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 has been instaled around the entire north and south buildings. 

• All sidewalks and entrances to the Illini Union North Building as well as the dock will remain open for the duration of the project, protected by robust overhead protection panels.
• The circle drive & parking in the circle drive, lot D-10, and lot D-11, along with the sidewalks approaching the Illini Union, will 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): August 2024-October 2025 - in progress
  • All north side fourth floor offices and meeting spaces will be CLOSED and not accessible.
  • 4th floor administrative offices moved to the 1st floor on the NW corner next to the Quad Shop, using the former Tech Zone space (Room 187).
  • The Tech Zone temporarily moved to the Illini Union Bookstore.
• Phase 2 (South): July 2025-April 2026 - starting
  • All south side fourth floor hotel rooms will be unavailable.
• Roofing Phase 3 (Center): March–November 2026 

ACCESS CLOSURES

Now until April 2026

• 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.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

July 7-July 22, 2025

• Scaffold installation will begin on the south end of the West Patio and will continue around the South Building, progressing west to south to east. The scaffolding will span from the 1st to the 4th floor.

July 21- August 15, 2025

• Scaffold and overhead protection installation will then continue on the south side of the building, progressing west to east.
• Limited access to the SW and SE entryways will be restored after August 15, 2025, once overhead protection is in place. The South Patio will function as a covered passage for the duration of construction.

North Building Update:

• The North Building roof is scheduled for substantial completion by October 2025. Following this, all scaffolding and adjoining fencing will be removed.
• Barrier fencing will remain in place on the north side to secure material essential to the project.

The Illini Union has secured agreements to fill the two vacant openings.

• Brien's Bistro will be opening soon in the Underground

Currently open: Tropical Smoothie, Just Bee Acai (first floor); Maize Mexican Grill, Mia Za's, Moo of I  Thai Fusion (Underground)

U of I Community Credit Union: Reopened with the Interactive Teller Machines (ITM's). This is a system that uses a combination of touch screens and video technology to offer a virtual version of the in-person banking experience.

• Please contact UICCU with any questions.

We have been doing a complete refresh to the lower level food court area. With the new look, comes a new name - the Illini Union Underground. This refresh includes:

• New furniture, paint, lighting (coming soon
• Wall graphics being installed over the next few months
• New events and programming taking place including lunchtime Tuesday Trivia and Wednesday Bingo. Game socials from 2-5pm on Thursdays.

In collaboration with the Alumni Association and campus, the Illini Union has moved the Alumni Achievement portraits on the east side of the building to electronic versions with a touch-screen digital screen. The 75" display allows for more information on these receipents to be present with their photos, along with better organization of the photos. The physical photos will be removed and returned to the Alumni Association. This process will be happening throughout the summer months.

The Illini Union will be upgrading all the fourth floor meeting room A/V components during the summer. 

• all fourth floor meeting rooms will have fixed A/V equipment

• Starbucks at the Union renovation completed with a new layout, mobile ordering, Nitro and Cold Brew coffee, and other new menu options. 
   
• Starbucks at the Bookstore will be having a renovation with a new layout and added restrooms starting in the Summer 2026.

In the Illini Union Lower Level, where CLASS is currently located, a remodel will be happening during that space into a McKinley Clinic on the right side and a Reflection/Meditation space on the left side. This process is currently in the architecture review phase. Demolition is expected to start in Spring 2026. Completion is still TBD.