Facade Pieces Go Up at UIC’s Computer Design Research and Learning Center in Little Italy

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Rendering by LMN Architects / Booth Hansen

The University of Illinois Chicago’s new computer science building at 900 W Taylor Street in Little Italy is now well into facade installation. The five-story structure, called the Computer Design Research and Learning Center, will connect to UIC’s existing Science and Engineering Labs building. Once completed, the center will add 135,000 square feet of new programming to support the university’s growing computer science program. As seen in photos, the precast concrete and terra cotta pieces are currently being raised, having made their way around both sides of the curvy exterior.

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Rendering by LMN Architects

UIC Computer Design, Research and Learning Center atrium

UIC Computer Design, Research and Learning Center atrium. Rendering by LMN Architects

The state-of-the-art facility will feature 16,000 square feet of classrooms, 35 labs, a student affairs office, and a 1,200-square-foot robotics lab. A large terrace on the third floor will offer additional outdoor lounge space, while a full-height atrium will provide natural light and easy access between the new center and the existing building.

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

The new office building has been designed by Booth Hansen and Seattle-based LMN Architects, showcasing a curving facade with large recessed windows, precast concrete, metal paneling, and terracotta accents. The massing is set back at the third level to make room for the open-air amenity terrace.

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Rendering by LMN Architects

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

The CTA L Blue Line at UIC-Halsted station is a nine-minute walk from the construction site. The adjacent 900 W Taylor Street stop offers bus service for Route 157, while additional stops for Routes 8 and 12 are located within a five-minute walk.

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Rendering by LMN Architects

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

UIC Computer Design Research and Learning Center. Photo by Jack Crawford

W.E. O’Neil Construction is serving as the general contractor for this $125 million construction project, with Duco Cement Construction acting as the subcontractor for the extensive concrete work. The Computer Design Research and Learning Center is expected to be completed by this coming summer.

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5 Comments on "Facade Pieces Go Up at UIC’s Computer Design Research and Learning Center in Little Italy"

  1. Looks great 😊

  2. Looks great 😌

  3. Steve River North | April 22, 2023 at 10:57 am | Reply

    Is it me or do the panels in the render look more yellow than that orange ones in the IRL pics?

    • I thought the same thing! It’s definitely still nice, just a little surprising. In general, this is such an elegant building that looks sturdy enough to last a good while. The little terracotta accents are such an elegant touch

  4. southsidejdot | April 22, 2023 at 6:08 pm | Reply

    Neat!

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