A groundbreaking new development is underway for Chicago’s South Side—the proposed Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP). The upcoming tech park will be built on part of the 440-acre former U.S. Steel South Works site along the lakefront, which has remained undeveloped for decades. Despite some opposition from community residents and activist groups, city planning officials have given the green light to this ambitious initiative, which aims to turn this long-vacant land into a hub for quantum computing and microelectronics research. Here’s everything you need to know about this major commercial construction project.
Approval and Next Steps for Development
The Chicago Plan Commission recently approved rezoning the land at 8080 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, giving the joint venture between developers Related Midwest and CRG the go-ahead to move forward. This approval marks an important milestone in transforming the South Works site into a state-of-the-art quantum research facility. The proposal now advances to the City Council’s Zoning Committee for review and, if approved, will then go before the full City Council for final approval.
Pending these approvals, the developers plan to break ground early next year, with the first phase of facilities anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026. The site is expected to become a focal point for tech research in the Midwest, giving Chicago a competitive edge in the rapidly growing field of quantum computing.
Project Overview: Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP)
The proposed IQMP is a state-funded, 458,018-square-foot research park that will occupy the southern portion of the land. This innovative quantum campus is intended to establish Chicago and Illinois as the “Silicon Valley of quantum computing,” and it is expected to draw companies and researchers from around the world.
Crain's Chicago Business reports that the park will include a range of facilities dedicated to quantum computing research and microelectronics development, as well as other technological advancements. Managed by the University of Illinois, the research park aims to create approximately 150 permanent jobs in its initial phase and offer world-class research capabilities.
The Palo Alto-based startup PsiQuantum has already signed on as the anchor tenant of the 128-acre IQMP campus, with a commitment to investing $1 billion in the site. This signals strong early interest from the quantum technology industry, which bodes well for future phases of the development.
Construction Details: Bringing Quantum to Chicago
The overall South Works site is a massive undertaking, spanning 440 acres, of which the IQMP is only part. Developers are planning for up to 59.3 million square feet of buildings, which would make the site larger than other high-profile projects like The 78, Lincoln Yards, and the Michael Reese Hospital redevelopment combined.
First Phase Developments:
- Cryogenic Cooling Facility: The first developments on the site will include a cryogenic cooling facility, a key component in quantum technology research and development.
- Office and Research Building: An 88,000-square-foot office and research building is planned near the southeast corner of the property.
- Public Parks and Recreation: Improvements will be made to the Steelworkers Park and Park 566 along the lakefront to maintain public access. Additionally, a new park will be created around the north slip running through the middle of the site, along with a recreational path along the Calumet River.
This construction phase is expected to involve more than $600 million worth of work, a major step towards realizing this vast redevelopment project. Notably, 20,000 construction jobs are expected to be created during the full scope of the redevelopment, providing a significant boost to Chicago’s construction industry.
A Historic Site, A New Vision
The South Works property has a long history as a key industrial center for the South Side. At its peak during World War II, the U.S. Steel mill employed around 20,000 workers and played a central role in the community. However, it shut down in 1992 and has remained vacant since, with several failed attempts to develop the site. Past developers, including McCaffery Interests and an Irish developer, had to abandon their plans due to environmental remediation challenges and financial hurdles.
The new plans for the IQMP offer an opportunity to bring new life to this historic site. It also reflects a significant shift from the industrial past to a new future based on high technology and innovation.
Economic Impact
The quantum park is projected to create 150 permanent jobs during its first phase, in addition to the tens of thousands of construction jobs needed to bring the site to life. Developers Related Midwest and CRG have also indicated that future commercial and industrial developments will occupy the northern part of the site, but they have ruled out building any residential units there.
Funding and Future Steps
A significant portion of funding for the IQMP will come from DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), a research and development arm of the U.S. Department of Defense, which has committed up to $140 million for a quantum testing facility on the campus. The state is also matching these funds to bolster the development.
The developers have planned a public meeting on December 10 to update the community and address their concerns. A pre-bid meeting with the construction community is also scheduled for December 5, allowing contractors to learn more about the opportunities available on the project.
The Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park on Chicago’s South Side is poised to become a game-changing project, putting the city at the forefront of quantum research and high technology. This ambitious plan not only promises to transform a long-vacant site into a thriving research hub but also offers significant benefits to Chicago's commercial construction industry, with tens of thousands of construction jobs and significant new infrastructure work. With city approvals still pending, the development is on track to break ground next year and, by 2026, may well become a landmark that underscores Chicago's commitment to innovation and technology.
