Oct. 21, 2022 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo
Freer Hall underwent a makeover, but the pandemic delayed its celebration
In January 2015, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved campus funding for the College of Applied Health Sciences’ plan to renovate the north wing “to develop needed spaces that directly support the long-range vision for the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health and the College of Applied Health Sciences at Urbana-Champaign.”
After delays attributable to COVID-19, Freer’s renovation reached what was called “substantial completion” in November 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic got in the way of a fancy grand re-opening, but the building is now in heavy use thanks to the full return to campus this fall.
The highlight of the renovation is the multipurpose testing and research facility that occupies the first floor of the former pool wing. Described as an “historic renovation” by Dr. Amy Woods, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, the project significantly enhanced the department’s teaching, research, and outreach missions.
The pool building at UIUC’s historic Freer Hall was repurposed to capture much-needed space for the College of Applied Sciences. The renovation provides infrastructure for advanced testing research facilities, including modular and adaptable dry test labs and a wet lab. Newly created classrooms and offices are part of the program. Although the central feature looks like a fitness center, it is actually a first-of-its-kind, interdisciplinary research laboratory to study health, rehabilitation, and human movement.
The long-awaited completion of the renovation brought new life and purpose to one of campus’ most stately academic buildings.
Editor’s note:
To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.
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