University of Illinois South Campus

The University sought a collaborative partnership with a developer to create a very large mixed-use development on vacant land south of the existing urban campus. In its submission as architect and planner, Daniel P. Coffey and Associates, Ltd. proposed that income generated by University properties, including Student Residences, University Offices, Parking and a Conference Center be combined with tax increment and land sales from privately developed Offices, Retail Space, Cinema, Hotels and Residential properties be used to fund the construction of non-income producing academic facilities, including a new College of Business, Chemical Sciences Building, and a Performing Arts Center. A significant innovation was the creation of urban retail and residential development that would create a new "Campus Town" neighborhood that would continue the transformation of the University from a commuter oriented campus to one that includes an on campus university community.