The University of Illinois has canceled a plan to build a massive research center near downtown Chicago, choosing instead a lakefront site nearly 10 miles to the south.
The Discovery Partners Institute was supposed to launch development of 78, an empty stretch of riverfront southwest of the Loop where developer Related Midwest wants to establish a new neighborhood.
University leaders say they will now locate most of DPI’s research and laboratory space at the former U.S. Steel South Works plant, the planned location of Illinois’ new Quantum and Microelectronics Park. Backed by hundreds of millions of dollars in federal, state and local funding, the park landed California technology company PsiQuantum in July. its main tenant.
A University of Illinois-led organization manages the Quantum Campus, and the DPI facility will allow researchers, faculty members and students easy access to its cutting-edge technology and facilities, said Tim Killeen, president of the University of Illinois system.
“Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems that are far beyond the reach of today’s digital computers,” he said. “It makes no sense that (DPI and IQMP) are not working together seamlessly. Right now we have the opportunity to take advantage of it.
This sudden decision is a big blow for The 78. DPI unveiled in 2022 its design for a futuristic eight-story glass and steel headquarters with a dome and began initial construction this year. Midwest hoped DPI would be the crown jewel of the 78, attracting other users to the 62-acre site between Roosevelt Road and Chinatown.
Company officials said they remain optimistic about the potential of 78 and will continue efforts to bring new stadiums for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Fire to the site, as well as other uses potential such as residential. Related Midwest is also a co-developer of Quantum Park, which is part of a larger 400-acre master plan known as 8080 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
“While we were disappointed to learn of DPI’s decision to leave The 78, its departure opens opportunities for new partnerships and venue configurations, including DPI’s current parcel, that were not possible under of the previous plan,” said a company spokesperson. “Given its proximity to the city center, its proximity to the river and its flexibility to accommodate a wide range of uses, 78 is unique in being able to accommodate large institutions wishing to plant their flag at the heart of Chicago. »
Chicago’s new stadiums would likely require state funding, but Gov. JB Pritzker and many lawmakers seems reluctant to commit funds. Pritzker has shelled out $500 million to help fund DPI and other research centers, saying they will form the core of a growing ecosystem of labs, high-tech facilities and startups, the backbone of a new industry.
Killeen said abandoning plans for an extravagant downtown headquarters would allow DPI to expand its operations. The institute is in the early stages of designing a new research center.
“It doesn’t have to be an iconic architectural treasure, but the DPI will have a significant presence in the Quantum Park,” he said. “This is an expansion of our vision, not a dilution.”
The institute will maintain its current West Loop headquarters for now, Killeen added. But it could also start looking for a new downtown location called DPI North, where it will keep its offices and many of its classrooms.
“We will grow and expand our commitment to downtown Chicago,” he said.
Crain’s Chicago Business was first to report on DPI’s new location.