Loyola University Chicago Expansion Plan

Loyola University Chicago Expansion Plan

Introduction

In 2004, Loyola University Chicago compiled a study to research future expansion opportunities for the university. As part of strategic discussions, an expanded and open planning process encompassed more than sixty meetings and interview sessions with campus and community representatives from the neighboring Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods.


Context

The goal of the University is to increase enrollment over all its campuses to approximately 15,000 students or about 1,000 more than the 2004 enrollment. This means there will be a proportional increase in demand on the Lake Shore Campus academic facilities, now serving approximately 9,000 undergraduate students.

The focus of the campus will continue to be the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Graduate School and the undergraduate Nursing program. The curricular and campus life programs will inemphasize the importance of drawing people together in collaborative settings. The proposed Lake Shore Campus Plan has been developed to support and advance the university's aspirations.


Strategic Overview

Based on careful, study, capital improvements will be channeled into four sectors. These are the Central Campus and South Campus sectors, where the University now has the strongest presence and greatest physical resources; the North Campus, where limited development is envisioned; and West Campus, a Tax Increment Financing district, or TIF.


North Campus

North Campus is the University Land north of West Loyola Avenue. The east boundary is Lake Michigan and the western boundary is North Sheridan Road. Notable University-owned structures include Campion Hall at one end of West Loyola Avenue and Santa Clara Hall at the other.

It is expected that any University development in this area will be limited in scope. Any new construction will be in scale with the nearby private residences. Functions will be in keeping with surrounding land uses.

Depending upon funding and approvals, it would be desirable to construct a pedestrian/bike path along the shoreline east of Santa Clara Hall to provide access from Central Campus to Hartigan Park and Beach.


West Campus / TIF

These parcels lie to the west of the CTA right-of-way, along North Broadway Avenue and North Sheridan Road, and will continue to be studied for a variety of tax-yielding community improvement projects. Housing and parking along with new and enhansed university-owned retail space will be developed.


South Campus

The area is a mix of private and University land uses, bounded by West Sheridan Road to the north. North Broadway Avenue to the west, and North Sheridan Road to the east. The block east of North Sheridan, where the Sullivan building and the Yellow House are located, is also part of the South Campus.

The University expects to continue to use its existing properties for student housing and related activities, adding additional structures when there is opportunity to do so. New University development is anticipated to be compararible with the current community context (a densely built, urban neighborhood). New architecture will establish and reinforce the University's presence and character in the area.


Central Campus

Numerous improvements are planned on Central Campus.
(NOTE: Damen Hall is to be demolished.)