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 installed around the entire north and south buildings. 

• All sidewalks and entrances to the Illini Union North Building as well as the dock 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, 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-current - in progress
  • The Tech Zone moved to the Illini Union Bookstore.
• Phase 2 (South): July 2025-current - in progress
  • All south side fourth floor hotel rooms will be unavailable.
• Roofing Phase 3 (Center): March–November 2026 

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY

December 2025-May 2026

• Scaffold and overhead protection installation is on the south and north sides 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 ongoing.
• Barrier fencing will remain in place on the north side to secure material essential to the project.

ACCESS CLOSURES

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.

The East Hallway was re-painted with a new Illinois blue spirit inspiration.

The Wall Hallway is currently being 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 will be closed starting on May 18 to start on a renovation with a new layout and added restrooms in the Summer 2026.

In the Illini Union Lower Level, where CLASS was located, a remodel is happening turning that space into a McKinley Clinic on the right side and a Reflection/Meditation space 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 23, 2026-November 12, 2026

South End - December 1, 2026-March 25, 2027

All Illini Union restaurant spaces are now FILLED. 

Open: Tropical Smoothie, Just Bee Acai (first floor); Brien's Bistro, 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.