Redevelopment of Chicago State University's Campus

Chicago State University (CSU) is embarking on one of the most ambitious development projects in its history — the creation of University Village 95, a mixed-use, multi-phase redevelopment of the campus’s northern edge along East 95th Street in the Roseland neighborhood. This project will transform more than two acres of mostly vacant land into a walkable, student-focused district filled with housing, retail, green space, and new campus connections.

A Vision for a Campus Town Experience

Stretching from South St. Lawrence Avenue to South Cottage Grove Avenue, the plan envisions multiple five- to six-story buildings organized around a central pedestrian walkway. The completed project will bring 232,000 square feet of space, including:

• Over 1,000 student housing units with modern amenities.

• Standard residential apartments for non-students.

• Ground-floor retail spaces for shops, cafés, and bookstores.

• Locally inspired design featuring art and branding from Chicago’s South Side.

• Public green space to create a safe, inviting atmosphere for students and neighbors alike.

CSU President Zaldwaynaka Scott likens the project’s potential to the transformation the University of Chicago helped bring to Hyde Park — stabilizing the community, boosting retail activity, and adding resources for residents.

Phase One: The Starting Point

The first phase, now open for developer proposals, will include:

• 528 student beds in mid-rise housing.

• 25,000 square feet of retail built along 95th Street.

• Redevelopment of a current bus turnaround at 95th Street and St. Lawrence Avenue.

Chicago Sun Times reports that this phase is scheduled for completion in 2027, with a development contract expected to be awarded by December 8 of this year.

Connectivity and Urban Design

A key component of University Village 95 is improved access and connectivity. Plans call for:

• Rebuilding the existing offshoot of St. Lawrence Avenue to serve as a new campus entrance.

• Seamless pedestrian links to the upgraded 95th Street/Chicago State University Metra Station, currently undergoing a $56 million expansion and modernization.

• Building facades pulled to the sidewalk edge for an urban, street-activated feel.

• An east-west ribbon of green space separating front-facing retail from the rear residential buildings.

The upgraded Metra station will be located on the same side of the street as the new development, making it easier for students and visitors to access the campus.

Economic and Community Impact

This development also supports the 95th Street Corridor Plan, adopted earlier this year. The corridor plan focuses on:

• More walkable streets.

• Increased public transit use.

• Improved health outcomes.

• Enhanced retail opportunities.

Alongside the university’s project, Advocate Health Center is building a $10 million immediate care facility at 901 E. 95th Street, further boosting local services and economic activity.

Construction Details and Trade Opportunities

With four planned phases and multiple mid-rise structures, University Village 95 will be a long-term source of work for the construction industry. Key aspects of the build will require:

• Demolition crews to clear existing infrastructure.

• Site grading and excavation teams for foundations and utilities.

• Concrete forming and finishing crews for structural bases and pedestrian pathways.

• Steelworkers and framers for the building skeletons.

• Masonry and façade specialists for brickwork and cladding.

• Electrical and data technicians for modern campus infrastructure.

• Plumbing and HVAC contractors for residential and retail systems.

• Interior finishers for student housing, retail storefronts, and amenity spaces.

• Landscaping crews for green space, tree planting, and streetscape design.

Given the mix of residential, retail, and public space, contractors with experience in mixed-use urban projects will be especially valuable.

Looking Ahead

If fully realized, University Village 95 will transform a commuter campus into a destination in its own right — a lively, mixed-use district that not only benefits CSU students but also enhances the surrounding community.

Developers have until October 25 to submit proposals, with work on the first phase expected to begin shortly after a development team is selected. For the construction sector, this is a multi-year opportunity to contribute to a project that blends education, community, and urban design in one ambitious build.