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Facilities Services
A digital rendering of an aerial view of a campus with modern and traditional buildings, greenery, and parking lots.

Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts
transformation project

The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project is underway. The state-funded new construction and limited renovations will create a new Commons Building and enhance spaces in Centennial East, the Center for the Visual Arts, and the Center for the Performing Arts. Centennial West is currently being demolished. Interior renovations of existing buildings are scheduled to take place over the summers of 2026 and 2027. The multiyear project started in fall 2025 and is scheduled to be completed in 2028.

A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the Center for the Performing Arts. A recording of the event is available on the University's YouTube channel.

Additionally, through a separate, state-funded capital renewal project, restrooms and plumbing inside the Center for the Visual Arts and Centennial East have been upgraded.

Details

Quote from the University President

The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts provides outstanding programming and opportunities to our students and community. This project will give students, faculty, and staff even more opportunities to immerse themselves in various mediums of creative expression.”

Dr. Aondover Tarhule, President, Illinois State University

A digital rendering of a campus walkway leading to a modern building with a red brick and glass facade, with people walking and trees nearby.
A digital rendering of a spacious interior with high ceilings, red armchairs, and large windows letting in natural light.
A digital rendering of a modern art gallery with large windows, sculptures on pedestals, and abstract paintings on the walls.
A digital rendering of a modern music rehearsal room with musicians playing orchestral instruments led by a conductor.
A digital rendering of a modern campus scene with a large, brick building, trees, and people walking.
A digital rendering of a red brick building with vertical windows, set on a grassy hill with stairs, and a parked silver sedan nearby.
A digital rendering of a campus scene with people picnicking on a lawn near modern brick and gray buildings under a blue sky.
A digital rendering of an aerial view of a campus with modern and traditional buildings, greenery, and parking lots.

Quote from the Dean

This facilities project reflects an enduring institutional commitment to arts and design and their power to shape lives, build community, and inspire change. As we mark our 55th year as a college, we stand with one foot in our legacy and two eyes on our future. A future that—sometime in 2028—will include transformed facilities.”

Dr. Scott Irelan, Dean, Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project ceremonial groundbreaking.

Images of the Groundbreaking Ceremony
Images of the Groundbreaking Ceremony
Images of the Groundbreaking Ceremony
Images of the Groundbreaking Ceremony
Images of the Groundbreaking Ceremony

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