The South Loop may soon turn in to a research hub for some of Illinois' top universities
Governor Bruce Rauner has given his support to a new project in the South Loop. Rauner and Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the launch of the Discovery Partners Institute, which will be a partnership between University of Illinois, Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. This public-private partnership will create a space for research and collaboration among some of Illinois' top institutions.
The governor shared an Instagram post that stated, "Developed on a 62-acre donated site in downtown Chicago, DPI will bring world-class research staff and faculty to work side-by-side with students and businesses to foster next-generation innovation and workforce development."
According to DNAInfo, the site for this will be located on the southern end of vacant land near 18th Street that stretches alongside of the Chicago River. However, this is not the first time a development for the University of Illinois was proposed on the site. Back in the 1950s, Richard J. Daley targeted this area for development but could not reach a deal with the owners. This is when the University of Illinois –Chicago was developed in the area known as Greektown.
The research institution will be the focus of these new development, but the 62-acre lot will be a mixed-use development that features residences and businesses as well.
