Related Midwest & CRG to Develop Quantum Innovation Complex in 400-acre in South Chicago

Related Midwest, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, PsiQuantum, CRG, Clayco, and other development partners recently announced the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park (IQMP). This new quantum innovation campus marks the beginning of a broader 400-acre master plan at 8080 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive in the South Chicago neighborhood.

Co-Development and Site Details

The IQMP will be co-developed by Related and CRG for PsiQuantum, a leader in quantum computing technology. The park will be situated on the former U.S. Steel South Works site along Lake Michigan, one of the largest contiguous infill waterfront properties in the U.S. The IQMP will occupy 128 acres at the southern end of the site, featuring cryo facilities, equipment labs, and collaborative spaces for private companies and universities.

Expertise and Vision

Related and its partners bring extensive experience in large-scale developments to the IQMP project. Curt Bailey, President of Related Midwest, emphasized the ambition to create a next-generation quantum campus that will elevate Chicago and Illinois globally. The development aims to catalyze investment in the South Chicago neighborhood and lay the foundation for emerging industries.

Public-Private Investment

Jeff T. Blau, CEO of Related Companies, highlighted the importance of the IQMP as a public-private investment in South Chicago's future as a technology and infrastructure hub. Leveraging expertise in complex real estate and infrastructure projects, Related aims to provide comprehensive solutions in this growing sector.

Project Phases and Timeline

The first phase of the IQMP, designed by Lamar Johnson Collaborative, will cover approximately 30 acres and is expected to be completed by 2027. Clayco will serve as the general contractor for this initial phase. Michael Fassnacht of Clayco expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with PsiQuantum and the project's potential to advance quantum computing research and innovation.

PsiQuantum's Role and Vision

PsiQuantum, based in Palo Alto, California, is focused on building the world's first commercially useful quantum computer. Fariba Danesh, COO of PsiQuantum, described the project as a generational endeavor at an iconic location, expressing excitement about the aggressive timeline and the innovative public-private partnership with Related and CRG.

Continued Investment in Tech Community

The development of the IQMP and 8080 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive continues Related's investment in Chicago's tech community. Previously, Related donated land at The 78 for the University of Illinois System's Discovery Partners Institute (DPI), supporting tech talent development and research. The IQMP project further strengthens Chicago's position as a global leader in technology.

Strategic Location and Accessibility

The site at 8080 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive is strategically located 10 miles from the Loop, near the Metra Electric 87th Street station, CTA bus routes, the Chicago Skyway, and other major thoroughfares. It also lies within the Illinois International Port District, providing access to multimodal transportation and offering high power and water capacity for advanced technology industries.