U of I Pulls Tech Hub Out of The 78, Developer Suggests White Sox and Fire Stadiums Instead
New Location for Discovery Partners Institute
The University of Illinois’ $300 million technology and research hub, Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), will not be built at The 78, the 62-acre South Loop property, officials announced on Friday.
Quantum Computing Facility
The DPI, which was already under construction at The 78, will instead have a presence at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, the site of the former U.S. Steel South Works plant at East 79th Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Both The 78 and quantum computing facility are being developed by Related Midwest.
Quantum Computing’s Potential
Quantum computing’s potential has exploded since the DPI was announced in 2017. It could lead to the manufacturing of new medical drugs and make sensitive data almost impermeable to hacking, among other possibilities touted by experts.
Reason for Relocation
The institute, also referred to as DPI, cited its desire to make Illinois a global leader in technology as reason to expand its focus in quantum computing and relocate to the state’s quantum park.
University’s Plans
“DPI was created to train people for high-demand tech jobs, conduct applied research and development, and build businesses, and that vital work continues,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said in a release. “The changes happening locally and globally in computing have created an incredible, once-in-a-generation opportunity that DPI is well-situated to harness for our state.”
New Headquarters and Downtown Presence
DPI plans to keep a downtown headquarters, which will be DPI North. Its presence at the state quantum park will become DPI South. DPI will continue to operate at its current downtown facilities, 200 S. Wacker Drive, while looking for new locations for DPI North.
Related Midwest’s Plans
Related Midwest remains “committed to developing The 78, which continues to have transformational potential for our city,” a spokesperson said. “While we were disappointed to learn of DPI’s decision to exit The 78, its departure opens up opportunities for new partnerships and site configurations, including the current DPI parcel, that were not possible under the previous plan.”
New Stadiums at The 78
“Given its proximity to downtown, adjacency to the river and flexibility to accommodate a wide range of uses, The 78 stands alone in its ability to house large institutions that want to plant their flag in the heart of Chicago,” a spokesperson said. “We are actively exploring the co-location of dual stadiums for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Fire, two organizations whose presence at The 78 would align with our vision of creating Chicago’s next great neighborhood.”
Conclusion
This shift in plans marks a new chapter for both the University of Illinois and Related Midwest. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that the university is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and industry. For related Midwest, this presents an opportunity to reimagine the development of The 78, potentially bringing new and exciting uses to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is the new location for the Discovery Partners Institute?
The Institute will be located at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, the site of the former U.S. Steel South Works plant at East 79th Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
* Why is the Institute relocating?
The Institute cited its desire to expand its focus in quantum computing and make Illinois a global leader in technology as reason to relocate.
* What is the new headquarters of the Discovery Partners Institute called?
The downtown headquarters will be called DPI North.
* What are the plans for the current DPI facilities?
The Institute will continue to operate at its current downtown facilities, 200 S. Wacker Drive, while looking for new locations for DPI North.
