The University of Illinois recently announced a strategic shift in its plans for the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), opting to move from its intended downtown Chicago site to the former U.S. Steel South Works plant, a lakefront location nearly 10 miles south. This decision comes as a significant surprise to stakeholders of The 78, the prospective development site in downtown Chicago, where DPI was initially set to lead a transformative research hub. The 78, planned by developer Related Midwest, was envisioned as a vibrant new neighborhood spanning 62 acres between Roosevelt Road and Chinatown, with DPI as a crucial anchor.
The relocation to South Works, now the site of the emerging Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, aligns DPI with advanced research capabilities and partnerships. The park recently secured PsiQuantum, a major tech company based in California, as its anchor tenant, enhancing its reputation as a premier quantum technology center. Tim Killeen, President of the University of Illinois System, emphasized the synergy between DPI and the quantum park, noting the unparalleled resources that the move provides to researchers and students in areas like quantum computing.
This transition is a considerable setback for The 78. The DPI previously planned an impressive eight-story, glass and steel-domed headquarters, with initial construction already underway. Now, Related Midwest must pivot its strategy, though a spokesperson expressed optimism about new opportunities for the site. They highlighted The 78's unique characteristics—its proximity to downtown, riverfront location, and versatility—as key advantages in attracting large institutional tenants. Potential developments, such as new stadiums for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Fire, are under discussion, contingent on acquiring adequate state funding.
Governor JB Pritzker, who allocated $500 million to bolster DPI and other research initiatives, has stressed the importance of these projects as catalysts for innovation ecosystems in Illinois, featuring state-of-the-art laboratories and supporting startup firms. While the current decision redirects DPI’s path, Killeen notes that this strategy fosters growth, not limitation. DPI will maintain its West Loop presence while considering additional downtown ventures dubbed DPI North, reinforcing its commitment to being a central player in Chicago’s tech landscape.
Crain’s Chicago Business was the first to detail DPI's relocation, capturing the broader implications for both the South Works development and The 78. The strategic move repositions DPI's influence, doubling down on its mission to lead in emerging technologies, particularly quantum research, without the constraints of an iconic downtown skyscraper.
