Construction Updates

Oakton College is continuing campus improvement projects, including those outlined in our recently approved facilities master plan, which will result in transformed spaces that create an optimal learning and working environment for students and employees.

Check back often as this page will help minimize operational disruptions and keep you informed of our progress. You can also view areas impacted by construction on our interactive map.

The Latest Updates: March 10, 2026

Des Plaines Campus

Exterior lighting upgrade work continues at the Des Plaines and Ray Hartstein (Skokie) campuses. At the Des Plaines campus, some areas will remain accessible, while other areas are scheduled to be closed to pedestrians and vehicles, pending weather conditions. 

Map shows entrance 37, which is scheduled to be closed from March 16 through March 20. Doors 26 and 42 will remain open.
Entrance and Exit Accessibility 
From Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, the following areas will be affected:
  • Door 37 (near Parking Lot C), which provides access to the Oakton Educational Foundation office, will be closed (scheduled to reopen Monday, March 23).
  • The staircase near Door 20, adjacent to the Enrollment Center, will be inaccessible.
During this time, the following entrances will remain accessible:
  • Door 26 (near the HVAC labs)
  • Door 42 (near the Oakton Café and Learning Commons)

Parking Lots and Roads
All roadways and parking lots will remain open and accessible to vehicle and pedestrian traffic during this period. 

Office Relocations
The Division of Student Affairs has temporarily re-located to Room 2817.

Exterior Lighting Upgrades

An image of the Oakton College Leaf on a grey b

Des Plaines and RHC (Skokie) Campus Exterior Lighting Upgrades

Stakeholder(s):

General campus community

Percent Complete:

 

Project Start:

 July 1, 2025

Project Completion:

 Summer 2026

Work has resumed onsite. New lighting will be installed at Des Plaines door 37 during the week of March 16-20. As noted above, door 37 will be closed during this time. 

Door and Hardware Replacement

An image of the new door and hardware replacement at Oakton College.

Door and Hardware Replacement

Percent Complete:

10%

Project Start:

TBD

Project Completion:

TBD

The Facilities department is working with the contractor to start construction on Phase 1, which entails repairs/ replacements of exterior doors at the Des Plaines and Skokie campuses. All entrances will remain open during construction.

If the need to temporarily close an entrance arises, the Facilities department will notify the campus community in advance. 

Work is expected to begin onsite at both campuses late April 2026.

Office Renovations

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Student Affairs, Information Technology and Access and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Office Renovations (Des Plaines)

Stakeholder(s):

Office of Student Affairs, Oakton IT, ADRC, Testing Center, Workforce Development, Bookstore, Welcome Center

Percent Complete:

 5%

Project Start:

Project Completion:

The awarding of the contractor’s bid is pending approval of Oakton’s Board of Trustees at the March 2026 meeting.

Phase three projects for the ookstore and Welcome Center are in design.

Restroom Remodel Project

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Restroom Remodel Project

Percent Complete:

 47%

Project Start:

 Fall 2025

Project Completion:

 Early 2026

Work on phase one is expected to be completed in April 2026.

Current Phase 1 Restroom Closures:
Des Plaines Campus: 2254, 2258
RHC (Skokie Campus): C103, C104, C202, C203

TenHoeve Refresh

Design phase of TenHoeve Center

TenHoeve Refresh

Percent Complete:

 

Project Start:

Project Completion:

 Late 2026

The project is in the design phase. Architects and engineers are working on surveying the existing project areas. The design team is working on scheduling meetings with stakeholders.