Chicago Universities Will Bring Exciting New Development to the City
Chicago universities Northwestern and DePaul recently announced plans for new buildings on campus. Even though less-than-ideal market conditions have stalled many projects in urban areas, higher education institutions are proving an exception to the rule. Colleges and universities are moving forward with improving buildings and facilities on campus. DePaul is building a new basketball practice facility, with the building expected to blend in with the character of the surrounding city neighborhoods. Northwestern is investing in a state-of-the-art facility for its MBA program, bringing a technologically advanced building to the Evanston campus. Both schools are hoping new facilities will attract potential students and have a positive impact on enrollment.
Here’s a closer look at the exciting new developments coming to these Chicago-area universities:
Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management to Build High-Tech Facility
Northwestern’s new state-of-the-art facility will create a technologically advanced facility for the school’s executive MBA program students and non-degree programs for business executives and provide a meeting place for students, faculty, and alumni. The school launched a fundraising effort called The Full Circle Campaign to raise $600 million to fund the project, which will nearly double classroom capacity. Construction of the new building is anticipated to begin in the winter of 2025 and open in the fall of 2027.
Alderman Knudsen Approves DePaul's Basketball Practice Facility
DePaul got approval for a planned $60 million basketball practice facility from Alderman Knudsen, meaning the project will move forward for city zoning approval. The new facility will be across from the school’s Sullivan Athletic Center and will feature a brick facade that blends in with the Lincoln Park neighborhood. DePaul’s plans were approved after commitments to preserving historical properties in the neighborhood and expanding the use of DePaul owned facilities for youth sports leagues and other community stakeholders. Demolition of buildings required for construction is slated to begin in 2025 and the new facility is tentatively scheduled to open in Fall of 2026.