a cornerstone for student learning, faculty research, and statewide innovation in data-driven disciplines.
