DePaul University Begins Demolition for New 70k SF Basketball Training Center

• Demolition is underway on multiple buildings along North Sheffield Avenue to make way for DePaul University's new 70,000-square-foot basketball training facility.
• The four-story project will serve both the men's and women's basketball programs with modern practice courts and athletic amenities.
• Designed by Antunovich Associates and HNTB, the facility is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete once construction begins.

What Is Being Built at DePaul University

DePaul University has officially begun clearing the site for its new basketball training center on its Lincoln Park campus. Demolition crews are removing a row of vintage buildings along 2300–2316 N. Sheffield Ave. to prepare the property for construction of a new 70,000-square-foot athletic facility. The project was approved by the Chicago Plan Commission in November 2025 and later received approval from the Chicago City Council in December. A caisson permit was issued in June, while the full building permit remains pending.

What the New Athletic Center Will Include

The four-story facility is designed to become the primary practice and training home for DePaul University's men's and women's basketball teams. Plans call for regulation-sized basketball courts along with training, conditioning, and sports performance spaces intended to support player development and recruitment. University officials say the investment will strengthen DePaul's athletic programs and improve its ability to compete within the Big East Conference and on the national stage. Renderings show a contemporary athletic facility featuring expansive glass façades and modern architectural elements that will complement the surrounding campus.

What Construction Looks Like Today

Demolition is currently underway on several buildings along North Sheffield Avenue. Work has begun on 2308 N. Sheffield Ave. and 2314 N. Sheffield Ave., while additional demolition permits are pending for neighboring structures that will also be cleared as part of the project. Although much of the activity is taking place behind temporary fencing, crews have already begun interior demolition as preparation continues for the next phase of construction. Once demolition is complete, foundation work is expected to begin shortly afterward.

What This Means for DePaul's Campus

The new basketball center represents a significant investment in DePaul University's athletic infrastructure and campus modernization efforts. Replacing several aging buildings with a purpose-built training facility will provide student-athletes with updated practice, training, and performance spaces while reinforcing the university's long-term commitment to competitive athletics. With demolition now in progress, the project moves one step closer to becoming one of the most significant new athletic facilities on DePaul's Lincoln Park campus.