Gov. Pritzker Renames Historic Springfield Armory as Governor Jim Edgar Executive Office Building

SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker celebrated the renaming the historic Illinois State Armory in Springfield as the Governor Jim Edgar Executive Office Building. The designation honors Governor Edgar's legacy of integrity and dedication to public service. Once renovations are complete, the building will serve more than 870 employees across multiple state agencies that work on behalf of the people of Illinois.

"I can think of no more fitting tribute to Governor Jim Edgar than a building dedicated to the public service that defined his life,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Every day, hundreds of state employees will walk through these doors to advance the mission that Governor Edgar championed throughout his life: effective, responsible government in service of the people of Illinois.”

"Governor Jim Edgar was a dedicated public servant who believed deeply in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "As a former Edgar Fellow, I was lucky to have the opportunity to know him. His legacy of service to the people of Illinois will be remembered for generations to come."

The Governor Jim Edgar Executive Office Building will serve as a hub for State government within the Capitol Complex. Upon completion, the facility will house more than 870 employees from the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB), the Capital Development Board (CDB), and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

The State is currently completing an extensive renovation of the 231,765-square-foot building, funded through the Governor’s Rebuild Illinois initiative. First announced in 2022, the project restores the historic Armory to service while preserving its architectural character and civic and social significance.

Governor Jim Edgar devoted his life to public service, representing Illinoisans as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Illinois Secretary of State, and the 38th Governor of Illinois. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for integrity, thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to bipartisan problem-solving. Renaming the historic Springfield Armory in his honor ensures that his legacy of public service will continue to inspire generations of Illinoisans and the public servants who carry forward the work of building a stronger state.

"Our family is deeply grateful to Governor Pritzker for the honor of rededicating the Illinois Armory in Jim’s name.” said Brenda Edgar. “We are moved to know that future generations of public servants will walk through the doors of a building bearing his name and hope they are inspired by the values Jim lived by - integrity, civility, fiscal responsibility, compassion, and a willingness to work together to solve problems.”

"Governor Jim Edgar's legacy is woven into the history of Illinois and deeply rooted here in Springfield. As a distinguished Edgar Fellow, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the lasting impact of his commitment to ethical leadership and public service. He led with a genuine commitment to serving others, and his influence continues to shape generations of public servants," said Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher. "Renaming the Armory Building in his honor is a fitting tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to improving our state. It is an honor to celebrate his extraordinary contributions and ensure his legacy will continue to inspire all who walk through these doors."

“Governor Jim Edgar’s legacy continues to live on,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “Governor Edgar dedicated his life to serving the people of Illinois with integrity, humility and a deep commitment to the people of Illinois. Today we preserve the legacy of a governor who believed in putting Illinois families first and bringing people together to get things done.”

“The Illinois State Armory has a rich history in Springfield and I’m proud to see the State of Illinois renaming this historic building after former Governor Jim Edgar,” said State Representative Mike Coffey (D-Springfield). “Jim Edgar’s leadership fostered bipartisan alliances that worked to serve the public with fiscal responsibility and government efficiency. Today’s ceremony further honors the life and legacy of Jim Edgar and is a sign of commitment to preserve Illinois’ history.”