Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced that universities across Chicago are planning more than $2.5 billion in economic and community investments over the next three years that are expected to create more than 10,000 construction jobs. Each university has signed a memorandum of understanding in which the schools outlined their anticipated private investments in local neighborhoods and the city reinforced its commitment to supporting the projects through timely review and approval of building permits and public infrastructure investments.

“One of Chicago’s greatest strengths is our world-class universities,” Mayor Emanuel said. “They provide pathways to great careers for their students and with the help of these agreements will become even stronger engines of opportunity for our neighborhoods.”

Today’s announcement includes more than $2.2 billion in planned capital improvement projects by the universities and $230 million in projects that are currently underway. The projects will create jobs in neighborhoods across the city – from Hyde Park to Bronzeville to the Near West Side to Rogers Park. Ranging from new research facilities to new dormitories to rehabilitated mixed-use structures, the projects will reinforce the schools’ roles as neighborhood anchors, through job creation, local purchasing, public safety, cultural resources, beautification, affordable housing, and related forms of civic engagement.

Collectively, the schools represent more than 118,000 undergraduate and graduate students and employ more than 60,000 faculty and staff. The improvements for each school include:

DePaul University       
DePaul’s agreement anticipates $230 million in new capital investments, including new music and science facilities in Lincoln Park and a new 10,000-seat events center currently under construction on the Near South Side. DePaul will also continue a variety of public school partnership agreements with CPS.

“Eighty percent of DePaul graduates stay in Chicago and make their lives here, making DePaul a net importer of talent to this city.  We want Chicago to thrive and we’re proud to partner with the City and support its growth,” said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M.

llinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
IIT’s $100 million improvement plan in Bronzeville includes a new Kaplan Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship, the reutilization of the Main Building for rental housing, and renovated residence halls. IIT will also continue its summer programs for Chicago Public Schools students and partnerships with Community Colleges of Chicago.

“IIT’s role as a community anchor continues to evolve through targeted investments like the Kaplan Institute and improved housing resources. Our agreement with the City will help maximize these investments for students, staff, and the entire neighborhood for years to come,” said President Alan W. Cramb.

Loyola University
Loyola anticipates $169 million in planned improvements at its Rogers Park and Water Tower campuses, including a new hotel near the Loyola CTA station, a new athletic training facility, and the establishment of a new junior college.

“The new partnership with the City will help Loyola address issues of livability in its communities by developing innovative academic opportunities in engineering, more pedestrian and bike friendly public areas and by attracting new multi-use development,” said Philip Hale, vice president of public affairs.

Northwestern University
Northwestern’s $455 million in planned improvements are centered around a new Simpson-Querrey Institute Biomedical Research Center and renovations to the Abbott Building, both on its Streeterville campus. The school will also maintain and enhance its partnerships with CPS and CCC.

“Founded by Chicagoans, Northwestern University continues to invest in in the intellectual, economic and cultural life of our great city, and to invest in the people of Chicago, educating new generations of leaders at our campuses in Evanston and Chicago and now working with the Chicago Public Schools, through the Northwestern Academy, and other programs, to help CPS students prepare for college and careers. Our involvement with Chicago is strong, far-reaching and growing.” said Northwestern President Morton Schapiro.

Rush University
Rush University’s $500 million expansion of its Near West Side medical center includes a new ambulatory building as well as a new “campus hub” building on the former Malcom X community college site. It will also enhance its medical training partnerships with Malcom X undergraduates and health clinic partnerships with local high schools.

“Rush University Medical Center has collaborated with Mayor Rahm Emanuel to purchase the Malcom X site to create an academic village that will concentrate all of the Rush University’s activities into one campus.  The creation of the academic village will be an investment of $500 million dollars in the West Loop and represents a successful public/ private partnership between Rush University Medical Center and the City of Chicago,” said Dr. Larry J. Goodman, Rush University president.

School of the Art Institute
The School of the Art Institute is moving forward with its plan for a $14 million integrated campus building in the South Loop. The school will also continue its College Arts Access Program and Inside Innovative Minds program for CPS students.

“We understand the value of investing in our  neighborhoods, and we are committed to providing access to world-class creative and cultural opportunities for the residents of Chicago,” said Paul Coffey, vice provost and dean of community engagement.

University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC)
UIC’s $360 million in major capital projects on the Near West Side include new chemical technology and engineering buildings, a new performing arts center, and a new mixed-use building. The school will also continue its existing partnership programs with CPS and CCC.

“As the city’s largest university, the University of Illinois at Chicago is a major force for economic development, contributing over $4 billion to the local economy and employing approximately 11,500 academic and administrative staff. We have a commitment to provide an affordable education to Chicago’s residents and enhance the quality of life in the communities surrounding our campus. A collaborative partnership with the city of Chicago is a critical component of our continuing growth and will bring a coordinated approach to planning and project development,” said UIC Chancellor Michael Amiridis.

University of Chicago (U of C)
The University of Chicago anticipates approximately $750 million in capital projects in Hyde Park and Woodlawn through 2019, including a new north campus residence hall and new charter school. U of C will also continue its partnerships to train future public school teachers and improve the quality of public education.

"This agreement continues the commitment of collaboration between the University and the City of Chicago to invest in the future of our city, especially our neighboring South Side communities. Through a broad range of initiatives, the University will continue to work with the City, local elected officials, and community leaders to promote innovation and increase opportunities in education, employment, and leadership development for local residents and organizations,” said University of Chicago President Robert J. Zimmer.

# # #