CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — It’s not uncommon to see new apartment buildings going up around the University of Illinois, but the latest plan has some going up in an unconventional spot on campus.

Research Park is looking to add housing near First Street and Windsor Road. The idea is several years old; it predates the COVID-19 pandemic, but plans were put on hold for that reason.

Planners said the housing project is being designed for U of I staff within Research Park, staff at Carle and for graduate students.

“We know that people are working here, we know that they’re playing here a little bit, but we want to make sure that we’re adding that living component,” Laura Bleill, Director of External Engagement for Research Park, said. “And we have enough land to accomplish that goal, and it’s laid out and was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2018.”

Research Park is in conversations with a potential developer, but nothing has been signed. There’s no estimate on how soon construction could start.