Here's where $58 million in improvements are on the way for this state property in Springfield

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Wednesday that the Illinois Department of Agriculture is embarking on a multi-million dollar renovation project for the Illinois State Fairgrounds that will provide a series of much-needed infrastructure improvements there.

The $58.1 million project will include major renovations to the Multi-Purpose Arena and the Coliseum, road improvements for a smoother drive through the fairgrounds and replacement of the roof and HVAC systems in many of the site's buildings.

Pritzker said that the project will restore much of the beauty of the fairgrounds for a new generation of Illinoisans, making an investment in one of the state's biggest yearly events.

"For too long, our fairgrounds didn’t reflect the magic of the Illinois State Fair," Pritzker said. "My administration is turning that ship around."

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The improvements to the arena and Coliseum total nearly $25 million combined.

Infrastructure improvements at the arena will include new retaining walls and canopy, an improved electrical system and repairs to sidewalks, walls, steps and expansion joints. The Coliseum will get new seating, restrooms and a HVAC system, along with underground plumbing and electrical repairs.

An initial set of improvements to the Coliseum was completed in 2019.

Those new improvements aim to allow the facilities to host more events year-round, with State Fair Director Rebecca Clark saying that a blueprint for these events will be developed with IDOA and the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln.

"The work being done to improve our fairgrounds is enabling us to use the grounds for more events year-round, which helps bring in tourism for Springfield and our surrounding area," Clark said.

The road improvements will include resurfacing of roads along the cattle and swine barns as well as the Avenue of Flags, along with new construction along Eighth Street and structural improvements to the tunnel into the Grandstand infield. Work began this spring on the roads.

The administration building, Junior Livestock Building and the Hobbies Arts and Crafts Building will see roof and HVAC improvements, with several barns, most notably the Sheep Barns, seeing roof improvements. New HVAC systems are slated for the Orr Building, the Illinois Building, the Artisans Building and the Grandstand.

Tuckpoint work is also slated for the Grandstand and the Artisans, Hobbies, Emmerson and Block buildings. The Block Building will also see $2.585 million in energy improvements.

With the new construction, the Multi-Purpose Arena will not be in service during the 2022 Illinois State Fair, with many events being moved to the Coliseum and the Grandstand as a result. Work will begin on the Coliseum after this year's fair, with completion to come in time for the 2023 fair.

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Officials said that the renovations were much needed for the sustainability of the fairgrounds. IDOA Director Jerry Costello II said they will allow the facility to function into the future.

"Starting with the crown jewel, the Coliseum, and expanding across the grounds, the work that is being done today will ensure our fairgrounds will be here for many years to come," Costello said.

Work on the project will be overseen by the Capital Development Board. The board's executive director, Jim Underwood, said that it was looking forward to getting the work underway.

"The Illinois State Fairgrounds are a haven for residents and families across our state to enjoy nature, camping, entertainment, and more," Underwood said. "CDB is looking forward to overseeing these deferred maintenance projects, which are critical for keeping buildings sustainable and accessible to all."

State Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield, said that the renovations will make for a better experience for those locally, statewide and worldwide who come to Springfield for the fair each year.

"The investment into the State Fairgrounds will provide an extensive facelift, further improving the fair experience for everyone," Turner said. "People from all over Illinois come to enjoy the fair, and these investments will draw more tourists and provide them with a better State Fair experience for years to come."

State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, said the new renovations will provide for new memories for so many in Illinois and beyond, much like the many birthdays that she has spent with family and friends at the fair.

"The fairgrounds are a place where everyone, regardless of background, can gather to celebrate their state and community," Scherer said. "I am so grateful to the Department of Agriculture and the Governor for the new construction and improvements to the fairgrounds. These updates will make the fairgrounds an even better place for all Illinoisans to enjoy."

Contact Zach Roth: (217) 899-4338; ZDRoth@gannett.com; @ZacharyRoth13