This will be the first building of Related Midwest’s Phase 1 Developments at The 78

Chicago, IL -  STLarchitects has released a concept design for the new University of Illinois System’s Discovery Partners Institute (DPI). The project  was unveiled on February 12, 2020 by Related Midwest at an event attended by State of Illinois Governor J.B Pritzker and City of Chicago’s Mayor Lori Lightfoot .  The world-class innovation and research center will be part of the 2.8 million square feet of office, retail, hospitality, residential and cultural space planned for Phase 1 of the 62-acre riverfront neighborhood in downtown Chicago.

DPI’s specific site in the heart of The 78, is the source of inspiration for the building’s distinct design. The project brings together the excitement of Crescent Park and the retail vibrancy of Wells Street through an urban multi-floor atrium space that acts as a public agora for students to collaborate while cultivating a campus environment in the heart of Chicago. This social gathering space also gives students access to connected support amenities and unique indoor and outdoor rooftop spaces above Wells Street, providing spectacular views of the river and the Saint Charles Air Line bridge.

DPI’s state-of-the-art facility at The 78 will attract 2,000 national and international student scholars annually, who will work with top minds in academia and business leaders across industries on cutting-edge research and development, inspiring new technologies and businesses.