Illinois State University marked a major milestone Tuesday with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project, signaling the start of an $87 million investment in arts education, creativity, and campus infrastructure.
University leaders, students, state officials, and community members gathered January 13 in the Center for the Performing Arts to celebrate the launch of the state-funded project, which will modernize and expand facilities across the Fine Arts complex on the southeast corner of the Quad. The initiative is supported through Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois Capital Program and is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joined university leadership onstage, emphasizing the broader impact of arts investment on education, culture, and society. Speaking to an audience of more than 100 attendees, Pritzker framed the project as both a commitment to the university and a reflection of Illinois’ long-term vision.
“With upgraded facilities, new and expanded artistic spaces, and extensive renovations, we’re breathing new life and opportunity into the ISU campus in pursuit of a world-class fine arts complex right here in Normal,” said Pritzker. “Especially in these uncertain and turbulent times, the world needs more investment in the arts and culture.
Our state is on the rise, and ISU is a vanguard of our success.”
The construction effort, led by River City Construction, includes replacing Centennial West—originally built in 1959—with a new Commons Building designed to encourage collaboration across artistic disciplines. The project also calls for expanded space in the Center for the Visual Arts and a new two-story addition to the Center for the Performing Arts. Interior renovations to several existing facilities, including Centennial East, are planned during the summers of 2026 and 2027 to enhance instructional, rehearsal, and performance spaces.
Illinois State President Aondover Tarhule described the groundbreaking as a defining moment in the University’s evolution and reaffirmed the role of the arts within its academic mission.
“This college has long been a cornerstone of creativity, scholarship, and community engagement. It is a place where ideas are tested, stories are told, and talent is cultivated—not only for the stage or studio, but for the world beyond this campus,” Dr. Tarhule said. “This is transformation in action. This is readiness made visible.”
Dr. Scott Irelan, dean of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, highlighted the project as both a continuation of the college’s legacy and a promise to future generations of artists and designers.
“The first brush stroke made generations ago laid the base for the creative spaces we are here to celebrate today,” said Irelan. “This project, though, is more than just buildings; it’s a pledge, a declaration to students, staff, faculty, alumni, community members, our namesake, that the arts and design and Illinois State University will continue to thrive, to inspire, and to transform.”
Illinois State Board of Trustees member Robert Navarro, a three-time alumnus of the University, noted that the long-awaited revitalization reflects the collaborative spirit required to bring large-scale creative projects to life.
“I’m thrilled to see this project moving forward, providing much-needed updates to our existing facilities that have shaped generations of artists and audiences alike,” said Navarro. “As a strong supporter of the arts throughout the state and beyond, I’m especially proud of how the fine arts are centered in Illinois State’s vision and strategic direction.”
Student voices were also represented during the ceremony. Senior music therapy and vocal performance major Kennedy Carico, who will graduate before construction is complete, said the project will create lasting benefits for future students, particularly through the new Commons Building.
“My hope is that this addition will provide a space for fine art students to learn more about each other and the work we do across disciplines, further encouraging collaboration and an opportunity for a new kind of creativity at Illinois State University,” said Carico. “Although our disciplines and mediums are very different, we, as artists, are not. All fine arts students have at least one thing in common: we have a passion that we want to share with others.”
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic turning of soil onstage as the Big Red Marching Machine performed the University’s fight song, marking the official start of construction. A recording of the event is available on YouTube.
Local and state leaders praised the project for its anticipated cultural and economic impact, noting its proximity to Uptown Normal and its role in strengthening the region’s arts ecosystem. Officials described the investment as one that will support students, attract new talent, and enhance community engagement for decades to come.
Once completed, the transformed Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts complex is expected to serve as a modern hub for creative learning, performance, and collaboration—reinforcing Illinois State University’s position as a leader in public higher education and the arts.
Originally reported by Julia Perez in Illinois State University.
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