The information gathered in the programming study provided the project team and Capitol Development Board a more accurate picture of the restoration work and cost which could be compared with the needs and budget for the entire project. The programming study was based on Harboe Architects’ visual observations during a room-by-room walkthrough as well as the historical and building assessment information provided in a previously completed HSR.

Following the programming study, Harboe Architects began work on construction documents for the restoration of historically significant spaces and features on the interior of the building including the Supreme and Appellate Court Rooms. Construction was completed in the summer of 2014.

The Supreme Court Building was designed in the Neoclassical style and constructed in Springfield, Illinois in 1907-08. The building was designed by William Carbys Zimmerman, who was a prominent architect in Chicago and the Supervising Architect for the State of Illinois from 1905-1913.  Although it is not currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has been determined eligible as a building that has been associated with events which have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of American history as well as being architecturally significant. The Illinois Supreme Court has occupied the building since its completion in 1908.

In 2010, Harboe Architects, working with 4240 Architecture, developed a historic preservation programming study for the Illinois Supreme Court Building. The purpose of the study was to determine the preservation scope of work for the Illinois Supreme Court Renovation project. 

Project Information

illinois supreme court