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-June 2025 

  • 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-March 2026

  • All south side fourth floor hotel rooms will be unavailable.

• Roofing Phase 3 (Center): March–November 2026 

The Illini Union is working with local and national vendors to fill two vacant restaurant locations.

Currently open: (5 of 7 locations are operating) Tropical Smoothie, Just Bee Acai (first floor); Mia Za's, Maize Mexican Grill, Thai Fusion (lower level)

U of I Community Credit Union: this first floor east-side location has been closed during spring semester as the UICCU is bringing Interactive Teller Machines (ITM's) to the Illini Union. 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.

• UICCU will open with this new technology as soon as the systems arrive (they have been on back order).
• Please contact UICCU with any questions.

Over the next several months, we will be doing a refresh to the lower level food court area. This refresh will include new paint, wall graphics, and new furniture/layouts.

In collaboration with the Alumni Association and campus, the Illini Union will be moving the Alumni Achievement portraits on the east side of the building to electronic versions with a touch-screen digital screen. This will allow for more information on these receipents to be present with their photos, along with better organization of the photos.

The Illini Union will be upgrading all the fourth floor meeting room A/V components over the next year. More details coming.