05/11/2017

UChicago Provides Construction and Safety Updates at Woodlawn Meeting

UChicago Provides Construction and Safety Updates at Woodlawn Meeting

Representatives from the University of Chicago attended a community meeting on Wednesday, May 10, to provide updates on construction projects and public safety in Woodlawn and to discuss plans for upcoming projects on the south end of the University’s campus.

The upcoming Campus South construction projects include a 180-room hotel that will be the only hotel in the Woodlawn neighborhood. The hotel, to be called The Study at the University of Chicago, will be built at the corner of 60th Street and Dorchester Avenue. The full-service hotel will be developed and owned by Hospitality 3 LLC, a New York-based firm that has completed similar projects in New Haven, Conn., and Philadelphia. Paul McGowan, the firm’s principal, presented plans for The Study, which will include meeting rooms, a fitness center, and a full-service restaurant. 

University officials provided updates on three previously announced construction projects, the David M. Rubenstein Forum, the Keller Center, and the University of Chicago Charter School-Woodlawn.

Officials shared new design renderings for the Rubenstein Forum, an academic conference center announced in 2014. The Forum will be constructed at 60th Street and Woodlawn Avenue, adjacent to the planned hotel.

The Keller Center will be the future home of the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Construction, which consists of a major renovation and redesign of an existing building at 1307 E. 60th Street, began in early April and is expected to be complete by fall 2018.

Construction of UChicago Charter-Woodlawn, which was celebrated with a ceremonial groundbreaking in September 2016, is expected to be complete by the end of 2017. The facility is scheduled to open for classes in January 2018.

Derek Douglas, UChicago’s vice president for civic engagement and external affairs, said the University is also considering building a new residence hall at 61st and Dorchester.

The construction projects will bring new amenities and activity to Woodlawn and create jobs in the community.

During the meeting, University officials and community members also discussed education, public safety, and a wide range of University and community partnerships and collaborations.

Eric Heath, associate vice president for safety and security, discussed the University of Chicago Police Department’s public safety strategy for Woodlawn, which includes a number of community partnerships and youth programs. He also shared data that shows a reduction in violent crimes in the area from 2015 to 2016.

The meeting was called by 20th Ward Ald. Willie Cochran and held at the Chicago Theological Seminary, 1407 E. 60th Street. The full presentation is available on the University’s Behind the News page.

 

By Calmetta Coleman

Back to News