DPI's history
Formally known as the Chicago Assembly Plant, the factory at 126th Street and Torrence Avenue has been in continuous operation longer than any other Ford manufacturing facility.
October 2017
Gov. Bruce Rauner, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and University of Illinois President Tim Killeen announce plans for the Discovery Partners Institute, which would give the school’s tech researchers, faculty and students a presence in Chicago.
June 2018
Illinois legislators appropriate up to $500 million for the Discovery Partners Institute, a 1 million-square-foot facility that would serve 2,000 students and 100 faculty.
December 2020
The Pritzker Foundation donates
$10 million for programs focused on tech training and education.
February 2020
Gov. JB Pritzker authorizes $500 million for statewide innovation network, including $230 million to build 250,000-square-foot DPI headquarters in Chicago.
March 2022
DPI gets title to one acre of land near 15th and Wells streets that’s part of the 62-acre property known as The 78.
September 2022
DPI revises plans for the project, reducing size to 200,000 square feet, because of rising construction costs.
March 2024
RFPs issued for construction.
February 2024
CEO Bill Jackson steps down.
Source: Crain's reporting
Credit: Mark Segal
Credit: Bloomberg
Bruce Rauner