DePaul University is moving forward with a long-anticipated upgrade to its athletic infrastructure following Chicago City Council approval of a new basketball practice facility in Lincoln Park. Planned for the northwest corner of West Belden Avenue and North Sheffield Avenue, the project will rise directly across the street from the existing Sullivan Athletic Center, consolidating key athletic functions in a purpose-built, modern environment designed specifically for Division I basketball.
The $42.4 million facility represents a significant investment in both DePaul athletics and the surrounding neighborhood, blending contemporary performance-driven design with architectural elements that reflect Lincoln Park’s historic character.
The project site currently contains four row houses dating back to the 1890s, along with a five-story courtyard apartment building constructed in 1925 at the corner of Belden and Sheffield. All five structures are slated for demolition to make way for the new facility, though demolition will not proceed until project funding is fully secured.
Urbanize Chicago reports that community concerns about the loss of historic fabric played a central role during the entitlement process. As part of negotiated approvals, DePaul committed to investing in the formal landmark designation of Byrne Hall and Cortelyou Commons, preserving their exterior character and reinforcing the university’s broader campus heritage strategy.
With City Council approval in place, the site’s Planned Development amendment now allows the project to advance once fundraising milestones are met.
The facility is being designed by HNTB in collaboration with Antunovich Associates. Rising to approximately 72 feet, the building is scaled to align with surrounding residential blocks while still accommodating the vertical needs of modern athletic training.
A brick façade anchors the building visually within the Lincoln Park streetscape, referencing nearby residential architecture. A pitched roof form draws inspiration from Alumni Hall, DePaul’s former on-campus arena, reinforcing institutional continuity through architectural expression.
At street level, the design intentionally increases transparency. Floor-to-ceiling glazing around the gym spaces allows passersby to see activity within the building, creating a sense of openness and engagement rather than a closed athletic box. The building footprint was also reduced from earlier concepts to widen sidewalks, making room for landscaping, seating, and improved pedestrian circulation.
Sustainability measures are integrated throughout the facility. Bird-friendly glass is being incorporated to reduce avian collisions, a growing requirement in dense urban areas. Rooftop solar panels are expected to offset more than 10 percent of the building’s energy use, supporting DePaul’s broader environmental goals while reducing long-term operating costs.
These strategies, combined with efficient mechanical systems and daylighting through extensive glazing, position the project as a forward-looking institutional facility without compromising neighborhood compatibility.
The building is organized vertically to separate shared athletic functions from basketball-specific spaces while maintaining efficient circulation.
The ground floor will serve all DePaul athletic programs. Program elements include locker rooms, strength and conditioning areas, nutrition and fueling spaces, meeting rooms, sports medicine facilities, and physical therapy rooms. The main entry is located prominently at the Belden and Sheffield corner, reinforcing visibility and accessibility.
The second floor transitions to basketball-focused operations. Men’s and women’s basketball coaches’ offices, team locker rooms, lounges, meeting spaces, and additional sports medicine areas will be located here, creating a centralized operations level for the programs.
At the top of the building, two full-size practice courts will anchor the facility. One court will be dedicated to the men’s program and the other to the women’s program, ensuring equitable access and scheduling flexibility. Supporting spaces, including therapy rooms and meeting areas, are positioned between the courts. A central mezzanine level will feature a player and staff lounge overlooking the courts, providing both functional and social space within the training environment.
Although zoning and City Council approvals are now complete, construction timing remains dependent on fundraising progress. DePaul’s athletics department is actively raising funds for the $42.4 million project, and demolition of the existing buildings will not begin until financing is secured.
Once funding is in place, early work is expected to include demolition, site preparation, and utility coordination in a dense urban setting. Given the proximity to residential buildings and campus facilities, construction logistics and scheduling will be critical to minimizing disruption.
The development of the DePaul Basketball Practice Facility will engage a wide range of skilled construction trades, including:
Demolition and abatement contractors
Excavation and site preparation crews
Concrete and foundation contractors
Structural steel and miscellaneous metals fabricators
Masonry trades for brick façade installation
Glaziers and curtain wall installers
Roofing contractors and solar panel installers
Mechanical and HVAC contractors
Electrical and low-voltage systems installers
Plumbing and fire protection contractors
Interior framing, drywall, and acoustical ceiling installers
Flooring, painting, and finish carpentry trades
Landscape and site work contractors
Construction managers, safety officers, and quality control teams
Once funding is secured and construction begins, the new practice facility will significantly enhance DePaul’s basketball infrastructure while contributing to the ongoing evolution of the Lincoln Park campus. By balancing athletic performance requirements with thoughtful urban design and community engagement, the project demonstrates how institutional development can move forward in established neighborhoods with care and intention.
If delivered as planned, the facility will serve not only as a training hub for DePaul basketball but also as a visible symbol of investment in student-athletes, campus identity, and the surrounding community.
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