The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus is quickly remodeling and expanding with new academic and apartment buildings in summer 2024. Steven S. Wymer Hall, the Undergraduate Library and 608 E. Chalmers are just three projects being worked on over the summer.
Steven S. Wymer Hall
Steven S. Wymer Hall began construction in May 2023. It will be a new academic building for Gies College of Business that uses geothermal technology to be more sustainable.
“Earlier this year, all building floors were poured following the conclusion of the structural work,” said Steven Breitwieser, manager of communications & external relations for Facilities & Services. “Drilling for the geothermal wells also started in the field south of the site (Military Axis).”
The project is expected to be completed in 2025.
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Undergraduate Library Redevelopment
The Undergraduate Library closed in May 2022 to be redeveloped into an archive and special collections.
“The Undergraduate Library Redevelopment project is presently in the bid/award phase, with bid submissions for the work due in mid-May,” Breitwieser said.
When this phase is completed, they can release a timeline for the construction.
608 E. Chalmers
A new apartment building began construction this spring across the street from the Main Quad.
“We are excited to be offering this new development as the only new building close to the Gies School of Business and the Law School to include brand new studio and 1-bedroom apartments … in addition to on-site study lounges and a rooftop clubhouse that overlooks the Main Quad,” said Marisa Paige, Senior Multi-Site Property Manager for Smile Student Living.
Saint Andrews Lutheran Church, which was previously in this location, was demolished in February 2024.
“Our decision to redevelop 608 E Chalmers stemmed from our ownership of the existing building on the site,” Paige said. “We collaborated with our neighbors at St. Andrews Church and together we embarked on a transformative redevelopment project that would enhance not only the living experience for our residents but also contribute positively to the surrounding community.”
Other current projects include the renovation of Altgeld Hall’s exterior and the demolition of Illini Hall.
For many students, having these construction projects happening around campus during the semester can be annoying and seen as an eyesore.
Tess, a student in LAS, said the construction at Altgeld “is really distracting, especially when it’s unclear how much progress is being made.”
“It’s annoying just because it is so near a lot of places that I tend to go on campus,” said Lily, a student in LAS.
Students also expressed their disappointment over the closure of the Undergraduate Library.
“My friends and I work at the library a lot, so we’re always walking past the undergrad construction … and to us, it seems that the University is taking away a spot designated for undergrads like us and just creating another spot to show off to donors. And it’s just a little disappointing that this area of campus has been taken away,” said Tess.
“I wish that space was still available and centered just like the Main Library,” said Lily.
