Construction

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.

Latest Update: Oct. 28, 2025

Exterior Lighting Upgrade Parking Impact

Exterior lighting upgrade work continues at the Des Plaines and Ray Hartstein (Skokie) campuses. The areas listed below are scheduled to be closed to vehicles and pedestrians, pending weather conditions:

A satellite view of Oakton College's C parking lot with an orange highlight around it to denote construction.

Des Plaines Campus

  • Construction on Circle Drive is scheduled to take place from Oct. 21-31. (highlighted in green) Circle Drive will remain open and accessible for vehicle traffic during this time. Flaggers and safety barricades will be in place throughout the construction period.
  • Construction work in the auto shop parking lot area (highlighted in orange), is currently under construction.
A satellite view of Oakton College's Mulford parking lot with an orange highlight around it to denote construction.

Ray Hartstein Campus

  • The Mulford lot, west half (highlighted in yellow) is scheduled to close for construction through Nov. 14.

Office Movement

Oakton College's leaf logo.
  • The Des Plaines campus Library and Learning Center have moved to their temporary location in the TenHoeve wing (1600 rooms). The TenHoeve Rooms at the Des Plaines campus will be unavailable for events and meetings until Dec. 31, 2025.
  • The Des Plaines Testing Center has moved into its permanent home in Suite 1830 (near the Enrollment Center) and is now open.
  • The Des Plaines Access and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) office has moved to its permanent home in Suite 1820 and is now open.
  • 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 is expected to begin in early July, resulting in rolling closures of parking lots and walkways (see top of page), restricting access to vehicle and pedestrian classes for various time durations.

Learning Commons

Rendering of the new Oakton Library Learning Commons.

Des Plaines Library Learning Commons

Stakeholder(s):

Library, Learning Center, Center for Teaching Innovation, Math Labs (STEM), TRIO, IT Help Desk

Percent Complete:

 65%

Project Start:

 March 31, 2025

Project Completion:

 Late 2025
Wall painting, and ceiling and flooring installation is ongoing. Elevator modernization work has been completed. Millwork is being installed, and glass is being installed for all interior areas.

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. 

Office Renovations

An image of the Oakton College Leaf on a grey b

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:

Phase 2 projects for the Office of Student Affairs, Workforce Development, Bookstore, and Welcome Center are in design.

Restroom Remodel Project

An image of the Oakton College Leaf on a grey b

Restroom Remodel Project

Percent Complete:

 

Project Start:

 Fall 2025

Project Completion:

 Early 2026

Restroom Closures beginning Sept. 22:

Des Plaines Campus: 2254, 2258
RHC (Skokie Campus): C103, C104, C202, C203