Illinois State University officially broke ground Monday on an $82.7 million transformation of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, launching a multi-year, state-funded construction initiative that will modernize and expand the university’s fine arts campus through 2028.
The project will significantly upgrade academic and performance facilities while replacing the existing Centennial West building with a new Commons Building, designed to better serve students, faculty, and the surrounding community. Construction represents one of the university’s largest recent investments in arts education infrastructure.
.jpg)
Work includes new construction and limited renovations across several major facilities, including Centennial East, the Center for the Visual Arts, and the Center for the Performing Arts. To reduce disruption to academic programs, interior renovations to existing buildings are scheduled during the summers of 2026 and 2027, according to the university.
“The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts provides outstanding programming and opportunities to our students and community,” Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule said in a statement. “This project will give students, faculty and staff even more opportunities to immerse themselves in various mediums of creative expression.”
Beyond the primary transformation effort, Illinois State University has already completed restroom and plumbing upgrades at the Center for the Visual Arts and Centennial East through a separate, state-funded capital renewal program, laying groundwork for the larger redevelopment now underway.
A livestream of the groundbreaking ceremony was made available through the university’s YouTube channel, allowing students, alumni, and community members to participate remotely.
The fine arts redevelopment is part of a broader slate of construction projects moving forward at Illinois State University this semester. Renovations continue at 1709 General Electric Road in Bloomington, which will become the future home of the College of Engineering. Substantial completion of that facility is expected later this summer.
In addition, the university’s Board of Trustees has approved the installation of a solar energy system at the engineering site. The system is projected to offset 80% to 90% of the building’s electricity usage, reinforcing the university’s sustainability goals.
Planning and design efforts are also advancing for the South Campus Housing-Dining Project, following board approval in December 2025 of the project’s pre-construction services budget. The proposed development would include a 900-bed residence hall and a 450-seat dining center, located on the former site of the Atkin-Colby and Hamilton-Whitten residence halls.
Together, these projects reflect a sustained investment in campus infrastructure aimed at supporting enrollment growth, academic innovation, and long-term operational efficiency.
Originally reported by Chicago Construction News staff writer in Chicago Construction News.
.png)
