University Housing Construction Updates

parking lot improvements: D-8 Lot

UPDATED: April 1, 2008

Parking Lot Resurfacing

Starting on Wednesday, April 2, a resurfacing project will begin for the D-8 parking lot next to Goodwin-Green Apartments. The first phase of the project will last from April 2 to May 15. During this phase, only 8-9 spaces will be affected, as the initial work will be concentrated at the south section of the lot (towards Illinois Street). Illinois Street access will be closed off during phase one, and entry to the parking lot must be made by using the Green Street access. Residents with D-8 permits should be able to continue finding parking spaces during this phase.

Sidewalk Closure

Pedestrians on Illinois Street will notice that a portion of the sidewalk will be closed because of the resurfacing project. A temporary walkway will be available as a detour.

Phase 2 of the project will begin on May 15 and end by July 30. During this phase, the majority of D-8 will be closed due to construction. We will provide more information to residents prior to May 15 to keep you informed regarding your parking options. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this important project.

View a map of the D-8 construction project.

PAR Dining Renovations

UPDATED: April 15, 2008

Construction Continuing on Schedule for Fall Opening

Construction of the new dining facility at Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls continues to progress on schedule and will be ready for opening this fall. The new entryway to the lobby area is being assembled and the stairs to the new dining facility have been installed. Kitchen equipment continues to arrive and the ceiling is being painted black in preparation for a new drop ceiling.

Learn more about the project and see architect's renderings of the new dining hall.

Champaign Neighborhood Redevelopment

Have questions or concerns about construction? Please contact us.

Learn more about the Champaign redevelopment project and view initial designs for the new buildings.

View the site map showing upcoming construction work (PDF).

UPDATED: April 25, 2008

Pedestrian Safety around Gregory Drive

For pedestrians going west through the Gregory Drive area: please take the safest route and use the walkways through the Weston courtyard. Construction work on Gregory Drive and near the service drive can make it difficult for cars to see you approaching, and the sidewalk on Gregory is closed. Signs will be posted to help guide you toward the Weston walkway. We appreciate your cooperation!

May 12th Street Closures: Peabody and Euclid

On Monday, May 12, part of Peabody Drive will be closed for street patching. The work will be done just west of Euclid through Fourth Street. On May 12, staff members who park in E38 can still use the east or west entrance of the parking lot, but will only be able to access Peabody Drive from First Street (you will not be able to access Peabody from Fourth Street on that day).  

Also on May 12, Euclid Street will be closed to through traffic because of a fire hydrant removal—no Clark Hall dock access will be planned for that day. The walking route should not be affected, however.

What's Next

Here's a glance at what to expect in the coming weeks:

• In late April, early May: site clearing, topsoil removal, excavation, underground piping, concrete footings and foundations—timing depends on weather and underground conditions
• Construction will begin on the first wing of the new residence hall in June/July 2008

Summer Utility Work Schedule

Utility work will be continuing around the construction site this summer. Here is a full listing to help you plan for where and when it will be occurring. View a site map of the area.

• June 15–29 and July 15–18: No work during conferences at Peabody area

• Now through May 5 and May 12–July 31: Site work on east side of Garner

• May 21–July 31: Site work from Garner to Forbes across the loading dock. [There will be no parking permitted in the loading dock area during this time, and no “H” spaces will be available. University vehicles will need to be parked elsewhere. The dock will be open with one lane except a 1–2 day period (to be determined).]

• May 21–July 31: Site work from Forbes to Hopkins. No exterior walk access from Forbes to Hopkins during this time.

• May 21–June 14, June 30–July 14, and July 19–July 31: Site work on east side of Scott, and from Scott to Snyder across the loading dock. [There will be no parking permitted in the loading dock area during this time, and no “H” spaces will be available. University vehicles will need to be parked elsewhere. The dock will be open with one lane except a 1-2 day period (to be determined).]

• May 21–July 31: Site work from Weston to Snyder. There will be no exterior walk access from Weston to Snyder during this time.

• May 21–July 31: Forbes tunnel work at basement connecting link. This work involves installing pipes into the tunnel on each side. The pipes will stick in about 18”, and we will build a guard around the pipes.  These pipes will be connected when the tunnels are removed in the summer of 2010. 

• May 21–June 14, June 30–July 14, and July 19–31: Snyder tunnel work at basement connecting link. This work involves installing pipes into the tunnel on each side. The pipes will stick in about 18”, and we will build a guard around the pipes. These pipes will be connected when the tunnels are removed in the summer of 2010.

Dining Hall Named for Former U of I President

The dining hall inside the forthcoming student dining and residential programs building now has a name! The Board of Trustees has officially approved the name “Ikenberry Dining Hall.” All of the area within the boundaries of Gregory Drive, Peabody Drive, Fourth Street, and First Street will be called the Stanley O. Ikenberry Commons. The 14th president of the University of Illinois, Stanley Ikenberry served from 1979 to 1995. Read more about Ikenberry and his achievements in higher education.

Contact Us

Want to get involved? Have questions? Let us know.

Please note that project schedules are subject to change depending on weather or other circumstances.

orchard downs Redevelopment

Plans for the redevelopment of the Orchard Downs community are continuing at the campus level. The campus has established a website dedicated to the project.