Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center, T. Fleming Fieldhouse, and Seymour Library among Summer Capital Improvement Projects

As part of its ongoing efforts to support academic programs and provide modern learning and living spaces, Knox College continues work on a years-long series of major capital improvements. Beginning this summer, with completion of the projects listed below expected by spring of 2027, the College is investing over $18.5-million in capital improvements. 

The Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center (SMC), the T. Fleming Fieldhouse, and Seymour Library are just a few of the major renovations in progress. Less visible projects include the replacement of Knox’s entire wireless network to provide the most up-to-date and reliable wireless connectivity throughout the campus and the replacement of major equipment in the College’s central plant that will provide more consistent and efficient heating and cooling to the campus. 

“As an historic campus, investments in buildings and infrastructure are crucial to ensuring that teaching and learning takes place in modern, state-of-the-art facilities,” said President C. Andrew McGadney.

SMC C-Wing & D-Wing

Work recently began on a $12-million SMC renovation, partnering with two regional companies, RATIO Design and Russell Construction. With funding from a $10 million grant from the State of Illinois and several individual donors, the renovation will primarily focus on the building’s C-Wing, which houses chemistry classrooms and laboratories, common spaces, and faculty offices. The renovations will also include many mechanical system upgrades.

“Knox is grateful to the State of Illinois for their investment in Knox, and in higher education across the state, as we embark on this transformative capital project,” said President McGadney. 

The renovation project will run through March 2027, and is being carried out in phases; phase 1 focuses on the basement and second floor and is expected to conclude in December 2026. Meanwhile, the College is also transforming a former administrative office space into the College’s first dedicated environmental science lab. This work is localized within the D Wing and is anticipated to be completed during the Fall Term 2026.  

Follow the progress of the renovation online. 

T. Fleming Fieldhouse

The T. Fleming Fieldhouse is getting a replacement of its indoor surface among other improvements. Originally installed in 1991 as the first fieldhouse of its kind in the area, the surface's renewal reflects long-term stewardship of one of Knox's most heavily used spaces and prepares it for the next generation of Prairie Fire students. 

This $800,000 project will enhance and enable a range of activities from daily fitness to organized competition and club sports. Similar to the Prats Field lighting project, completed in fall 2025, the T. Fleming Fieldhouse surface renewal was prioritized for its broad campus impact.

The new surface and improvements will be NCAA-compliant and feature a six-lane oval track, a sprint straightaway, track railing, and courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball, all intended for year-round use and will feature custom Prairie Fire branding. Beynon Sports, which installed the original surface in 1991, is managing the project. Renovations began on June 8 and will take about 10 weeks. 

Seymour Library

Work to enclose the Harper Andrews Forum and Mitchell Microforms Area on the first floor of the library to improve acoustics on the main floor, update with modern technology, and refresh with new furniture began on Monday, July 20. The $330,000 project is expected to be completed before New Student Orientation begins on September 8. The project will convert these two spaces into one dedicated, primary space for library instruction and will allow the library staff to expand and improve instruction opportunities for students and faculty.

Wireless Infrastructure Upgrade

As part of a Network Refresh Project, the College has begun cabling in buildings and installing new wireless access points, which are broadcasting updated WiFi with updated functionality. The College is replacing the infrastructure for its wireless network to increase speed, stability, and coverage across campus with $1.5-million in upgrades. Collegis and Ficek Electric are managing the project.

"Upgrading our wireless infrastructure is an investment in the student and faculty experience, ensuring reliable, high-speed connectivity that supports modern teaching, learning, research, and collaboration,” General Counsel and Vice President of Administration Brad Nolden said. “A robust network reduces technology barriers so our community can focus on educational outcomes rather than connectivity challenges."

Central Plant Upgrades

Knox is collaborating with the Farnsworth Group on design for the replacement of the central heating plant absorber and boiler. The project will replace end-of-life infrastructure with $4-million in upgrades that are more efficient, provide redundancy, and offer additional capacity for other HVAC improvements in the future. 

“A dependable central heating and cooling system is largely invisible, but its impact is felt throughout the community each day,” Nolden said. “Replacing these systems ensures continuity of operations, provides progress towards sustainability goals, and enhances the overall campus experience for everyone who steps foot onto campus.”

The projects currently underway are the latest investments of nearly $40-million in capital improvements the College has made to the main campus in Galesburg and the Green Oaks campus in Victoria, IL, over the last five years. These improvements and investments are guided by the College’s plan to improve the student experience, increase accessibility, and preserve its historic campus. Over this same period the College has worked with several firms to inventory capital needs and create master plans for key areas including Seymour Library, accessibility, athletics, and continues to partner with the local community on improvements and development within the city of Galesburg.