BLOOMINGTON - Overcast and rainy weather this week hasn't stopped construction crews from starting a $1 million expansion of Illinois Wesleyan University's Memorial Center.

Bloomington-based Johnston Contractors is handling the project - which will put a 2,500-square-feet glass atrium space on center's second floor, said Mark Parker, company site superintendent.

By Wednesday, his crew had erected a fence around the site and was prepping the area. The atrium project should be completed this fall, he said.

Part of the work involves erecting two-story pillars within the dining area known as The Dugout, so that will be closed this summer.

The atrium addition represents the first fruits of the private campus's capital campaign, Transforming Lives.

A $1 million gift from Bloomington residents Roger and Stephany "Stevie" Joslin made the atrium possible. Roger Joslin is a retired vice chairman and chief financial officer of State Farm Mutual Insurance Co. and chairman of State Farm Fire and Casualty Co.

The Transforming Lives campaign, which officially kicked off May 13, aims to raise $125 million. So far, $73 million has been pledged.

The Memorial Center's eastern exterior facing the quad will get a whole new look, including a grand double staircase leading up to the atrium's main entrance, said Kathy Cavins, Illinois Wesleyan student affairs vice president.

"It's going to be a beautiful addition to the center," she said.

The atrium will be built on what now holds patio space outside the Young Main Lounge, a ballroom and banquet space renovated in 2007.

"This will be good for a brunch or smaller event. It will seat 90, where the lounge seats 325," said Cavins.