State Armory Renamed in Honor of Former Gov. Jim Edgar

The historic Illinois State Armory in Springfield has been renamed in honor of former Gov. Jim Edgar, with the building expected to eventually house nearly 1,000 state employees following an ongoing renovation project.

Gov. JB Pritzker formally dedicated the building as the Jim Edgar Executive Office Building during an Aug. 11 ceremony attended by members of Edgar's family and former colleagues. The 1937 building is located on the Capitol Complex just north of the Illinois State Capitol.

The armory has been vacant since around 2008 and is currently undergoing renovations. The Illinois Capital Development Board expects work on the building to be completed in 2030, after which it will return to use as state office space.

The dedication comes nearly a year after Edgar died in September 2025 at the age of 79. Edgar, a Republican, served as Illinois' 38th governor from 1991 to 1999 and spent much of his adult life in state government and politics. He continued to be involved in public affairs after leaving office and was frequently recognized by members of both parties for his approach to governing and willingness to work across party lines.

Pritzker said naming the building for Edgar was fitting because it will continue to serve as a workplace for those carrying out the functions of state government.

"Public servants will walk through the doors of the Jim Edgar Executive Office Building, committed to solving problems, just as he was," Pritzker said. "Decisions will be made there that lift up the people of Illinois, that strengthen our economy, that save lives, improve public services and build a brighter future for our state."

Pritzker said the building's future role in state government would serve as a tribute to Edgar's career.

"There can be no greater tribute to Jim Edgar than a place dedicated to executive leadership in government because public service was the work of his life," Pritzker said.

Edgar's widow, Brenda Edgar, and daughter, Elizabeth Edgar, attended the ceremony at the Governor's Mansion. Elizabeth Edgar addressed those gathered for the dedication, reflecting on her father's approach to public service and what the family hopes the building bearing his name will represent.

"Our family hopes that everyone who walks through the doors, whether they are governors, legislators, staff members, interns, students, or visitors, will remember that government can be principled, compassionate, responsible, and bipartisan all at the same time," Elizabeth Edgar said.

Once renovations are complete, the Jim Edgar Executive Office Building will bring the former armory back into regular use after more than two decades of vacancy, this time serving as office space for state employees on the Capitol Complex.