A demolition permit from the City of Chicago allows Loyola University to tear down Campion Hall on North Sheridan Road in Rogers Park ahead of redeveloping the site for a new center for nursing and science. The block-long three-story building, addressed as 6551 North Sheridan, extends from Loyola Avenue north to Albion Avenue.
Rendering of new sciences building by Woodhouse Tinucci Architects
Rendering of new sciences building by Woodhouse Tinucci Architects
Rendering of new sciences building by Woodhouse Tinucci Architects
Existing site plan of Campion Hall by Woodhouse Tinucci Architects
Ground floor plan of new sciences building by Woodhouse Tinucci Architects
Built in 1955, the student dorms were originally known as the Loyola University Residence for Men, but were later renamed Campion Hall. The Chicago Plan Commission approved Loyola’s new plans for the site back in July. The six-story building will focus on nursing, forensic sciences, biochemistry, and chemistry. It will feature multiple classrooms, lecture halls, workspaces, offices, breakout rooms, advanced simulation environments, and laboratory space.
Campion Hall, July 2025. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
The demolition permit was issued on October 8 with a reported cost of $675,000. Heneghan Wrecking has been contracted to raze the building. The site has been surrounded by demo fencing at east since our site visit in mid-July, so it is presumed that work to knock down the structure is already underway. No official word on when new construction will begin, but Loyola plans to have the science center open for the fall 2028 semester.
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Charm be gone!
What charm? Ngl, all I see are clunky air conditioning units and cruddy windows. Maybe the greenspace was initially welcoming, but the addition of a fence to the original 1950s layout reduced its functionality and compromised the openness of the plan.
The new structure boasts a more prominent presence and stronger curb appeal. The glassy portions are a tad underwhelming.
You are not wrong. It wasn’t what I would call a pretty building. Its replacement doesn’t do much for me either. Now, there will be a canyon on that stretch. There will be no visual difference between anything on either side of the street, with the exception of the bus drop-off outcrop and benches by the L stop.
I just want more buildings that aren’t rectangular monoliths. Show me an odd shape or two. Throw in a setback or two. Design a building that doesn’t look like the last 50 put up. Make a building in a classical style. Cookie-cutter red brick and exposed metal is conservative and lacks humanity. At least we used to try and do interesting things; now we just “maximize space” and sterilize for future uses when we all know that it will be torn down well before it’s reused as something else.
We lack imagination in every aspect of our lives. It’s sad and disappointing.
It’s absolutely a dance, and NO ONE will ever be entirely satisfied. I am positive some crazies believe The Tribune Tower is fugly or FLW is overrated. This is a university, and it’s in its best interest to maximize land use in a constrained territory. The use type demanded this form, and it’s hard to argue against the program.
The more interesting new developments around UC are inspirational, yet they still get ridiculed. I like what USC did with its town square, or Vanderbilt did with their faux historic new developments (went a little too aggressive with the limestone).
Maybe there could have been more whimsy in the brick/facade. I personally believe it could’ve been much worse, and it’s far better than a concrete behemoth.
Excellent. We absolutely need more nurses. Loving all the natural light in the new building design as well.
Loyola is a great school but not a great neighbor. I wish that had specific and timeline driven plans for the multiple gravel lots being used as construction staging, parking lots and junkyards on the off-campus side of Loyola Avenue.