With $1-Million of Renovations Underway at the University of Illinois' Four-Decade-Old Illini Tower Residential Highrise, Campus Living Villages Seeks to Create Historic Archive

WHO:

Campus Living Villages, the operator of Illini Tower, is calling on past residents, staff and friends to submit mementos of the property and is gathering contacts for upcoming alumni open house and re-launch activities.

WHAT:

The landmark, Private Certified Housing Facility at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign will be creating an archive and display to showcase the property's 44-year history on campus.  A variety of events will be held beginning in late winter and early spring to reintroduce the property to past residents and debut the million-dollar makeover, which is being chronicled on the property's website:  www.illinitower.net.

The property asks that all items be emailed, mailed or dropped off accompanied with a short description and contact info for the owner in the event it needs to be returned.  Copies of photographs and documents are preferred over originals.

WHEN:

Illini Tower management will immediately begin receiving submissions as well as contact/mailing information for upcoming events.  The staff can also accommodate private tours for alumni and their families with 24 to 48 hours notice during regular business hours:  Monday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm.

WHERE:

Illini Tower

409 East Chalmers Street

Champaign, IL 61820

[email protected]

(217) 344-0400

WHY:

With 44 years of history on the University of Illinois campus, Illini Tower has drawn generations of families for its prime location and blend of residence hall community life with suite-style floor plans.  Since acquiring the 725-bed property in June 2008, Campus Living Villages has introduced superior academic and social offerings through its Live, Learn, Grow residential life programming model, acclaimed dining at the 276-seat Piazza Fresca, plus a full-range of preferred amenities.  The refurbishment is primarily focused on creating common areas that are more conducive to the needs and desires of today's students, while also better supporting Live, Learn, Grow offerings.  The $1-million plan of property upgrades commenced on November 1, 2010.  Completion is anticipated in spring 2011.