Illinois State University’s South Campus Housing & Dining project responds to a growing need for on-campus housing while strengthening the residential experience for future generations of Redbirds. Planned for 900 students, the residence hall will include student rooms, lounges, study spaces, community areas, and support spaces, alongside a new 425-seat dining center. Together, the facilities will expand the University’s housing and dining capacity while providing more opportunities for students to live, learn, gather, and build community on campus.
Shape
Located on the former site of the Atkin-Colby and Hamilton-Whitten Residence Halls and Feeney Dining Center, the project will reestablish South Campus as an active residential destination. Housing and dining are conceived as complementary parts of the student experience, supported by landscaping, pedestrian connections, utilities, and site improvements that integrate the new development into the larger campus. Within the residence hall, a mix of private and shared spaces will give students choices for studying, socializing, recharging, and connecting throughout their day.
Inspire
At Illinois State, living on campus is viewed as an important part of students’ educational and social development. University Housing Services describes its mission as connecting students, building relationships, and inspiring futures, values that help shape the vision for South Campus Housing & Dining. As enrollment has grown and the University’s housing inventory has decreased by more than 1,100 beds over the past two decades, the project represents an investment not only in additional capacity, but in the environments that help students feel supported, connected, and part of the campus community.
Ensuring that our students are able to find community and connection where they live and eat has always been of high importance to us.
- Dr. Levester “LJ” Johnson Vice President for Student Affairs Illinois State University
