Science Complex
Illinois State is undertaking a major upgrade of its science research and teaching capacity through the construction of three new facilities: a five-story, 49,950-square-foot STEM building; a three-story, 24,810-square-foot annex to the existing Science Laboratory Building (SLB); and an 11,850-square-foot Research and Teaching Greenhouse.
The STEM building will contain eight teaching science laboratories, eight interactive classrooms, and two large instructional classrooms. The SLB Annex is designed to include four teaching laboratories, four interactive classrooms, six research laboratories, and six research offices. The greenhouse will replace facilities, housing the School of Biological Sciences’ teaching and research collections, which have outlived their useful lives.
The new buildings will be built just east of the SLB, where a parking lot, greenhouse, and a building that formerly housed the Center for Civic Engagement are located. That latter building will be demolished as part of this project. Center staff have already moved into nearby offices in College Place Uptown. Construction is expected to start in spring 2027.
The STEM building will use $29.2 million in Illinois Capital Development Board-allocated funding. The associated debt service for the entire project will be funded by an allocation from the Academic Enhancement Fee.
Details
- Completion date: Anticipated fall 2028
- Cost: $84 million
- Location: Adjacent to the Science Laboratory Building
Quote from an alum
This new integrated science complex will serve as a cornerstone of Illinois State University’s next chapter—expanding our capacity to educate the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, educators, and innovators. By creating a modern environment where disciplines intersect and ideas flourish, this project reinforces our mission to provide exceptional learning and research opportunities and to meet the evolving needs of our students, our state, and our society."
Dr. Aondover Tarhule, President, Illinois State University
Quote from an alum
These new facilities will provide students and faculty with modern, collaborative spaces that support the hands-on teaching, learning, and research that are central to what we do in the College of Arts and Sciences. By expanding our instructional and research capacity, we are strengthening our ability to prepare the next generation of scientists while also supporting impactful research across the natural sciences."
Dr. Heather Dillaway, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences