DePaul University has begun demolishing a row of former student apartments in the Lincoln Park district of Chicago, clearing the site for a new four‑story basketball practice complex that will serve the school's athletic programs.
University officials say the project is part of a broader effort to upgrade the school's athletic infrastructure and to give its basketball program a dedicated space that can accommodate year‑round training and recruitment.
The demolition marks the latest phase of a multi‑year campus development plan that seeks to modernize facilities while maintaining DePaul's commitment to competitive sports at the NCAA Division I level.
Preservation advocates, however, argue that the removal of the housing stock will alter the character of a neighborhood that has long been valued for its historic row‑houses and tight‑knit community feel.
Community Response and Preservation Efforts
Local preservation groups have voiced concerns that the project could set a precedent for future redevelopment in the area, potentially reshaping the streetscape and limiting affordable housing options for students and residents.
City planning officials have confirmed that the construction complies with zoning regulations, but they have also indicated that the change may influence upcoming land‑use decisions in the neighborhood.
Construction crews are expected to continue work through the summer, after which the new facility will be ready for use by the basketball team, signaling a significant step in DePaul's athletic ambitions while the surrounding community monitors the long‑term impact.