The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) has selected Tilton, Kelly + Bell, as the preferred architectural design firm for the renovation of the State Armory Building in Springfield. CDB will oversee the project’s design and construction in accordance with the protocol for state-appropriated projects.
Through Governor JB Pritzker’s capital plan, Rebuild Illinois, nearly $122 million was appropriated to CDB for this project. The administration has released $12.2 million to begin the design and stabilization of the building. The project will be phased with securing and stabilizing the Armory Building as a precursor to follow-on phases of work, which will focus on adaptive re-use of the facility. The initial phase of work provides for inspecting and assessing existing conditions, making recommendations for securing and stabilizing all elements of the building as required to halt deterioration and providing construction documents executing the work.
“The Capital Development Board envisions various uses for the Illinois State Armory after the restoration of this iconic building,” said CDB executive director Jim Underwood. “This project will maintain the historic character of this beautiful historic facility while renovating it to full working condition.”
“I’m very thankful to know that the State is moving forward with preserving and redeveloping the Springfield Armory. This massive and historic structure has been dormant for my entire tenure as a legislator, and I anticipate seeing it in use once again,” said Representative Sue Scherer (D-Springfield).
“As Vice-Chairperson of the Museums, Art, & Cultural Enhancements Committee, this is precisely the type of project that preserves our past, creates jobs and enhances our future economic success.”
“The announcement of selection of a design firm for the Illinois State Armory is a development Springfield residents have long waited to hear. This facility holds tremendous potential for the downtown Springfield area, and I eagerly await its future reuse,” said Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield).
