UIS cites deficit as it plans 2027 WUIS building closure

The University of Illinois Springfield plans to permanently close the WUIS building on July 30, 2027, and remove it through a licensed contractor. NPR Illinois is scheduled to move to another campus building by May 2027, while Cox Children’s Center operations housed in WUIS are to transfer to the center’s main building before the closure. UIS announced the plan Oct. 12, 2026. July 30 is the planned closure date, not a demolition date.

The WUIS building is on the University of Illinois Springfield campus in Springfield. The plan sets deadlines for relocating the radio station and the childcare operations based in the building, but does not set a date for the building’s removal.

NPR Illinois move is planned by May

NPR Illinois is to move to vacant space on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center, near the Sangamon Experience. UIS described the proposed location as offering greater visibility and opportunities for engagement and collaboration. The university’s announcement concerns the station’s headquarters; it does not say that NPR Illinois broadcasting will end.

Illinois Times reported that station manager Randy Eccles described the relocation as generally positive, while saying the build-out of the new space would be a challenge. The cost of the move and its funding source had not been determined, the newspaper reported. UIS said Facilities and Services would work with affected campus units on their transitions.

Childcare operations will transfer to the main center

Some Cox Children’s Center operations are housed in the WUIS building. UIS says those operations will move to the center’s main building before the WUIS closure. Illinois Times reported that the main location will continue operating; the announced transfer therefore concerns the services based in WUIS, not the entire center.

UIS says families and employees connected with the affected operations are receiving information directly. The university has not specified a separate date for the transfer. It has said the move will be completed before the building closes.

UIS cited repair costs and its financial deficit

UIS said it chose not to repair the building because of failing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning and plumbing infrastructure, the extensive cost of addressing those problems, and the university’s current financial deficit. The university plans to use a licensed demolition contractor. Illinois Times reported that UIS spokesperson Blake Wood said the university projected a $14 million deficit for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2026.

UIS has not announced a demolition date or final removal cost. The university said it would provide additional information about removal as plans are finalized. The station’s relocation cost and funding source also remain undetermined, according to Illinois Times.