NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — Illinois State University will break ground Monday, Nov. 3, on a major two-year construction and renovation project designed to expand facilities for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. The initiative will modernize classrooms, performance areas, and artistic production spaces to support enrollment growth and create a stronger arts corridor on the southeast side of campus.
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As work begins, ISU is preparing for significant but temporary changes to campus pedestrian routes. Sidewalks along the southeast corner of the quad will be closed starting Monday, limiting access for students and visitors traveling near the construction zone and those using Constitution Trail.
To support safe movement around the site, traffic on Constitution Trail will be rerouted to Fell Avenue and College Avenue, according to the university’s announcement. Meanwhile, people using the South School Street sidewalk at the intersection of Beaufort Street will also be directed to the Fell Avenue crosswalk as part of a planned detour.
The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts expansion — one of the university’s largest capital projects in recent years — is intended to address longstanding infrastructure needs. Many of the current arts buildings date back decades and no longer meet the electrical, acoustic, storage, and accessibility requirements of modern arts education.
When complete, the project will include:
University leaders say the changes will elevate ISU’s capacity to host touring productions, student showcases, and collaborative research across multiple artistic disciplines.
Construction activity will remain steady through 2027, and officials caution students to expect periodic pathway modifications. ISU is working with the Town of Normal to coordinate trail and sidewalk adjustments to minimize disruptions for community trail users who rely on Constitution Trail for walking, biking, and commuting.
The university plans to keep the campus community updated through regular construction bulletins, signage, and digital maps outlining detours around the fenced-off work zone.
The expansion is part of a broader push in Illinois to invest in higher education infrastructure — aimed at driving enrollment retention, attracting creative talent, and boosting the regional economy around Bloomington-Normal. Local construction firms and contractors are expected to play a key role, providing new jobs and workforce opportunities throughout the building phases.
Originally reported by Josh Seabaugh in Yahoo News.
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