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 has secured agreements to fill the two vacant openings.

• Moo of I has softly open. This location offers soft-serve ice cream treats. It may also offer breakfast items such as bagels and coffee. It is in the lower level across from Maize.
• A vendor agreement is in place for the only vacancy in the lower level, next to Mia Za's. We will make an announcement as soon as everything is signed and on file with the university. 

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

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.

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.

• New furniture will be arriving May 19 - installed by the end of May!
• Painting has been started and will continue over the next few months
• Wall graphics and concepts will be ongoing over the next several months

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 will be closed for renovation starting May 19, 2025 reopening for the start of Fall 2025. The renovation will bring:

• new layout
• new menu options
• mobile ordering to the location. 

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.