A frequent backdrop for concerts, picnics and other events on campus and a favorite photo opportunity, The Colonnade represents the future aspirations of the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) campus.

As part of the University Hall Building project, Hanson Professional Services also provided master planning and design for The Quad and The Colonnade. A presentation on the Quad design was made at the University of Illinois Springfield in February of 2004.

4 pictures of construction plans and bird's eye view of construction

The UIS colonnade includes a fountain and seating, and it serves as the campus' symbolic center focal point along with the green spaces designed throughout the quad.

Hanson Professional Services
construction of the colonnade

The landscape of UIS changed forever when the University Hall Building opened in August of 2004 and The Colonnade was established as the north anchor of the Quad in June of 2005.

In just a few years, The Colonnade became the most photographed as well as “the picture” that tells everyone, “This is UIS.” It quickly became the major landmark of the university.

newspaper clipping of a photo of the colonnade
Clipping from a State Journal Register article from the summer of 2005, when The Colonnade was completed

The Colonnade is the focal point of the University’s quad. It is 23 feet high and consists of 12 pillars arranged in a circle 44 feet in diameter, and contains fountains that shoot water 20 feet into the air. The Colonnade includes a fountain and seating, and it serves as the campus’ symbolic center focal point along with the green spaces designed throughout The Quad.

Student Events

Two photos of students gathering at the colonnade
people running through the colonnade's water fountain
As a tradition each year, international students run through the fountain in The Colonnade.
The fountain is also a favorite place for the Cox Children's Center as a place to cool off and have fun during hot summer days.

City Ornament

The University of Illinois Springfield is proud that The Colonnade was chosen as the center piece of the 2010 St. Joseph’s Home Official City Ornament.

Each ornament is die-cut, hand-assembled, 24-karat gold-plated, and made in the U.S.A. No more than 5,000 of these ornaments were produced. Each comes with a signed and numbered certificate.

Proceeds from the annual ornament project support the mission and the ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception.

Display of the colonnade ornament
the colonnade covered in christmas lights

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