A New Era for Chicago: From Industrial Legacy to Technological Leadership

Chicago’s former South Works site, once a symbol of industrial might, is now poised to become a beacon of technological innovation and economic revitalization. As the project manager in the Chicago Mayor’s Office overseeing this transformative redevelopment, I am thrilled to share our vision and progress on this initiative, which includes the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), spearheaded by the Governor’s Office as a centerpiece of the project and underscores Chicago’s commitment to leading in the industries of tomorrow while uplifting our local communities.

A Vision for Transformation

This project represents a rare opportunity to reimagine 420 acres along Chicago’s lakefront. By partnering with PsiQuantum, a company at the forefront of quantum computing innovation and  Related Midwest, the site's master developer, we aim to build not just a technology hub but a community where innovation, sustainability and economic growth can thrive. The IQMP will be set to drive the future of quantum technology and advanced manufacturing—augmenting the South Works site's already storied industrial history—and will position Chicago and  Illinois, as global leaders in this emerging field. Additionally, the larger redevelopment will catalyze job creation, generate significant economic activity and, importantly, create pathways for residents of Chicago’s southeast side to access opportunities in these cutting-edge industries.

Community-Centered Development

While the IQMP will attract global attention, we have strived to keep our commitment to the South Chicago community at the heart of this project, ensuring that the voices of local residents are heard and reflected in the final outcomes. From public meetings to stakeholder convenings across a range of focus areas, we’ve made it a priority to work with local elected officials to engage and empower the community throughout the process.

Workforce development has been another critical pillar of our approach. Collaborations with Chicago Public Schools, Illinois’ wealth of colleges and universities and local training programs aim to prepare residents for careers in quantum computing, microelectronics and advanced manufacturing. Through these efforts, we hope to bridge the gap between the opportunities created by the redevelopment and the skills of local workers, ensuring that the benefits of this transformation are shared equitably.

Building Excitement for the Future

More than simply being a project, we want the IQMP to represent a statement about Chicago’s future. Global competition in quantum computing is accelerating. PsiQuantum’s groundbreaking work in building scalable quantum computers will attract talent, investment and innovation to our city, as will additional announcements of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Quantum Benchmarking Initiative and IBM’s collaboration to establish the new National Quantum Algorithm Center at the IQMP, creating a thriving ecosystem around this revolutionary technology.

The broader South Works redevelopment will amplify this impact. Mixed-use spaces, sustainable infrastructure and green spaces will enhance existing park space and redefine the South Side’s lakefront as a destination for residents and visitors alike. Just this month, Advocate Health announced plans for a new $300M hospital on the northern part of the site as part of a $1B investment in improving health outcomes on Chicago’s South Side. A holistic approach will ensure that the site becomes not just an economic driver but a vibrant and inclusive addition to the community.

Large projects inevitably encounter unexpected challenges. Flexibility and a willingness to explore creative solutions are key to navigating obstacles and staying on track.

 

Lessons in Stakeholder Coordination

Driving a project of this scale forward has required more than a compelling vision, of course. Meticulous coordination and collaboration across varied stakeholders, from state, county and  city officials to private developers, community leaders and local organizations, has been crucial to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.

One key takeaway has been the importance of bringing permitting and regulatory agencies into the process early. By engaging with these entities at the outset, we identified potential hurdles and collaboratively developed solutions before they became bottlenecks. This proactive approach can not only accelerate timelines but build trust and transparency.

Similarly, ensuring alignment across all levels of government has been paramount. From the state’s investment in quantum research to county support for workforce development programs and the city’s commitment to sustainable urban planning, every layer of government has had a role to play. Regular communication and shared objectives have been the foundation of our success in maintaining alignment and driving momentum.

Lessons for Large-Scale Projects

As we reflect on our progress, several key lessons stand out for anyone undertaking a project of this scale and complexity:

1. Engage Early and Often: Bringing stakeholders to the table early ensures that potential challenges are identified and addressed proactively. Open lines of communication are essential to maintaining trust and momentum.

2. Foster Alignment Across All Levels of Government: Success requires collaboration among city, county, state and  federal entities. Regular meetings and shared goals help align efforts and resources.

3. Prioritize Community Input and Benefits: Projects of this magnitude must serve the communities they impact. Engaging local residents and creating pathways for workforce participation are critical to ensuring equitable outcomes.

4. Adapt and Innovate: Large projects inevitably encounter unexpected challenges. Flexibility and a willingness to explore creative solutions are key to navigating obstacles and staying on track.

Looking Ahead

As we move closer to breaking ground, excitement for the IQMP and South Works redevelopment continues to build. This project is more than an investment in Chicago’s future; it is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation and community.

Together, we are not only transforming a site but shaping a brighter future for our city, our state and the next generation of leaders and innovators.