University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Surveying Building Renovation – Irwin Center for Doctoral Studies in Business

Located in Champaign, IL

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign wanted to remodel its Surveying Building to create an up-to-date space for business doctoral and post-doctoral scholars to pursue their research and teaching activities. Built in 1905, the building was in need of major interior, exterior, and structural improvements.

Shive-Hattery created a brand new interior and completed an exterior restoration while honoring the building’s historical significance. As one of only two Jacobean-style structures on campus, Shive-Hattery designed a complete restoration of the exterior that meets new energy codes without disrupting the look of the building. Spray-foam insulation was applied to the interior underside of the roof to improve energy efficiency. Historic window and door replacement, a complete slate roof replacement, repair of exterior wood details, masonry repair and tuckpointing, and a redesigned entrance with a new ADA-compliant ramp completed the exterior renovation.

Inside, modernized spaces on the first and second floors accommodate up to 100 doctoral students. Work spaces and social gathering areas were designed for the accounting, business administration, and finance departments. A conference room, two kitchenettes, and two advising offices were also created.

The building’s two small basements were excavated to create one large space complete with egress stair towers. Shive-Hattery also added an elevator to comply with ADA standards.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Irwin Center for Doctoral Studies in Business – formerly known as the Surveying Building – now has the best of both worlds: a historic exterior with unique details and an interior that offers modern workspaces and ADA-compliant accessibility. The renovation assists with recruiting as well, attracting new doctoral students to the accounting, business administration, and finance programs.