We’re excited to share that construction on the new Archives and Special Collections Building is making progress. As of late October, the project had reached just over 21% completion—an encouraging milestone toward an anticipated Fall 2027 opening.
On site, there’s plenty of activity: new walls are going up, framing is taking shape on the upper levels, and the first vault is beginning to take form. Much of the mechanical demolition is now complete, and crews are wrapping up exterior waterproofing and excavation work. The space is taking shape with each passing week, looking more and more like the building we’ve imagined for our students, researchers, and visitors.
Framing for walls of the seminar rooms.Looking west toward the tunnel entrance
Construction of the Archives and Special Collections Building (formerly the Undergraduate Library) began this summer. The new building is currently at 15% completion and is expected to open in Fall 2027. It will house the University Library’s renowned University Archives, the Rare Book & Manuscript Library, and the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections.
“We are thrilled to be underway with construction on this project,” said Claire Stewart, the Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian. “Our exceptional archives and special collections are heavily used in teaching here at Illinois and by scholars around the world. Currently dispersed across multiple campus locations, these collections—and the talented faculty and staff stewarding them—will finally unite in a single facility offering greater access and stronger security.”
Recently, the installation of a tower crane has allowed for most of the demolished material to be removed from the lower level of the building. Currently, the following work is in progress: elevator excavation on the east side of the building has begun, replacement of deteriorated 1990s waterproofing around the perimeter walls and on the tunnel, finishing demolition of the west pavilion and demolition of the plaza to begin replacement of that waterproofing, beginning to salvage and restoration of courtyard limestone, and continuing mechanical and other demolition. Initial framing of some interior spaces is expected in the early fall semester.
While construction is underway, students are making use of study areas in other libraries across campus, including the:
Conceptual drawing of the exterior of the Archives and Special Collections building
At its March 20, 2025, meeting, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved the budget and construction contract for the University Library’s Archives and Special Collections building project. Construction will begin in late spring and is expected to be completed in early 2027.
The project was originally approved in January 2022, but initial construction bids exceeded the project budget. After project scope adjustments were made to support revised cost estimates, a successful bid was secured in May 2024.
“We are thrilled to move forward with this transformational project. These exceptional collections are heavily used in teaching here at Illinois and by scholars from all over the world, and there will now be a dedicated research center to house all of these activities. Strong support from our donor community, students, and university leadership has made this possible,” said Claire Stewart, the Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian.
The Undergraduate Library closed on May 13, 2022, with undergraduate services integrated into the Main Library, Grainger Engineering Library Information Center, Funk ACES Library, and other campus libraries.
Conceptual drawings of the interior of the Archives and Special Collections building
