University of Illinois breaks ground on Extension office hub in Champaign 

The University of Illinois has broken ground on a building that will combine six Extension offices on the Urbana-Champaign campus.  

The Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center will be the hub of outreach to all of Illinois’ 102 counties, bridging university research and community work, and offering space for statewide Extension teams and 4-H programs. Teaching will focus on energy and environmental stewardship, food safety and security, economic development and workforce preparedness, family health, financial security, and wellness. The facility will include demonstration/teaching gardens and outdoor classroom/gathering spaces.  

The facility is supported by a $45 million gift from University of Illinois alum Doris Kelley, founder of Pampered Chef.  

IMEG will provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design services for the 35,000-sf project, which is expected to be completed in 2024.  

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