Chicago’s The 78 loses anchor tenant to new South Side site

CHICAGO ( WGN ) — Developers call it Chicago’s Next Great Neighborhood , but The 78 is losing its anchor tenant to a new site on the South Side after years of planning.

The University of Illinois’ Discovery Partners Institute will cease constructing its headquarters at The 78 in the South Loop and head farther south. The hub for research and development and tech talent was founded in 2018 when then-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner met at the vacant site to announce plans for the innovation center.

Officials released the rendering two years ago, but the University of Illinois is changing course. It is now shifting focus to a facility at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, which is planned for the old South Works Steel Mill site on the South Side. A U of I-led team is already managing the Quantum Campus.

The University system president said in a statement, “The changes happening locally and globally in computing have created an incredible, one-in-a-generation opportunity that DPI is well-situated to harness for our state.”

Neighbors who live near the quantum site are asking state leaders and developers to pump the breaks on its development. They cite environmental concerns that linger from the mill and want to ensure they’re included in the conversation.

“This needs to slow down. I’ve never seen a development go at such a pace,” said Anne Holcomb with ETHOS.

Oscar Sanchez, with the Southeast Environmental Task Force on Housing and Displacement, added: “We want to be part of this process, only if we’re not pushed aside by it. Let’s ensure quantum computing benefits this community without sacrificing  the very people who helped build this community.”

As for The 78, developer Related Midwest told WGN News in a statement:

Related Midwest remains committed to developing The 78, which continues to have transformational potential for our city.

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. 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. 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.

A Related Midwest spokesperson

Discovery Partners Institute will maintain its current headquarters in the Loop and its new quantum-focused South Side location.

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