The university announced on August 6 that it has been granted a full construction permit for its much‑debated basketball center on North Sheffield Avenue. The approval came after a 122‑day waiting period that began on April 6, extending the timeline for a project that has already attracted considerable neighborhood attention.
The permit package includes authorization to demolish three adjacent structures — 2300, 2310 and 2316 North Sheffield Avenue — with demolition costs estimated at $180,000, $45,000 and $86,000 respectively. Together with earlier caisson work and storm‑water management approvals, the overall budget now stands at roughly $42.4 million.
Key players in the development
Bully & Andrews has been named the general contractor, while Antunovich Associates is responsible for the architectural design. HNTB contributed renderings that illustrate the planned facility, which is intended to serve as the home court for the Blue Demons beginning with the 2028‑2029 season.
Demolition activity has already begun on two of the targeted buildings. By July 26, 2308 and 2314 North Sheffield Avenue were being torn down by Heneghan Wrecking, though progress on the remaining sites has been slowed by restricted alley access that limits equipment movement.
Construction outlook
Officials project that the entire construction process could take up to 24 months, a timeline that aligns with the university’s goal of having the venue ready for the 2028/2029 basketball season. If the schedule holds, the new center will modernize DePaul’s athletic infrastructure and provide a dedicated space for both the men’s and women’s programs.
The development also reflects a broader investment in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, where the university has pledged to engage with local stakeholders throughout the build‑out. The project’s financial footprint, anchored by a multi‑million‑dollar budget, underscores its significance beyond the campus boundary.