[r18tdi]

Originally Posted by sentinel

Project went out for contractor bidding not that long ago, it was very much intended as a real project, but clearly, things have changed

Work was reportedly already underway, to the tune of $25 million in sunk costs by U of I, per Crain's:

The decision came just after preliminary construction had begun on the 1.5-acre site near 15th and Wells streets, the south end of the 62-acre neighborhood development known as The 78, when the university abruptly stopped the work to reconsider.

...

U of I has already spent $25 million in design, engineering and other costs on the project. Killeen said the university asked the Capital Development Board, which was overseeing the buildout itself, late last week to halt the project and notified the governor’s office that it plans to switch gears.