Chicago Circle Center

Chicago Circle Center is undergoing an $11 million renovation through summer 2003, relocating some of the building's services and improving student spaces. The big, dark Inner Circle dining area is brighter with new windows and a glassed-in patio featuring a view of Chicago's skyline. The second floor EpiCenter Bookstore inventory was absorbed into the UIC Bookstore's on the first floor. The Pier Room and the former EpiCenter site are now a lounge and dining space with new bathrooms. The escalators from the first to second floor have been replaced and the surrounding area remodeled.

The fourth floor will house a computer center for students and faculty that includes a main lab with 120 computers and a teaching lab with 39 computers to open in spring 2003.

"This is the first major upgrade of the student union buildings since they were built," said Michael Landek, associate vice chancellor for student affairs. "These improvements are long overdue."

Behavioral Sciences Building

The Behavioral Sciences Building's first-floor food service and study area, used mostly by students, was remodeled to give better access for people with disabilities and improve the seating, concession areas, and lighting. A new faculty-staff dining area with a library, fireplace, and formal dining room was added.

Renovations also included a new student lounge area with comfortable chairs, a sofa, tables, plants, carpeting, and artwork—the first of several lounge areas planned around campus to improve students' on-campus experience.

Up Next

The next two major projects will be renovation of the Chicago Illini Union and improvements to the open area between University Hall and the Behavioral Sciences Building. The University Hall plaza design features a public art project by international artist Vito Acconci that uses water pools and "waterfalls of greenery."