DePaul University is tearing down historic structures in Lincoln Park to erect a $50 million, four‑story basketball practice facility that will house two full‑size courts, locker rooms, training spaces and athletic offices. The project, funded entirely through athletics philanthropy, is intended to give the Blue Demons a dedicated training hub that officials say will help the programs compete nationally and boost the university’s athletic brand and self‑generated revenue.
Preservationists Sound the Alarm
Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, warned that several of the buildings slated for demolition date back to the 1880s and 1890s and are listed as significant in the Chicago Historic Resources Survey. He argued that the loss of roughly 80 apartments — some used for student housing — represents a blow to the neighborhood’s historic character and could further erode the Sheffield National Register District, a cherished area of the city.
Miller suggested that the university could have placed the facility on a nearby former grocery store site and a paved parking lot just a block north, a location that would have avoided the demolition of century‑old structures. He questioned whether financial constraints and recent enrollment declines might have limited DePaul’s options, but maintained that alternative sites were feasible.
University’s Defense and Community Engagement
DePaul officials contend that the new facility is essential for elevating the men’s and women’s basketball teams to a national level and for providing modern training resources that were previously unavailable. The university says it conducted an extensive feasibility study and needs assessment, consulting student‑athletes, coaches, athletics staff and campus partners before selecting the site. It also noted that it has designated two other campus buildings as Chicago landmarks as part of a broader community agreement.
The project reflects a broader tension between urban development and historic preservation in Lincoln Park, a neighborhood where historic buildings are disappearing amid limited protective zoning. While DePaul acknowledges that the construction will reduce on‑campus housing options, it points to a significant enrollment decline as a factor that influences the university’s strategic decisions.
Looking Ahead
Demolition is slated to continue through the initial phase of construction, with work expected to run through early September. The university says the new facility will be operational for the upcoming season, offering the Blue Demons a state‑of‑the‑art practice environment. Preservation advocates, however, remain poised to monitor the impact on the neighborhood’s historic landscape and housing stock, urging city officials to consider stronger protections for areas outside formal landmark districts.