September 28, 2026
SIU Carbondale moves forward with teaching greenhouse project
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale, in partnership with the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), is moving forward with a teaching greenhouse project that will support new instructional and research spaces for SIU’s crop, forestry and horticulture programs in the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences (CALPS). The project will include renovations to plant biology greenhouses associated with the School of Biological Sciences.
Eggemeyer Associates Architects Inc. was recently selected by the Capital Development Board to provide architectural and engineering services for the $8.4 million project, which is funded through the Rebuild Illinois capital plan.
“We are thrilled to have state capital funding for the greenhouses, and we appreciate our partnership with the Illinois Capital Development Board,” said Susan L. Simmers, SIU Carbondale vice chancellor for administration and finance.
Dean Kristina Boone anticipates the project will increase faculty and student research capabilities and contribute to growing student enrollment.
“Research supported in the greenhouses strengthen the green industry, as well and specialty crops, corn, soybeans and others,” Boone said. “The greenhouses support majors in horticulture, agronomy, agricultural education and plant biology.” Boone added that workforce development is critical for sustainable growth in these industries.
She said that SIU “has the only comprehensive undergraduate program in horticulture in the state.”
The project, she said, will further enhance SIU Carbondale’s status as an R1 Carnegie Research institution and Opportunity University — one of only 21 universities nationwide to hold that dual distinction for both high research activity and student access.
The scope of work includes construction of a new agricultural sciences teaching greenhouse adjacent to the existing agricultural sciences headhouse area. Modern greenhouse infrastructure and environmental systems will include heating, cooling, ventilation, irrigation, lighting, shade systems, and related controls.
Modifications will be made to the existing agricultural sciences headhouse to support the new greenhouse, along with associated site work, utility connections, and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the project will involve renovating the botany greenhouse and associated support areas, improving accessibility. Planned improvements include hazardous material abatement, structural repairs to greenhouse framing and enclosure systems, and upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, including heating, ventilation, lighting, and environmental controls.
Associated controls tying into the campus Building Automation System, along with necessary electrical, mechanical, and utility modifications are also part of the project scope.
“We are excited to partner with Southern Illinois University Carbondale to create facilities that provide opportunities for students to study agricultural and biological sciences,” said Capital Development Board Executive Director, TJ Edwards. “Illinois is a leader in agriculture, and strong infrastructure investments like this support our state’s economy and the industry’s workforce.”
“The project is intended to modernize these facilities, improve reliability and functionality, and provide updated greenhouse environments to support the university’s ongoing instructional and research needs,” said Mark T. Owens, SIU Carbondale’s Facility and Energy Management director.
The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) oversees the construction of new state facilities, such as correctional facilities, state parks, mental health facilities, and college and university projects. In addition, CDB is responsible for renovation and rehabilitation projects at over 8,770 state-owned buildings spread over more than 100 million square feet of floor space.