SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) has officially broken ground on its $42.5 million Library Commons, a three-story, 52,000-square-foot building designed to centralize key student services and modernize campus learning spaces. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sept. 19 on the campus quad, located between the Student Union and the Health Sciences Building.
The project is being led by Henson Robinson Company, a Springfield-based general contractor with extensive commercial construction experience. Subcontractors include E.L. Pruitt Mechanical Contractors, responsible for the building’s HVAC systems. UIS reports that drilled piers have been completed, foundation work is underway, and the elevator shaft and main building outlines are beginning to take shape.
“This project marks a bold step forward in reimagining how our campus spaces can support student learning, engagement and success,” said Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. “The Library Commons will be much more than a place to check out books.”
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The new Library Commons will house multiple student-focused resources under one roof:
The facility will also include group and individual study areas, computer stations, open seating, and a large classroom accommodating over 100 students, creating a hub where students can access multiple services in one convenient location.
“This can represent opportunity, support and connection,” said Jazel Ware-Grant, UIS Student Government Association president, emphasizing the student-centered nature of the project.
Reflecting the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the Library Commons is being designed to meet LEED Gold standards for energy efficiency and sustainable construction. UIS expects the building to open in fall 2027, offering a modern, collaborative, and environmentally conscious space for students.
“The Library Commons represents more than bricks and mortar — it embodies our commitment to student success, academic excellence, and sustainability,” Chancellor Gooch added. “This building will serve as a cornerstone for the UIS campus for decades to come.”
With its centralized design, the Library Commons is poised to streamline student access to academic, career, and technology resources while supporting collaborative learning and enhancing campus life.
Originally reported by Chicago Construction News.
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