University Village

This project represents the final piece of a larger public/ private planning venture on land surrounding and designed in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Chicago campus as the University sought to convert itself from a commuter-centric institution to a fully residential university. Optimizing its near-downtown location and proximity to the historic Maxwell Street Market, the project creates a desirable mixed-use residential area ideally suited for professionals, faculty and postgraduate students in a variety of product types.

The site was enclosed by an expressway to the east, railroad tracks to the south and a rejuvenated city corridor along Halsted Street to the west. This challenge was addressed by positioning the townhome and condominium buildings, designed with input from the local community groups and city agencies, to create a buffer from urban traffic noise. Their exterior design responds to and respects the surrounding historical context and creates a cohesive streetscape of both old and new construction. Housing opportunities include low-cost, affordable and market-rate units.

In total, the University Village South Campus Redevelopment incorporates approximately 900 new dwelling units, over 200,000 square feet of retail and university office space plus the adaptive reuse of historic structures, allowing UIC to being the transition into a 24-hour residential university.