Approval Secured for Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago
Charles Spencer
The Chicago Plan Commission has approved the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, situated at the intersection of S DuSable Lake Shore Drive and E 87th Street. This development will utilize approximately 128 acres of the former South Works site, featuring 458,000 square feet of space dedicated to the nation’s first utility-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer.
Southworks Quantum Computing Project Development
- Location: South Works, Chicago, on S DuSable Lake Shore Drive and E 87th Street
- Developers: PsiQuantum and Related Midwest
- Architect: Lamar Johnson Collaborative
- Scope: Initially covering 128 acres with potential to expand across over 400 acres and up to 59 million square feet
Development Details:
- Initial Phase: 88,000 square feet for offices and research
- Total Space for Phase One: 458,000 square feet
Facility Features: Cryogenic cooling facility, access road, and three future warehouse buildings along the Calumet River.
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is expected to have a positive impact on the local community. Enhanced access roads will improve connectivity, while the planned expansion of the adjacent Steelworkers Park will provide additional green spaces and pathways for residents to enjoy.
The project’s collaboration with institutions like the University of Illinois is anticipated to create new jobs and opportunities for local businesses. Additionally, the development is committed to sustainability practices and the preservation of existing park spaces, ensuring that the project benefits both the community and the environment.Timeline:
Quantum Park Development Timeline
- Pre-bidding Meetings: Early December 2024
- Groundbreaking: Expected in Q1 2025, preceding the original schedule by one year
- Completion: TBA, pending further phases and approvals
The project will contribute to revitalizing the South Side of Chicago, aligning with community needs through affordable housing development across 42 lots, with no residential units planned within the park itself. Significant funding commitments, including a $1 billion pledge from PsiQuantum and additional support from government sources, establish a strong financial foundation for the initiative.
