Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, is building what it calls a “central hub for academic life.”
The Daily Herald reports that the $39.45 million Learning Commons is intended to bring the resources students use most into one building.
It will replace the 63-year-old Phillips Library, which no longer meets the technological needs of students.
The new building will be three stories tall and have 45,000 square feet of space. It will house the library, the career services department, study rooms, a café, a makerspace, university archives and a corporate lounge where students can meet with employers.
It is expected to open in early 2026.
The university has received a $15.41 million grant from the state for the construction. It also is borrowing $16 million, using private activity bonds. The rest will come from reserves and donations.
Aurora University has about 4,100 undergraduate students and 1,800 graduate students.
