Urbana Readiness Center Rededication Ceremony Scheduled for Dec. 9

Illinois National Guard’s Urbana Readiness Center

Rededication ceremony for the readiness center

• The Urbana Readiness Center was originally designed in 1937 and constructed in 1938. The Armory was part of the New Deal-era, Works Progress Administration program. The first known presence of the Illinois National Guard unit assigned to the armory in Urbana was elements of the 106th cavalry. The armory has transitioned over the years to accommodate infantry and deployment staging activities. Today the armory houses the Headquarters for the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of Illinois.

• Work included upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, data/telecommunication and plumbing systems; replacing windows and roofing system; rehabilitating the exterior concrete walls and corroded lintels; and upgrading the west side of the building to meet the Department of Defense Anti-Terrorism Force Protection standards. Other items included replacing flooring, ceiling, fixtures, and lockers; ADA upgrades; and abating asbestos-containing materials. The vehicular ramp to the basement was improved, parking for privately owned vehicles was added, as was additional military vehicle parking. The project also addressed site storm water drainage.

• Bailey Edward Design served as the project architect for the approximately $15.3 million dollar rehabilitation of the 82,422 square foot armory which included a 9,798 square foot addition. The project included a new integrated three-story structure over half of the original drill hall/assembly area to house office and classroom space, two vaults, locker rooms and break rooms, and mechanical equipment. The project was registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, and it is currently on track to receive a LEED Gold rating. The project team also worked closely with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office to maintain the historic integrity of the building.

• Previously on Sept. 11, 1993 the Urbana Armory was rededicated the Colonel James Edward Miller Armory, after a $1.8 million renovation. Col. James Edward Miller commanded the 66th Infantry Brigade in the early eighties and had a total of 29 years in the Illinois National Guard.

For additional information, please contact the Illinois National Guard Office at 217-761-3569 or ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil.