Public Higher Education Bulletin

Project Description
Illinois State University is seeking professional architectural and engineering services who have experience in higher education building rehabilitation and renovations.

Williams Hall was constructed as a library (then named Milner Library) in 1939. An addition was constructed in 1957 (modular stack space and bookstore) and in 1963 (classrooms, offices, an additional reading room, and periodical browsing). A new library for the Illinois State University campus was designed in 1972. In 1978 the building was re-purposed as the home for the College of Business and re-named Williams Hall. Significant renovation and a small elevator and stairway addition was undertaken to accommodate this change of usage. Recent improvements to Williams Hall includes the replacement of all of the original windows with energy efficient units. A renovation to Williams Hall is currently Illinois State University's #5 priority on the list of project requests to the IBHE/State of Illinois for capital funding.

The current stack space, of both modular unit and concrete floor plate construction, will be addressed by its removal and/or modification.

Currently Williams Hall, estimated at 125,000 gross square feet, houses 15 existing classrooms totaling approximately 15,000 square feet. In addition there are some academic units housed in the building totaling approximately 5,000 square feet. The classrooms and academic units are required to be accommodated in any final design solution.

As a result of the multiple construction ages and specific building functions that are now obsolete (ie. library stacks) the building is fragmented, disjointed, "maze-like" and not accessible.

Therefore this project involves two phases. The first phase involves conducting design investigations, feasibility studies and cost estimates to pursue three separate functional use redevelopment options for the building as follows:
1. Academic use only
2. Academic/Administrative use
3. Academic/Administrative/Special Function use

Illinois State University will share more detailed program information to elaborate on these options with the selected consultant.

At the end of phase 1, Illinois State University will select one of the three options and the selected consultant will be asked to complete design, construction documents and construction administration for all or part of the selected option.

This consultant shall be responsible for further refinement of code requirements for accessibility, egress routes, restroom fixture counts, etc.

The intent and guiding principles for the project will be:
1. Increase building usability and accessibility
2. Improve interior space order
3. Simplify wayfinding
4. Maintain and/or enhance historic Georgian Revival architecture
5. Selective building component additions or removal are neither encouraged or discouraged

A main project objective is to achieve a more efficient functional building while maintaining a historical and architecturally appropriate style and scale for this prominent location on the Illinois State University quadrangle.

Firms interested in submitting their qualifications should have demonstrated knowledge and experience with facilities of this typology. The designers and any sub-consultants will be responsible for developing comprehensive construction budgets for this project.