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Facilities Services
Image of property located at 1709 and 1711 General Electric Road, Bloomington, IL

Campus East

Illinois State University is transforming adjoining properties at 1709 and 1711 General Electric Road into Campus East. The full property consists of 28.32 acres of land, including 392,000 square feet of usable space and more than 1,300 parking spaces.

There are three parts to the ongoing project:

  • The College of Engineering moved into 1709 General Electric Road in summer 2026 in preparation for fall semester classes. The two-floor facility can accommodate 700 students and is equipped with computer and circuit labs, classrooms, a makerspace with 3D printers, a wood and metal shop, and a student success center. Further renovations planned for the second phase will allow the college to accommodate more than 1,000 students.
  • A solar array, being installed behind the College of Engineering facility, is expected to offset the facility’s electricity consumption up to 90%, and to serve as a living laboratory for students to explore renewable energy.
  • Construction for the second half of the complex, 1711 General Electric Road, is expected to begin in early 2027. The facility will house other, yet-to-be-determined university departments.

Details

1709 General Electric Road

  • Completion date: Fall 2026
  • Cost: $59 million (includes property acquisition and first phase of construction)

Solar Array

  • Completion date: Fall 2026
  • Cost: $16.5 million

1711 General Electric Road

  • Completion date and cost: Project scope under development
From left, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Board of Trustees Chairperson Kathy Bohn '74, M.S. '80, President Aondover Tarhule, Provost Ani Yazedjian, College of Engineering Dean Tom Keyser, and student Edisson Charles cut a ribbon to dedicate Illinois State University's College of Engineering.
Tan College of Engineering building wall with a large Illinois State University seal and landscaped lawn.
Blue-and-green city bus marked “CAMPUS EAST” stopped in a parking lot as a person walks in front of it making a peace sign.
Three students work with laptops and electronic components at a table in a classroom.
Four people work together around a wooden table covered with laptops, papers, tools, and open white-and-yellow boxes.
Four people work and converse around tables in a brightly lit workshop, with laptops, storage containers, papers, and colorful supplies visible.
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building
Photo of the new College of Engineering building

Quote from President Tarhule

This exciting investment in engineering is just the beginning of a vibrant hub for collaboration, research, and experiential learning across disciplines. The acquisition of Campus East was an incredibly significant financial decision. In the long run, it saves Illinois State at least $150 million in future construction costs needed to support growth in the College of Engineering. The facility opens incredible opportunities for growth, innovation, and enriching student experiences, while strengthening partnerships that elevate our community and the entire state.

President Aondover Tarhule

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