The Chicago City Council has approved the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a massive project that will transform the long-vacant 400-acre South Works site into a cutting-edge technology hub. With an estimated cost of $9 billion, this initiative promises to bring advanced technology, new jobs, and community improvements to Chicago’s South Side. Let’s dive into what this groundbreaking project entails.
Location: South Works site, Chicago’s South Side
Size: 400 acres, starting with 128 acres in the first phase
Cost: Approximately $9 billion
Developers: Related Midwest and CRG
Designers: Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Timeline: Construction begins early next year, with the first phase expected to finish by the end of 2026
Chicago Yimby reports that this ambitious development aims to position Chicago as a leader in quantum computing and microelectronics while revitalizing the surrounding area.
Cryogenic Cooling Facility: Essential for keeping quantum computing equipment at ultra-cold temperatures.
88,000-Square-Foot Office Building: The first structure to be completed, serving as office space for initial operations.
Four Warehouse-Style Buildings: Designed to house the first utility-scale quantum computer in the United States.
New Access Road: Enhances connectivity to the site, supporting construction and future operations.
Site Remediation: Prepares the land by addressing environmental and structural issues, ensuring a safe and stable foundation.
Additional Office and Research Facilities: Expansions will include more spaces for corporate and research activities.
Auxiliary Buildings: Supporting infrastructure for logistics, partnerships, and operations.
Steelworkers Park Expansion: The nearby park will be improved and expanded, providing green spaces for community use.
The construction of quantum computing infrastructure involves specialized work:
High Precision Requirements: Cryogenic cooling and quantum systems require advanced materials and meticulous engineering.
Specialized Labor: Tasks like cleanroom construction and high-tech HVAC installations demand skilled workers.
Ongoing Opportunities: Phased construction ensures consistent job availability as the project progresses.
The former industrial site needs significant remediation:
Soil Stabilization: Ensures the ground can support heavy construction.
Environmental Cleanup: Removes contaminants left by the site’s industrial past.
The project enhances transportation and community spaces:
Better Commutes: Improved roads and transit access benefit workers and future users.
Community Engagement: Upgraded parks and nearby facilities improve quality of life for residents and workers alike.
Developers: Related Midwest and CRG
Key Partner: PsiQuantum, a California-based company leading the quantum computing initiative
IBM’s Role: Opening a research center nearby before moving to the park
Educational Partners: Institutions like the University of Illinois will contribute to research and workforce development
Funding Sources: A mix of city, state, and private investments
This large-scale project will generate numerous construction jobs, including:
Concrete and Steel Work: Building the massive structures for quantum computing and office spaces.
Mechanical and Electrical Systems: Installing advanced technology for quantum systems.
Site Development: Constructing roads and preparing the land.
Tech Leadership: Establishing Chicago as a hub for cutting-edge technology.
Economic Growth: Increased jobs and infrastructure investments will stimulate the local economy.
Sustainability: Incorporating green building techniques reduces the environmental impact.
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is more than just a construction project—it represents a bold step toward technological innovation and community revitalization. For construction workers, it means steady jobs and a chance to work on an exciting, transformative development. For Chicago, it’s an opportunity to turn an underused site into a thriving center of progress and sustainability. Once complete, this park will stand as a symbol of the city’s forward-thinking vision and its commitment to the future.