The University Galleries at Illinois State University were previously housed in an outdated, hard-to-find campus location. In 2014 the galleries moved to a new home in Uptown Station, a new City Hall/multi-modal transportation center and the lynchpin of Normal’s uptown redevelopment. The new galleries are located at street level, beneath a ramped parking deck, in spaces originally designated for retail use.

The glass storefront provides a public identity for the galleries, and the ramp’s muscular concrete structure creates a dynamic spatial experience inside. In collaboration with lead architect Eckenhoff Saunders, VHA designed a series of discrete, dignified spaces to support the galleries’ program of exhibitions and events.
Credits
Lead Architect: Eckenhoff Saunders Architects
General Contractor: Mangieri Companies
Structural Engineer: KJWW
M/E/P Engineer: KJWW
Lighting: Lux Populi
Photographer: Marius Mizera and University Galleries