Illinois Street Residences Dining + Student Center

The new dining center at the Illinois Street Residences (ISR) provides a living/learning atmosphere that responds to the social and nutritional needs of students today. Located along the main campus thoroughfare, this sleek building ties into the existing residential complex and creates a new, holistic campus identity.

A central circulation spine at ground level supports a library, fitness and recreation rooms, and classrooms, all available to students 24/7. An Innovation Garage workshop allows students to participate in interdisciplinary programs, fostering entrepreneurial and collaborative skills. Eight “micro-restaurants” on the upper level provide a new variety of dining options suited to diverse tastes. Each restaurant is designed for its cuisine, with different materials, lighting, and service methods. A robust green roof above introduces residents to sustainable building methods and practices, and contributes to the project’s LEED Gold ambition.

Both the Urbana-Champaign campus and student body are expansive; the new ISR facility provides intimacy and personal interaction within this context, linking existing residences together with social and work spaces.