Spotlight Projects

  • Bike Shelter at Flagg Hall

    Sep 16, 2021

    Bikers on campus have a new way to park their bicycle near housing and other oft-visited buildings.A new bike shelter at Flagg Hall.

    A 96-bicycle capacity bike shelter was completed in June and represents an upgrade in efficient on-campus bike storage. It is the largest sheltered bike lot on campus.

    The shelter, located just north of Flagg Hall, uses ‘side stage’ (vertical) racks. Each rack holds two bikes at different heights and can be installed forward or backward.

    “We care about bicyclists on campus and want to make sure they have the best infrastructure we can possibly give them through the development of complete streets, dedication to safety and lighting in bike lanes, and things like parking options in helpful places,” said Stacey DeLorenzo, transportation demand management coordinator. “This large, covered rack is an upgrade for bicyclists looking to protect their bikes from weather and is more efficient in space usage, as well.”

    The structure is glass and metal, measuring 14-feet wide by 63-feet long, with cement laid to take bikers to and from the shelter to lanes that link directly to Fourth Street, multiple undergraduate housing buildings, Huff Hall, and the new Siebel Center for Design. Bikers are encouraged to use U-locks, and if using a rack already holding one bike, to use the opposite tire of that bike in order to save space and make for easier detachment. 

    Added bike parking helps the university promote bike usage, something that effects multiple goals in the Illinois Climate Action Plan. The structure also advances the campus’ Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) status, improving overall bike culture and infrastructure.

    For more information on bicycling on campus, visit bike.illinois.edu

  • F&S, UIPD help save a life

    Aug 04, 2021

    Brian Barto (water station), Lucas Burton, and Bryan Helfrich (carpenters) recently exhibited calm and grace under pressure when they provided assistance to another F&S employee, Vinh Nguyen, who was experiencing a life-threatening health emergency. Their quick action allowed emergency personnel to get to the scene quickly to administer life-saving techniques and transport to the hospital.900x600 Website (18)

    On June 28, while driving in an F&S truck on campus, Nguyen lost consciousness near the intersection of Illinois Street and Goodwin Avenue in Urbana. Barto, the passenger, managed to direct the truck out of the oncoming lane and to the edge of the road and stopped just outside Burrill Hall, all without endangering any nearby pedestrians or parked cars. Barto couldn’t even safely reach the brake pedal from his seat, but Nguyen’s foot was in the right place to help the vehicle slow down to a stop.

    After exiting the vehicle and going around to the driver’s side to check on Nguyen, Barto requested a passerby assist the situation by calling 911. Attracted by the commotion by happenstance, Burton and Helfrich made the scene and helped to get Nguyen out of the truck and flat on the sidewalk, and started first aid under the direction of the 911 dispatcher.

    University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) officers Jason Bradley and Rodney Mitchell were on the scene within about a minute of the 911 call, and they offered more advanced aid before Nguyen was transported to the hospital.

    Together their quick actions saved a life and set an excellent example for the care of a coworker and fellow human being. After his recovery, Nguyen is feeling well and is back at work. After his return, a small reception was held to honor and congratulate all involved. One of his first actions was to recognize those who helped him in a time of need.

    “I and my family are forever grateful to everyone who was involved in saving my life that day, especially to Brian for his quick response to my medical emergency and for his leadership, professionalism and calmness he displayed in the midst of what must have been a very stressful and chaotic situation,” Nguyen wrote in a thank-you and employee recognition letter to F&S leaders.

  • Green, Orange and Blue!

    Jul 13, 2021

    F&S Joins the Green Sports Alliance

    What is the Green Sports Alliance?

    Founded in 2010, the Green Sports Alliance (GSA) is the leading environmentally focused organization in the sporting world that promotes and supports healthy and sustainable communities where we live, work and play. The GSA is a vehicle in the sports greening movement as it continues to expand. Their efforts include but are not limited to encouraging sport communities to improve operational performance measurement, track sustainability efforts, and increase diversity and leadership in promoting greater access to sports for all.

    The GSA drives change through three pillars: leveraging the power of sport to drive meaningful impact, inspiring professional sports leagues to join their cause, and using the Green Sports Alliance Foundation to advance social and environmental responsibility.

    The GSA has premium partners, including several Big Ten Conference members: Indiana University Hoosiers, Penn State Nittany Lions, Ohio State University Buckeyes, University of Iowa Hawkeyes, University of Michigan Wolverines, and University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has now joined our peers as the latest Big Ten school to participate in the alliance!

    What will this look like moving forward?

    Betsy Liggett, coordinator for Special Programs in Environmental Compliance, shared with what this partnership means for F&S and why it’s important: “Facilities & Services is excited to join Green Sports Alliance this year. We are eager to partner with the environmentally focused organization, and its national team members, to continue encouraging our campus community to be resilient environmental stewards through sustainable energy, food, procurement, transportation, venue, waste, and water programs. Joining the Green Sports Alliance at F&S also supports the Illinois Climate Action Plan 2020 and strengthens campus sustainability efforts.”

    The University of Illinois has successfully implemented numerous sustainable practices, construction projects, and operational initiatives as a part of the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP), and this is another step toward meeting iCAP goals. We are hopeful that this initial membership in the GSA through F&S will lead to a long-term relationship with the green sports movement and our campus community.

    SAVE THE DATE: GSA will be presenting at the virtual October 20, 2021 Illinois Green Infrastructure & Erosion Control Conference. This conference is hosted by the Champaign County Stormwater Partnership which the University of Illinois, Facilities & Services is a member. Check for registration details at CHAMPAIGN COUNTY STORMWATER PARTNERSHIP - Home (ccstormwater.org)