Both the north and south faces of Arbor Hall, once solid brick with only occasional windows, are now glass-laden exteriors that let passersby peer into the main and second floors of the building. This addition of glass was part of the influential design decision to open up the spaces within Arbor to create a more modern environment inside and outside of the building.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
PEORIA — Since first creating the North Campus in 2002, Illinois Central College has been systematically renovating each of the buildings left from the old Zeller Mental Health complex. After 14 years, they have now modernized Arbor Hall, which is visible from University Street in Peoria, to function as the campus’s hub for student services.
According to college purchase reports, ICC has spent about $6.5 million on this central part of Arbor Hall since last August, and while it isn’t clear when the building will be put into full operation, basic student services are being made available now.
Both the north and south faces of Arbor Hall, once solid brick with only occasional windows, are now glass-laden exteriors that let passersby peer into the main and second floors of the building. This addition of glass was part of the influential design decision to open up the spaces within Arbor to create a more modern environment inside and outside of the building. REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGERWhile the north and south faces of Arbor feature extensive glasswork, the east-facing front boasts the colorful name of the college in letters that are large enough to be seen from University Street. REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
Students like 18-year-old John Phillips, Creve Coeur, have already started coming to Arbor’s information desk to get their collegiate questions answered.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
The Arbor Hall lobby service desk is all decorated and ready for students.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
While not exactly a critical part of student services, the luxuries of new restroom designs will surely be appreciated by students, faculty and staff alike.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
Academic Services has a powerful presence in Arbor Hall. In addition to the provost’s office, it houses a complement of testing, advisement and enrollment services (shown).
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
Venture off the beaten path in Arbor, and you can find a few offices reserved for faculty use.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
Another unique space is a room that used to be a small gymnasium. It is now covered with ICC wall decals and set aside for general use.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
The main lobby of Arbor has a number of computer terminals where multiple students can access everything they need to get enrolled, and each of these terminals also features a printer.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
The main and upper floors both have seating areas for students, but the most inviting feature may be the openings in the upper floor that connect the two spaces.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
One of the more technical services offered in the new Arbor Hall is that of an additional testing center for students.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
Most of the spaces in the building are dedicated to employees and student services, but Arbor’s few classrooms are just as modernized as the rest of the building.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
Due to its heritage as a health clinic, Arbor has some unique speciality spaces, like this 90-seat theater-style auditorium that has been updated with skylights.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
Of the many modern flares throughout Arbor’s floor-plan, one of the most noticeable is the main staircase, which is made of wood composite and brushed metal.
REID HARMAN | THE HARBINGER
