The new DePaul University Sports Facility is taking a step forward with Alderman Approval at 2300 N Sheffield Avenue in Lincoln Park. Located near the intersection with W Belden Avenue, the project has been at the center of much controversy as plans call for the structure replacing multiple residential buildings owned by the university and commonly used for student housing.
Site map, red (new facility) – orange (renovations) via Google Maps
Rendering comparison of new facility by Antunovich Associates and HNTB
Originally revealed almost a year ago, the three-story structure is part of a larger plan to remodel and expand the school’s athletic facilities with Antunovich Associates and HNTB working on its design. With the surrounding neighborhood seeing high demand, locals called for its cancellation or relocation to one of the university’s surface lots nearby.
Rendering of new facility by Antunovich Associates and HNTB
Rendering of new facility by Antunovich Associates and HNTB
Its form and design with a brick base and large swooping glass windows is meant to mimic the university’s original arena Alumni Hall, with the building set to serve around 215 student athletes once completed. Inside will be dedicated locker rooms, team dining space, nutrition bar, medicine treatment space, offices, hydrotherapy room, weight room, and meeting rooms.
Rendering of new facility by Antunovich Associates and HNTB
Rendering of new facility by Antunovich Associates and HNTB
Capping all of this will be two full-sized basketball courts with floor to ceiling windows open 24/7 for said student athletes. However, as part of the school’s commitment to the community in order to gain approval, it will collaborate with the community and nonprofits to utilize the facility for events as it has with its current gym and arena.
Updated rendering of new facility by Antunovich Associates and HNTB
They have also committed to heavily spending on landmarking and preserving Byrne Hall and Cortelyou Commons, as well as preserving O’Connell Hall. With these benefits in hand, as well as the continuation of programs like public use of their electric vehicle charging stations and discounted gym rates, Alderman Timmy Knudsen has given the project the green light.
Rendering of renovations by Antunovich Associates and HNTB
Rendering of renovations by Antunovich Associates and HNTB
The university will now need city approval to proceed with the $60 million proposal, which includes the modernization of the Sullivan Athletic Center and McGrath-Phillips Arena at 2323 N Sheffield Avenue. Once approved, work would commence next summer after the current school year ends, with an anticipated completion of fall 2026.
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Discounted gym rate ?
I want in on this!
A shocking mismanagement of resources; they are replacing (historic) multi-use buildings with a monoculture building for a tiny minority of students. And yet the surface parking lots remain. Sometimes universities can be pretty dumb. And the Alderman’s approval reminds me of how Alderman Reilly’s office claimed the mindless destruction of 720 No. Wells was “out of their hands”. It never is.
100% agree. This is complete BS. Let’s look into the kickbacks the alderman is getting for approving this.
Couldn’t agree more. Depaul sucks
I hate that parking lot further up the street. Totally could have built it there. Morons
It just tells you what US culture values the most: sports and cars. Sigh.
Everyone should write a letter to the alderman or city council. I’ve emailed them twice asking to block it and outlining my concerns. This is such BS.
Esteemed colleagues: our university is 50+ million in debt, enrollment is declining, and 2024 is the demographic cliff after which many institutions of higher learning will be hollowed out by a shrinking national teenage population. So let’s build another gym!