Assembly Hall renovation plans move forward

CHAMPAIGN — A committee of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees has recommended a $2.2 million contract to make initial designs for a major renovation of Assembly Hall.

The News-Gazette in Champaign reports the full board of trustees is scheduled to vote Dec. 2 on the proposed contract with the architectural and engineering firm AECOMM. More than a dozen firms submitted proposals for the privately funded project.

If the board approves the contract with AECOMM the Los Angeles-based firm will be tasked with drafting a master construction plan. That plan would include a total project cost.

Trustee Ed McMillan says Assembly Hall is a source of campus identity. He says fans and athletes will be proud of the renovation.

Assembly Hall opened in 1963. It can seat up to 17,200.