NICCS Facility

Although NICCS research is already well underway, the 15,000-square-foot NICCS facility will serve to strengthen our research, outreach and policy work. This unique mixed-use research, innovation and education center will also showcase new sustainable technologies in building systems and infrastructure.

In November 2024, the building planning process was completed and a bridging document was submitted to the Illinois Capital Development Board, with the design-build bid process expected to begin in January 2025.

An atrium, data visualization lab and fully capable classrooms will be available for face-to-face and remote meetings, conferences and classroom instruction. The facility will also house laboratories to facilitate sustainability research, as well as offices and informal space to encourage multi-disciplinary collaboration, public outreach and policy development.

Making the NICCS Dream a Reality

In keeping with the entrepreneurial spirit of the Illinois Innovation Network, we aim to create a world-class destination for sustainability experts, university faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, government and business leaders, and citizens working to enhance sustainability in their communities.

The flexible space will adapt to future needs and innovations as we expand partnerships with organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey.

This facility will foster collaboration with utilities, research agencies, original equipment manufacturers and building design teams to advance energy efficiency while maximizing sustainability and resiliency. The facility will connect corporations and federal research agencies, immerse students in evolving technology and provide training for the local workforce.

In the NICCS location on the west side of NIU's campus, research plots are already planted for native prairie restoration, and water testing wells have already been drilled and are providing data. We're excited to develop this area into a living laboratory for students, community members and faculty.

Funding and Planning Process

Most of the total cost, $15 million, will come from the $500 million approved state capital funding to launch the Illinois Innovation Network. An additional $7.9M from NIU includes $2.9M in-kind contribution associated with the existing land and site improvements, as well as $5M that we plan to direct toward support of our instructional and research missions over the course of the next five years. We expect that further funding for equipment and operational costs will come from philanthropy, grants, fee-for-service activities and private investment. Notably, this project is integrated into the plans for Opportunity Zone investments.

In 2024, the state of Illinois released the funds to NIU to construct the NICCS building once the design-build contractor has been selected. The selection process, managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board, will occur in the first half of 2025

Learn more about how our DeKalb, IL, location enables cutting-edge research to help us reimagine sustainability.