Campaign to Transform the University Library | University Library | Illinois

Construction at 35% Completion and Opening Date Announced

egellman — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:35:39 +0000

Construction is progressing steadily on the new Archives and Special Collections Building, with the project now about one-third complete. Crews are continuing waterproofing work around the plaza and courtyard areas, including installing protective walkways to keep those surfaces intact. Inside the building, walls and door frames are being built on the upper level, while major systems such as plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling are being installed throughout.

Work is also advancing on key structural features. This includes installing ductwork, continuing below-ground plumbing on the lower level, and adding conduit for electrical systems. Crews have begun work on the roof over the west pavilion, are making progress on a new elevator, and have partially installed new stairways. Additional work includes masonry walls, equipment foundations, and ongoing site cleanup and grading.

The building is expected to be completed in July 2027. Following construction, the Library will coordinate the move of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library, University Archives, and Illinois History and Lincoln Collections, along with their staff and collections, into the new space. A grand opening is planned for Spring 2028.

Experience the build as it happens—check out live construction of the new Archives and Special Collections Building through the Morrow Plots Cam on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s YouTube channel.

Below are photos taken on March 26, 2026, highlighting the developments on site.

Building roof on the west pavilion.

Development of east addition and loading dock.

Framing walls for staff break room on first floor.

North vault on the lower level.

Construction Milestone: Over 25% Complete

egellman — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:06:00 +0000

Associate University Librarian Tom Teper, Provost John Coleman, University Librarian and Dean Claire Stewart, Chancellor Charles Isbell, Assistant Dean of Library Facilities Tim Newman.

Construction on the new Archives and Special Collections building continues to move forward, with the project now more than 25% complete. Recent work has focused primarily on interior progress due to winter weather, including installation of ductwork, wall construction, ceiling preparation, and ongoing waterproofing.

In the coming weeks, weather permitting, crews will continue exterior structural work, including progress on the elevator shaft and roof elements, while interior construction advances with framing, electrical and mechanical systems, and additional finishing work.

Below are photos taken on January 14, 2026, highlighting the developments on site.

Walls for the loading dock and elevator shaft excavation.

First pieces of limestone being reinstalled.

View from the west stairway into what will be the gallery and reading room.

Ductwork and electrical conduit being installed above instructional rooms.

A Solid Foundation for What’s Next

egellman — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:54:00 +0000

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