Illinois State Fair Coliseum

801 E. Sangamon Ave. in Illinois State Fair Grounds

Originally constructed in 1901, the Coliseum is a 60,000-square-foot, three-story enclosed oval-shape amphitheater housing a show ring for horses and other events. After being condemned in 2016, R.D. Lawrence served as the general contractor on a $12.7 million project to restore the historic building for the 2019 Illinois State Fair. Decayed wooden beams were replaced and the entire structure was reinforced with steel. Improvements included the addition of LED lighting and energy efficient windows — all while maintaining the building’s historic architecture.