Gov. Quinn announces construction funding for Lincoln Hall

Gov. Pat Quinn gives a thumbs-up with Interim President Stan Ikenberry during a ceremony announcing the state approval of Lincoln Hall's renovation in the Pine Lounge on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009.
Wesley Fane The Daily Illini

Gov. Pat Quinn visited the University on Wednesday to speak about $63 million in funding for approved renovations of Lincoln Hall. More than 50 people attended the event, which was held in the Pine Lounge of the Illini Union. State Sen. Mike Frerichs, D–52, and State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D–103, also spoke to the audience.

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 classrooms, replacing floors, ceilings and wall finishes and asbestos abatement.

The project is part of “Illinois Jobs Now!,” which is a $31 billion statewide plan developed from a series of laws on July 13, according to the governor’s Web site.

Quinn said projects like this are important for the well–being of Illinois, as education leads to success in the global economy.

“Jobs follow brain power,” Quinn added.

The project will be LEED (Leadership in Energy Design) certified, Quinn said, which means that the renovated Lincoln Hall will be a “green” building.

“The challenge of our time is to be substainable,” Quinn said. “Everything we build with public money should be energy efficient.”

Quinn said the process for choosing the construction companies that will work on the project will begin in 30 days.

Interim President Designate Stanley Ikenberry also spoke at the conference and presented the governor with an orange and blue tie after closing remarks.

“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 Lincoln Hall is home to such disciplines as the humanities, classics and social sciences.

When the building was operational, one out of every six credit hours were taken at Lincoln Hall, he said.

Chairman of the Capital Development Board Anthony Licata said the last renovation for Lincoln Hall was in 1932.

Philip Best, associate dean of the College of LAS, said Lincoln Hall has been the location for many of his college’s administrative office space.

“The renovation will provide us with lecture halls with the newest technologies,” he added.

Abby Erwin, senior in LAS, approved of the plans for Lincoln Hall.

“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 need of many repairs. Another green building will be a great addition to campus.”