What is Happening at the Union?

The replacement project will take approximately two years with a projected completion date in late 2026. For departments, organizations, and RSOs that host annual events at the Illini Union, event staff will work with you to find alternative spaces if you utilize any of the affected areas.

The Illini Union will be operational throughout the construction. The below notes indicate closures and changes as needed:

CURRENT HAPPENINGS/TIMELINE:
this schedule is subject to change

Scaffolding and overhead protection is installed around the entire south buildings. 

• All sidewalks and entrances to the Illini Union North Building as well as the dock are open and scaffolding has been removed as of July 6, 2026.
• The circle drive & parking in the circle drive, lot D-10, and lot D-11, along with the sidewalks approaching the Illini Union, remain open throughout the project.
• All construction and scaffolding is fenced with restricted access to construction staff only.
• Please anticipate periodic lane and sidewalk closures due to cranes and lifts providing supplies and removing debris.
• Phase 1 (North): COMPLETE
  • Scaffolding has been removed from the north and east sides of the Union.
• Phase 2 (South): July 2025-current - in progress
  • All south side fourth floor hotel rooms will be unavailable.
• Roofing Phase 3 (Center): March 2026-current - in progress

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

Current

• Scaffold and overhead protection installation is on the south side of the building.
• Access through the SW and SE entryways is OPEN. The South Patio will function as a covered passage for the duration of construction.

North Building Update:

• The North Building roof is substantial complete.
• Scaffolding and fencing from north and east sides has been removed.

ACCESS CLOSURES

Current

• The West Patio, entry doors, Diana Fountain, and all sidewalks leading to the west side of the Illini Union will be closed to both staff and the public except for emergency egress from the building.
• The bike racks at the southwest and southeast corners of the Illini Union South Building will also be inaccessible during this time.

The East & West Hallways were re-painted with a new Illinois blue spirit inspiration, along with new digital sign systems being installed in the SW entrance, outside the Illini Rooms, in the Courtyard Cafe, and in the NW hallway.

Starbucks at the Bookstore closed until the start Fall 2026 to for a renovation with a new layout and added restrooms.

In the Illini Union Underground, where CLASS was located, a remodel is happening turning the space into a McKinley Convenience Care Clinic on the right side and a Reflection, Meditation & Sensory Room on the left side. This process is in the demolation/preparation phase. Completion is targeted for early 2027.

The elevators in the Illini Union will be receiving required modernization upgrades. The elevators will be taken off line one at a time for the work. One of the two elevators on each end (north and south) will be operational during these times. There may be a few times when both are unavailable, but we will alert you ahead of time.

TIMELINE: 

North End - July 7, 2026-December 12, 2026

• E2 will be unavailable from July 7-Dec. 12, 2026. E1 will be operational during this time.

South End - December 12, 2026-March 25, 2027