A major renovation of the long-vacant Illinois State Armory in downtown Springfield is well underway, marking a significant step in revitalizing a once-prominent civic landmark. Originally constructed in 1936, the 250,000-square-foot structure is being transformed into a state-of-the-art executive office building as part of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital plan.
Phase One: Setting the Foundation
The first phase of the project was completed in January 2025 at a cost of $26.25 million. It involved critical early-stage work, including:
Removal of hazardous materials such as lead paint, asbestos, and mold.
Stabilization and repair of the deteriorated roof structure.
Restoration and replacement of historic steel panels and windows, crafted in collaboration with historical renovation specialists.
Extensive masonry repairs, especially to the water-damaged east exterior wall, using carefully matched Indiana limestone.
These measures ensured the building was structurally sound and ready for more transformative interior and exterior upgrades.
Phase Two: Modern Office Redevelopment
Set to begin in the coming weeks, phase two of the renovation is estimated at $160 million and is expected to take between 28 and 36 months. This phase includes:
Adding a sixth floor by raising the roof.
Connecting the originally separate north and south towers to create unified, efficient office space.
Repurposing the existing underground parking into mechanical rooms and storage areas.
Installing a modern HVAC system, along with plumbing and electrical upgrades.
Interior build-out of nearly 194,000 square feet of usable space.
The Illinois Times reports that the resulting facility will accommodate support staff from the governor’s office and multiple other state agencies, making optimal use of reduced space needs due to hybrid work trends.
Design, Restoration, and Unique Features
The design team is blending adaptive reuse with architectural preservation to retain the building’s historic charm while updating it for modern use. Highlights include:
Restoring the original hardwood floor in the auditorium.
Preserving some tiered seating to maintain historic ambiance.
Incorporating a new visitor center and shared public spaces.
In keeping with its historical legacy, the renovation meets current building codes and accessibility standards while highlighting the building’s architectural significance.
Construction and Trades Involved
This large-scale restoration project requires a wide range of trades and professionals, including:
Demolition and hazardous material abatement crews
Structural engineers and masons
Roofing specialists
Metal fabricators and window restorers
HVAC, electrical, and plumbing trades
General contractors and finish carpenters
Painters and flooring specialists
Accessibility compliance consultants
Historical preservation experts
The scope of this effort ensures strong demand for skilled labor and specialized contractors over the life of the project.
Capitol Complex Vision and Related Projects
Capitol architect Andrea Aggertt outlined the broader vision for the Capitol Complex, which includes:
A future legislative office building to eventually replace the Stratton Building. While the site has not been finalized, the facility is envisioned as a "third chamber" for full legislative assemblies and staff.
Planned development of a new east lawn entrance and an underground conference center near the police memorial.
Recent completion of the Senate chamber renovation, featuring a custom 6,500-piece stained-glass laylight ceiling.
These enhancements are part of a long-term strategy to modernize and better utilize government facilities across Springfield.
Conclusion: Preserving Heritage While Embracing the Future
The Illinois State Armory renovation is a key milestone in downtown Springfield’s revitalization. With its thoughtful blend of historical preservation and modern functionality, the building will soon serve as a hub of governmental operations once again. Supported by Governor Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois initiative, this multi-phase project underscores Illinois’ commitment to creating jobs, revitalizing infrastructure, and honoring the legacy of its historic buildings. For construction professionals and skilled trades, the Armory’s transformation offers not only a valuable employment opportunity but also a chance to contribute to a meaningful and enduring civic project.