Christopher Illinois Extension Center construction begins

URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is poised to have its first central facility in its 100-plus-year history by spring of 2027.

The high-impact, geographically dispersed organization serves the state as the outward-facing public good unit housed in the U of I Urbana-Champaign’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

On Oct. 20, U of I Extension and campus leaders, advocates and members of the project team gathered for a symbolic beam signing event to celebrate the ongoing progress of the Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center, which was first announced in fall 2021.

Newly appointed associate dean and director of U of I Extension, Matthew Vann, celebrated the occasion, saying, “The Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center represents the future of Extension programming, partnerships and collaboration.”

“Thanks to the vision and generosity of Doris Kelley Christopher, this facility will strengthen our ability to create lasting, positive impact for all residents across Illinois,” Vann said.

The inception of the sleek and innovative 39,500-square-foot facility, nestled on a 7.8-acre site in the scenic environment of campus’ arboretum, will create a collaborative, sustainable hub for innovation.

This tangible gateway to the university will further enable U of I Extension staff to organize around its eight strategic priorities, deepen its institutional effectiveness and fulfill its mission of “Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact” across programs in 4-H, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer sciences, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.

This state-of-the-art facility, designed by Bailey Edward with construction management by Broeren Russo Builders Inc., will include:

• Flexible classrooms and event space for community education.

• Technology-enabled meeting rooms to support hybrid and remote engagement.

• A demonstration kitchen and teaching garden to promote healthy living and food access.

• Collaborative workspaces for U of I Extension staff and partners.

• Status as a LEED silver and WELL silver building.

Christopher Extension Center will become a flagship site for U of I Extension, serving as a launchpad statewide for new ideas, pilot programs and community-based solutions.

Transformational Philanthropy

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Doris Kelley Christopher, U of I alumna, former Extension agent and founder of Pampered Chef, a bold vision for the future of U of I Extension is becoming a reality.

In 2021, Christopher committed a transformational gift of $45 million to the future of U of I Extension, an organization close to her heart from her own 4-H membership, time as a student in the College of ACES and her experience working for Extension early in her career.

Christopher also supported the creation of the College of ACES’ Doris Kelley Christopher Hall on the east side of Illinois’ Urbana-Champaign campus, which houses the Family Resiliency Center and The Autism Program of Illinois.

Learning, Community Building

The Christopher Extension Center will feature three “jewel” spaces that will inspire research, learning and collaboration.

A media studio, a maker space and a discovery kitchen will allow U of I Extension educators and specialists to provide hands-on learning, high-quality training videos and educational materials, digital program delivery and new ways to engage existing and emerging audiences across Extension’s six program areas.

Sustainability Minded

U of I Extension’s mission is rooted in hands-on learning and continued growth in environmentally minded programming.

The Christopher Extension Center’s intended status as a silver LEED-certified facility will deliver on a commitment to a healthier, energy-efficient and cost-effective approach to construction.

Likewise, its WELL silver certification indicates U of I Extension’s health leadership for communities across the state and the building’s residents alike.

The grounds surrounding the facility will feature gardens and other spaces for gathering, teaching and implementing research-based best practices that benefit visitors and the natural world.

Indoor Collaborative Centers

Flexible, technology-equipped classrooms, conference rooms and centers for gathering will enable U of I Extension staff, partners and campus colleagues to convene.

Project Partners

• Professional service consultant, architect and ID — Bailey Edward.

• Landscape architect — Site Design Group.

• Structural engineer — Hanson.

• MEP engineering and energy modeling — IMEG.

• Civil engineering — Rubinos & Mesia.

• Audio visual and information technology — NV5.

• Construction manager — Broeren Russo Builders Inc.

• Cost consultant — Middleton Construction Consulting.

Naming Opportunities

The facility will offer opportunities for lead sponsors to invest in the future of U of I Extension through naming rights and other benefits.

The contact for sponsorship and naming rights is Maggie Wave, assistant dean for advancement in the College of ACES, at wave1@illinois.edu.