U of I Applied Arts College seeking $111 million expansion

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The University of Illinois College of Applied Arts is making plans for a major renovation.

The college is seeking approval from the state for its $111 million expansion. The Dean of Applied Arts, Kevin Hamilton, said this project can bring people together.

“The project began in very practical ways, as a way to get a host of different spaces consolidated into one,” Hamilton said. “The disciplines that our School of Art & Design serves across graphic design, painting, sculpture and ceramics are spread out across a whole number of buildings. So the beginning of this project was just to find a way to get them all together.”

The project would reimagine the nearly 70-year-old Art & Design building and add onto the outside. The plan includes more public space, connecting to the Krannert Art Museum and Siebel Center, and creating a common area.

“So the Art &…