North Entryway
Official rendering of the Bone Student Center revitalization project
central staircase from the second floor
looking into the newly refreshed stairwell
second floor concourse
looking west toward the central stairwell
Two West entrance
right outside the new home of Career Services
Ballroom Prefunction
Progress on prefunction area that will be added outside of the Brown Ballroom.
Demolition of 1 East Entrance
Demolition progress as of October 2017.
Demolition of 2 East Entrance
Demolition Progress
Demolished area of the former Einstein Bros. Bagels and Faculty Staff Commons
Demolition Progress
Demolished area of former Faculty Staff Commons
1 West Entrance
Circle Drive closure and gate for construction area
1 West Entrance cement work
Progress on cement work near the 1 West Entrance.
South Entry + Courtyard
Official rendering of the Bone Student Center revitalization project
1 East Entrance
Official rendering of the Bone Student Center revitalization project
Brown Ballroom Prefunction area
Official rendering of the Bone Student Center revitalization project
Welcome Center Rendering
Official rendering of the Bone Student Center revitalization project
North Overview
Official rendering of the Bone Student Center revitalization project
Level 2 Seating
Official rendering of the Bone Student Center revitalization project
Bone Student Center Revitalization
The Bone Student Center Revitalization is nearly complete. Numerous focus groups, tasks forces and student input throughout several decades lead to the design features and services that have revitalized the Bone Student Center. Revitalization plans identified the following three imperatives:
- Excite and attract students to the building
- Create a front door to campus with a new entrance
- Offer a more open concept with a light and transparent design
Why was the Bone Student Center revitalized?
The BSC is often called Illinois State's "living room," but its dark, concrete-heavy design often appeared uninviting. The architectural style of the building was called "brutalist." The much-needed revitalization was the first major upgrade for the 47-year-old campus hub, which has 5,000 daily visitors and hosts more than 4,500 events each year.
By adding more natural light and "open concept" seating areas, the improved Bone Student Center better excites and attracts the next generation of Redbirds. Once the revitalization is fully complete, the BSC will serve as a powerful campus recruiting tool. The Atrium, located on the third floor, offers an impressive view of Illinois State's Quad for prospective students and their families.
- News and Media Coverage
- Revitalization Features
- FAQs
Latest news
10 things you might not know about the Bone Student Center
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Bone Student Center, yet there are still many facts about this popular campus venue that you may not be aware of, even after half a century. Read more
‘Transformational’ project set to reshape Bone Student Center
Illinois State is moving ahead with plans for a $32.9 million renovation of the Bone Student Center, a project that will create an inviting "front door" for visitors and add new dining and hangout spaces for students. Read more
Trustees OK planning funds for Bone Student Center renovation
Illinois State University's Board of Trustees on May 10 authorized funding for planning the first phase of the Bone Student Center revitalization project. Read moreMedia coverage
- Concourse Improvement Project Begins
- ISU announces more dining choices at Bone Student Center
- ISU's living room undergoing dramatic changes
- Bone renovations will be more than just good looks - The Vidette
- Complete face-lift in works for Bone Center - The Vidette
- Bone Center updates rennovation plans - The Vidette
- Student center project called 'transformational' - Bloomington Pantagraph
First Floor
- Barnes and Noble at Illinois State University has moved to the lower, east side of the building
- The Brown Ballroom was renovated, adding conference style portable walls which allow the 14,000 square foot ballroom to divide into multiple configurations
- A glass foyer was added to the south side of the Ballroom which provides entry into the building and pre-function space
- Outside access to the courtyard was added from Milner Plaza
- A new Starbucks location was added with access to the courtyard
- A three story fireplace is now the focal point of an expanded lobby area
- The Welcome Desk was added for campus visitors and guests
Second Floor
- The Birds' Nest, a second floor dining area, has been updated to include additional seating and more natural light as well as food venues including Qdoba, Timbers Grille, and Star Ginger (coming Spring 2021)
- An outdoor balcony with seating was added off of the Prairie Room
- New offices for the Dean of Students Office and Career Services were created
Third Floor
- The Atrium, including a reception area and presentation room for the Office of Admissions, offers an impressive view of the quad as future Redbirds begin their campus tours
How was the revitalization funded?
The nearly $33 million project was paid for primarily with reserve funds. No tax money was used, and there will be no increase in student fees for the project.
How long did the revitalization take to complete?
The revitalization took roughly three years with three separate phases. During each phase, staff of Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality (EMDH) were strongly committed to minimizing disruption to students and campus guests as much as possible.
Contact us
For general revitalization inquiries, please contact:
Bill Legett
Director
Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality
(309) 438-8351
wjleget@IllinoisState.edu