Gov. Pat Quinn visited the University today at noon in the Pine Lounge of the Union to speak about the newly approved renovation of Lincoln Hall. More than fifty people attended the event.

Renovations on Lincoln Hall will include necessary electric, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing and fire alarm updates, according to a press release from the Governor’s office. The release also stated that the project will include reconfiguring the classrooms, replacing floors, ceilings and wall finishes, and asbestos abatement. The project is part of the “Illinois Jobs Now!” (a capital bill signed into law a few months ago), according to the press release.

Quinn said that projects like this are important to the well-being of Illinois. "In order for Illinois to be successful in the global economy, it needs smart people," he said. “Jobs follow brain power.”

"The project will be LEED certified," Quinn said, which means that the renovated Lincoln Hall will be a “green” building. “The challenge of our time is to be substainable. Everything we build with public money should be energy efficient.”

Stan Ikenberry, interim President, also spoke at the conference. “The renovation of Lincoln Hall is a special project. It is very close to the heart and soul of the University,” Ikenberry said. He said the renovation is a $63 million project.

Abby Erwin, senior in LAS and a member of College Democrats, thought the plans for Lincoln Hall were positive.

“I think it’s great how often Gov. Quinn has come to the University, and I think the capital bill puts the University in a good light,” she said. “I’ve taken classes in Lincoln Hall, so I’ve seen that it is in needs of many repairs. Another green building will a great addition to campus."

Quinn said that the bids will go out in 30 days.

“It took a team effort to get the bill through the House and Senate.”