Over the past year, Curbed has kept tabs on several development plans and construction sites at the U of C campus. Our college campuses have been bastions of growth in a stagnant stretch. And now, unsurprisingly, the nation's 2nd priciest university has allocated $200 million in new bonds to build the Eckhardt Research Center at 5630-50 S Ellis Ave. The 40-year bonds demonstrate U of C's borrowing power and overall financial health. We've known this was coming, with renderings dating back to December.
According to Crain's, a portion of the $200 million will be spent on other projects, including expanding the laboratory schools, and renovating the former Chicago Theological Seminary building. An additional $280 million in bonds has been steered toward refinancing debt. Architect HOK partnered with artist Jamie Carpenter in the design. A couple months behind schedule, construction still expects to wrap up in February 2015. The project will provide 260,000 sq. ft. of space over seven floors (including two below ground). The building is named for William Eckhardt, alum, and futures trader who donated $20 million to the Center.
·U of C seeks $200 million in bonds, moves ahead on science building [Crain's]
·In the U of C's planned science building, the design byword is "let there be light" [Trib]
·U of C development archives [Curbed]
·Official Site: University of Chicago
Loading comments...