Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center
Illinois Extension, the high-impact, geographically dispersed, outward-facing public good of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is poised to have its first central facility in its 100+ year history.
The inception of the innovative Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center, nestled in the scenic environment of the campus’ arboretum, is creating a collaborative hub across Extension’s program areas, senior leadership team, and support staff.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Doris Kelley Christopher, University of Illinois alumna and founder of Pampered Chef, a bold vision for the future of Extension is becoming a reality. Her transformative gift is funding the creation of a modern, purpose-built facility that will serve as a statewide model for innovation, outreach, and community engagement. This remarkable new facility will serve as a tangible gateway to the university while further facilitating Extension to organize around its strategic priorities, serve the state more efficiently, and fulfill its mission of “Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact.”
The Christopher Extension Center will feature three “jewel” spaces that will inspire research, learning, and collaboration. A media studio, a maker space, and a discovery kitchen will allow Extension educators and specialists to provide hands-on learning, high-quality training videos and educational materials, digital program delivery, and new ways to engage existing and emerging audiences across Extension’s six program areas: 4-H; agriculture and agribusiness; community and economic development; family and consumer sciences; integrated health disparities; and natural resources, environment, and energy.
Project Updates and Timelines
Construction of the Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center is now underway. The project began with a directed gift in 2021, and after a careful and considerate planning process, has resulted in official groundbreaking and construction in summer 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will include:
- Flexible classrooms and event space for community education.
- Technology-enabled meeting rooms to support hybrid and remote engagement.
- Demonstration kitchen and teaching garden to promote healthy living and food access.
- Collaborative workspace for Extension staff and university partners.
Once completed, Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center will become a flagship site for University of Illinois Extension, serving as a launchpad for new ideas, pilot programs, and community-based solutions. From agriculture to youth development, nutrition to economic development, this facility will bring together people from across Illinois to learn, lead, and make a lasting impact.
Current Timeline
- Groundbreaking: Summer 2025
- Construction Phase: Summer 2025-Spring 2027
- Anticipated Completion: Spring 2027
- Grand Opening Celebration: Planned for Summer/Fall 2027
Regular updates will be posted online as progress continues!
Explore Giving Opportunities
The unprecedented facility is also providing special opportunities for those who share Extension’s core values and want to contribute philanthropically through naming opportunities and other sponsorships. For more information about how you can deepen the impact of the Illinois Extension mission, please contact College of ACES Advancement at 217-333-9355.
Building Renderings
Renderings copyright Bailey Edward Design.
Committment to Responsible Stewardship
The Doris Kelley Christopher Illinois Extension Center has been intentionally designed to reflect a strong commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible resource use. From site selection to construction and long-term operations, the project prioritizes thoughtful design decisions that balance environmental impact with community needs.
Sustainable Design and Certification
- The facility is pursuing both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and WELL Building Standard certifications.
- This dual certification approach reflects a commitment not only to environmental performance, but also to occupant health, well-being, and productivity.
- The DKC will be only the second building on campus to achieve both standards.
Efficient Use of Space
- The building footprint was minimized to reduce land use and environmental impact.
- Interior spaces are designed for flexibility and shared use, supporting hybrid work, collaboration, and efficient space utilization, which allows for a reduced building footprint.
- This approach reduces the need for additional physical infrastructure over time and has in place infrastructure that would facilitate further sustainable features, such as photovoltaics.
Site Selection and Land Stewardship
- Site selection and building placement were carefully evaluated to minimize disruption to the surrounding landscape. Collaboration with the Arboretum facilitated feedback and buy-in for the proposed design, ensuring it is consistent with the Arboretum Master Plan's mission.
- The building was purposefully positioned to reduce tree removal and preserve as much of the existing natural environment as possible.
- While some trees were removed as part of construction, new trees and landscaping are being added to restore and enhance the site.
Material Reuse and Resource Conservation
- Wood removed from trees during site preparation is being repurposed within the building, reducing waste and honoring the natural materials from the site.
- Construction practices emphasize responsible material use and waste reduction wherever possible.
Long-Term Environmental Impact
- The building is designed to support energy efficiency and reduced operational impact over its lifetime, such as a variable refrigerant flow HVAC system, LED lighting, daylighting, and passive solar design strategies.
- Sustainable systems and design features will contribute to lower resource consumption and operational costs.
- The project reflects a long-term investment in environmentally responsible infrastructure for campus and community use in alignment with the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) 2020.
Community and Educational Value
- As a flagship Extension facility, the DKC will serve as a living example of sustainability in practice.
- The building provides opportunities to demonstrate, educate, and communicate sustainable design principles to visitors, partners, and the broader community.
- It reinforces Extension’s mission to promote informed decision-making and stewardship of natural resources.
Arboretum
Illinois Extension is thrilled to be making its new home in University of Illinois’ arboretum, located at the southeastern part of campus and already housing Japan House, the Champaign County Extension Master Gardener’s Idea Garden, Noel Welcome Garden, and other treasured features. The grounds of the arboretum are open sunrise to sunset each day, with limited metered parking along South Lincoln Avenue and in the lot south of Japan House, which are free after 5 p.m. and on the weekends. Leashed dogs are welcome.