bring the dream home
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Transformative impact
In alignment with DePaul President Rob Manuel’s vision to design the institution’s future as the national leader in higher education, the Board of Trustees authorized a philanthropic expansion aimed at transforming DePaul’s athletic facilities and creating three interdisciplinary academic institutes.
These investments are being strategically prioritized now to foster long-term financial health for the entire university as athletic success on a national scale will elevate the university’s brand, reputation, and self-generated revenues. Attributable revenue growth from admissions, philanthropy, and auxiliary revenues will allow DePaul to make future investments in academic and institution-based initiatives.
The athletics projects were approved unanimously by DePaul’s Board of Trustees after 18 months of board, campus leadership, shared governance, and Lincoln Park community conversations.
Our goal
DePaul is trailblazing a championship experience that prioritizes success for all 215+ of our student-athletes, and elevates the national visibility and reputation of our institution. Our 15 sports are ready to go to the next level — and dare to go beyond. Our dreams are more than big. They're championship sized.
Dreams Done.
This is a historic opportunity for DePaul that will immediately boost the trajectory of all 15 of our varsity athletics programs. Every single DePaul student-athlete will soon have access to industry-leading training, practice, sports performance, sports medicine, and wellness facilities. These investments will provide our student-athletes and coaches the resources to train, recruit, and compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.
Our entire university will benefit from a healthy, vibrant athletics program. Athletic success will enhance national visibility, brand awareness, and affinity for DePaul, while positively affecting enrollment and tuition revenue, retention, ancillary revenues, and philanthropic support.
It’s time to be Chicago’s Team.
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Rob Manuel
DePaul University President
While the addition of Wintrust Arena has increased our visibility, ability to recruit, and footprint in Chicago, DePaul must continue taking steps towards being able to provide each of our 15 sports programs with the facilities they need to be competitive in the BIG EAST Conference. A championship culture begins with the environment we create—from recruiting to practice, training to game time—we need to invest in every aspect of the student-athlete experience.
The estimated total of approximately $60 million for both capital projects will be funded primarily through donor gifts. Accordingly, the Philanthropy Committee of DePaul’s Board of Trustees has approved two focused fundraising campaigns—the first to support academic initiatives focused on improving reputation and quality and increasing interdisciplinary activities, and the second to assist in the funding of these capital projects.
These investments are being strategically prioritized now to foster long-term financial health for the entire university. Athletic success on a national scale will elevate the university’s brand, reputation, and self-generated revenues. Attributable revenue growth from admissions, philanthropy, and auxiliary revenues will allow DePaul to make future investments in academic and institution-based initiatives.
DeWayne Peevy
Vice President & Director of Athletics
SUPPORTING ALL STUDENT-ATHLETES
For the first time in DePaul Athletics history, each varsity sports program will have its own locker room. Complete with personal space, movable furniture and whiteboards, this is where bonds are built—in a dedicated team space before even stepping out into the competition venue.
Top-tier recruitment
First impressions matter. We will recruit elite athletic talent to DePaul through academics, teams, coaches, programs and more, but we’ll open the door through our dedicated recruiting room.
Utilized by all 15 sports, a new recruiting space will tell the storied history of DePaul Athletics with striking visuals and interactive technology. Recruits will picture themselves as Blue Demons, while family members connect with coaches and staff in a comfortable lounge area.
Ace addition
With the addition of a new, basketball practice facility, spaces in the Sullivan Athletics Center will be reimagined to allow for every team to have their own locker room for the first time in DePaul Athletics’ history.
DePaul Volleyball will take center stage in a modernized McGrath-Phillips Arena with dedicated features to support the program’s unique needs. Fan engagement and visual enhancements in the space will allow the arena to become more dynamic for both DePaul events and outside community rentals.
Space reallocations in the Sullivan Athletics Center will allow for the addition of desperately needed office space for both coaches and staff, an expanded weight room and academic center, and a lounge to support recruiting for all sports.
Stronger together
Hard work: We’re known for it, but it’s time we had a place for it that can appropriately accommodate all our student-athletes. The renovated Sullivan Athletics Center will house a new, state-of-the-art weight room for Blue Demons to get better, faster, stronger. This is where gains are made, where champions find out what they’re made of.
Elite TRAINING FOR ALL STUDENT-ATHLETES
DePaul men’s and women’s basketball will move their training, practices, and operations across the street from the Sullivan Athletics Center to allow for more dedicated spaces to support the programs. The new facility will feature an exterior, brick façade that mirrors the neighborhood, and a pitched roof that pays homage to DePaul’s former Lincoln Park arena, Alumni Hall. Floor-to-ceiling glass around the gyms will serve as a prominent focal point for recruits, showing off stunning views of where the Blue Demons call home — Chicago.
Dedicated practice courts for each basketball program will greatly alleviate scheduling concerns, as all 15 of DePaul’s programs currently share the McGrath-Phillips Arena courts.
The first floor of the facility will be dedicated to the health and wellness of all 215+ DePaul student-athletes, and will include a team dining space, nutrition bar, new sports medicine treatment spaces and offices, hydrotherapy, a weight room, and multi-purpose meeting rooms.
Chicago's team
Blue Demons will never forget who they play for and what’s at stake as they practice on new, dedicated courts with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city of Chicago.
With their new home, each of DePaul's basketball programs will have dedicated, 24/7 space to practice and train. Additionally, the building provides an entire floor dedicated to health and wellness, and will include a team dining space, nutrition bar, new sports medicine treatment spaces and offices, hydrotherapy, a weight room, and multi-purpose meeting rooms. The building will also offer additional office space for support staff and expand the commitment to a championship athletics department.
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Join us
The time to make our dreams a reality is now. Philanthropic support is key to advancing these projects. With far-reaching benefits beyond sports, your support will leave a legacy at DePaul University now—and for generations to come. What we build today—higher visibility, increased affinity, stronger culture—feeds application volume, enrollment and retention.
Together, we will transform our institution and make an impact on all DePaul students. Join our huddle, and let’s win.
Design priorities
no added congestion
The construction of the new basketball practice facility will not bring new populations to campus. This project will be accessible to the same population we currently service, now spread out between two buildings.
sustainability
The project will be fully compliant with the City of Chicago’s Sustainable Development Policy by achieving 100 points for the construction of the new training facility from the DPD Sustainable Strategies Menu. Further, the project will meet, or exceed, the City of Chicago’s energy code and stormwater ordinances and will focus on several sustainable initiatives, including: indoor water use reduction, waste diversion, installation of rooftop solar panels, and bird protection.
Health & Wellness
A strong commitment to the health and wellness of DePaul student-athletes is being made in the design of both projects, including the addition of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery spaces, the addition of two sports performance training rooms, and spaces dedicated to DEI and mental health professionals.
community commitment
DePaul is committed to creating economic opportunities for minority-owned, woman-owned, and Chicago-based businesses. The targeted goal for subcontracted spending with both minority-owned and woman-owned businesses for the project is 32%.
school spirit & affinity
Unique design elements in both projects will be included to convey school spirit and enhance affinity with Blue Demon students, faculty, staff, and fans entering or passing by the buildings. Further, the design was intentionally developed in an aesthetic vernacular to be consistent with the surrounding neighborhood.
TOP-TIER RECRUITMENT
Design elements and dedicated recruiting spaces in each project will differentiate DePaul nationally from its peers. In addition, spaces will be added that show the unique history and tradition of DePaul Athletics and honor Blue Demon alumni.
They chose colors that were calming and inviting, and added furniture pieces that made people feel comfortable.
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Frequently asked questions
For more information, please contact Assistant Vice President of Athletics Advancement, Patrick Gray.
make a giftAfter an 18-month study, the university determined that the overall financial investment in DePaul Athletics has historically been materially lacking and has proven to be an impediment to program success.
Among the findings, DePaul currently stands as one of only two BIG EAST Conference programs without a dedicated basketball practice facility constructed or currently in the design phase for impending construction. Further, DePaul is among a small minority of Division I institutions that still do not offer locker rooms for each team, severely affecting the student-athlete experience and recruitment of potential students across all 15 sports. Each of the two proposed projects are slated to fix DePaul Athletics’ most pressing needs and provide space for future growth.
These investments are being strategically prioritized now to foster long-term financial health for the entire university. Athletics success on a national scale will elevate the university’s brand, reputation, and self-generated revenues. Attributable revenue growth from admissions, philanthropy, and auxiliary revenues will allow DePaul to make future investments in academic and institution-based initiatives.
Yes, all 215+ student-athletes and all 15 sports programs will benefit from these projects through the creation of dedicated locker rooms for all varsity sports—for the first time in school history—in addition to modernized sports performance, sports medicine, team meeting room, and nutritional spaces for all student-athletes. These investments will provide our student-athletes and coaches the resources to train, recruit, and compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.
Wintrust Arena serves as a state-of-the-art facility for game day and pre-game practices; however, its non-DePaul event calendar, and the logistics of daily transportation to Wintrust Arena are not feasible for regular practice when considering academic commitments on the Lincoln Park Campus. Additionally, all student-athlete support services are located on the Lincoln Park Campus.
A dedicated basketball practice is not uncommon among our peers; in fact, it’s considered the industry standard. DePaul currently stands as one of only two BIG EAST Conference programs without a dedicated basketball practice facility constructed or currently in the design phase for impending construction.
The estimated total of approximately $60 million for both capital projects will be funded primarily through donor gifts. The projects have dependencies between them, so one cannot be accomplished fully without the other; however, the projects can run concurrently once said dependencies are met.
As part of a larger university philanthropic expansion, the Philanthropy Committee of DePaul’s Board of Trustees has approved two focused fundraising campaigns—the first to support academic initiatives focused on interdisciplinary research and learning, and the second to assist in the funding of these capital projects for DePaul Athletics.
Philanthropic support and corporate naming opportunities key to advancing these projects, and fundraising is currently underway in earnest.
The estimated total of approximately $60 million for both capital projects will be funded primarily through donor gifts. The projects have dependencies between them, so one cannot be accomplished fully without the other; however, the projects can run concurrently once said dependencies are met.
As part of a larger university philanthropic expansion, the Philanthropy Committee of DePaul’s Board of Trustees has approved two focused fundraising campaigns—the first to support academic initiatives focused on interdisciplinary research and learning, and the second to assist in the funding of these capital projects for DePaul Athletics.
Philanthropic support and corporate naming opportunities will be key to the advancement of these projects and fundraising is already underway.DePaul’s initial feasibility study was key in determining the most cost-effective option that accomplished the goals outlined in the Athletic Department’s comprehensive needs assessment and affected the most student-athletes possible, while also leaving flexible spaces to adapt to evolving needs and future growth.
These investments are being strategically prioritized now to foster long-term financial health for the entire university. Athletic success on a national scale will elevate the university’s brand, reputation, and self-generated revenues. Attributable revenue growth from admissions, philanthropy, and auxiliary revenues will allow DePaul to make future investments in academic and institution-based initiatives.
Further, these investments are a historic and transformational opportunity for DePaul that will immediately boost the trajectory of all 15 of our varsity athletics programs. Upon completion, every DePaul student-athlete will have access to industry-leading training, practice, sports performance, sports medicine, and wellness facilities. These investments will provide our student-athletes and coaches the resources to train, recruit, and compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.
The feasibility study was key in determining the most cost-effective option that accomplished the goals set forth in the needs assessment and affected the most student-athletes possible, while also leaving flexible spaces to adapt to evolving needs and future growth.
The basketball practice facility will be constructed at the corner of Belden Avenue and Sheffield Avenue on DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus, across the street from the current Sullivan Athletics Center. The facility will replace a few currently constructed, DePaul-owned and privately managed housing properties. DePaul’s Sheffield Square student apartment complex will not be affected, nor any other academic spaces.
The university considered a variety of concepts as part of a robust feasibility study. After conducting a needs assessment with student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff, reviewing benchmarking data from peer BIG EAST institutions, and discussing with campus partners, DePaul adopted the proposed model.
Key factors in the selection of the proposed location were property costs, student-athlete and staff access, proximity to student-athlete housing and other support services, and other ancillary costs that would be incurred with off-campus locations.
The renovation of the Sullivan Athletics Center will not affect any other buildings or spaces. The new basketball practice facility is currently planned for the northwest corner of Sheffield and Belden, across from the Sullivan Athletic Center, where a recently acquired, university-owned apartment complex currently is constructed. There are four other smaller buildings in this area, including the current Athletics Annex and other housing-managed properties. The demolition of these buildings would not begin until summer 2025 at the earliest. No academic spaces will be affected by either project.
DePaul’s consulting team has performed due diligence research and has not identified any known architects or uncovered historically significant occupants or events at the proposed construction site.
The university considered a variety of concepts as part of a robust feasibility study. After conducting a needs assessment with student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff, reviewing benchmarking data from peer BIG EAST institutions, and discussing with campus partners, DePaul adopted the proposed model.
Key factors in the selection of the proposed location were property costs, student-athlete and staff access, proximity to student-athlete housing and other support services, and other ancillary costs that would be incurred with off-campus locations.
This question is commonly referenced regarding the parcel on the northwest corner of Fullerton and Sheffield. The parcel is reserved for academic and student services. DePaul has approved zoning to develop a future mixed-use housing and academic facility on that site. In the meantime, this site has current contractual obligations in place for tenants who serve our community, including RUSH Physical Therapy and the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The other often proposed location, the Sheffield Parking Garage, is not suitable for different factors, including:
- DePaul’s Public Safety force is stationed on the third floor of the adjacent Centennial Hall building and must have immediate access to its squad cars for emergency response on campus.
- DePaul recently announced plans to build a new Welcome Center facility on the first and second floors of the adjacent Centennial Hall in the former Whole Foods space. The new Welcome Center is intended to have direct access to the parking garage to facilitate an improved campus visit experience for prospective students and their families.
- The north wall of the Sullivan-McGrath facility shares the south wall of the parking structure. Demolishing the parking structure would expose the three and a half levels of occupied space to the elements, deeming the building uninhabitable for a prolonged period. This would halt all community facility rentals, team practices, and NCAA competitions in the space.
- It is also important to note that if the Sheffield Parking Structure were to be taken out of service, the University would lose approximately 350 parking spaces. This will result in a large deficit of available spaces which the University is committed to maintaining through its agreements with the various Neighborhood Groups, as well as is required for compliance with the Planned Development.
Finally, a third location often referenced is Lot E, located at Belden and Seminary. This space is not a large enough site to accommodate the proposed new basketball practice facility. The urban garden site at Belden and Bissell is also not large enough. There are no other available sites on campus with an adequate footprint to accommodate the proposed Practice Facility.
The proposed Basketball Practice Facility was not envisioned during the development of the prior master plan. However, as part of the proposed revision to the master plan, the practice facility will be situated in what was always intended to be the “Core Academic Zone” on campus. This zone represents the inward-facing facilities that primarily serve DePaul students and comprise the geographic heart of the Lincoln Park Campus. In contrast, as per DePaul’s agreement with the surrounding community, the “Public Facing Zone” of campus, comprising the performance arts and mixed-use facilities, is situated at the periphery of campus, nearer to parking and more easily accessible to the broader community (Please refer to the Campus Use Diagram below).
The university conducted a needs assessment with student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff. We also reviewed further benchmarking data from peer BIG EAST Conference institutions. Upon completion of the feasibility study, Athletics shared the results with various committees of the Board of Trustees, university senior leadership, deans, the University Athletics Board, the Student Government Association, Faculty Council, Staff Council, the Strategic Resource Allocation Committee, and other key campus stakeholders, including Housing, Dining & Student Centers, in order to garner feedback and refine the proposal. This process took place over a period of 18 months.
Now is an acceptable period in DePaul’s history to remove low-density student housing for two reasons. First, like most universities across the country, we’ve had a period of enrollment decline in recent years. While enrollment is beginning to increase, we currently have approximately 2,100 fewer undergraduate students than our peak in the 2013-14 academic year.
Second, the capacity for DePaul Housing is currently outpacing demand, and as of November 2023, we currently have 75+ unoccupied beds available in our inventory. As enrollments continue to improve, the longer-term intention is to construct larger housing facilities with modern amenities that students have come to expect. As such, there are three sites approved for possible new student housing in the existing master plan.
DePaul engaged with and solicited feedback from former 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith, current 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen, and the city’s Department of Planning and Development. In addition, DePaul’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC), comprised of leaders of the surrounding neighborhood groups including the Sheffield Neighborhood Association, the Wrightwood Neighbors, the Seminary Townhome Association, the Lincoln Central Association, and the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, were initially given a high-level conceptual description of the project for feedback. From that feedback, the proposal was further revised, and the NAC was given an in-depth review of the need for the facility, the rationale for the development and proposed amendment of the Planned Development (PD) ordinance, and a review of the design by the lead architect. The university received positive initial feedback from these groups after these meetings.
The university then hosted a formal community meeting on Nov. 9, 2023, to outline the projects and garner further feedback from the larger community. The meeting was co-hosted by the Sheffield Neighborhood Association and moderated by Alderman Knudsen. Feedback from this meeting, as well as additional feedback from surrounding neighborhood groups, were reviewed and further revisions to the plan were made. A second, formal community meeting was held on Apr. 29, 2024, to detail the revised proposal, and seek further feedback from the community.
DePaul is committed to community feedback and engagement on these projects and will continue to work closely to ensure that concerns are heard, taken into consideration, and addressed whenever possible.
Resulting from community feedback and ongoing discussions, the following additions and revisions were made to the proposal and formally presented to DePaul’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) for review on Wednesday, April 10. The university detailed these revisions at a second, formal community meeting on Apr. 29, 2024.
- Square footage within the facility was reduced to add setbacks from the property line, and brick paving on the sidewalks, mirroring the intersection, and creating a more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
- Curved benches, surrounded by lush landscaping, were added to the sidewalks on both Sheffield and Belden avenues.
- The architectural details of the façade of the two lower levels were improved both in scale and articulation to emulate other DePaul buildings and better match the aesthetic vernacular of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The angled roof was slightly adjusted but remained included to pay homage to Alumni Hall.
- Solar panels were added to the roof of the facility for onsite renewable energy, which will offset 10% of energy consumption.
- Additional sustainability initiatives were added, including the addition of water use reduction fixtures, bird-friendly glass, and the addition of recycling of demolition and construction waste. With these, the project will be fully compliant with the City of Chicago’s Sustainable Development Policy. Further, the project will meet, or exceed, the City of Chicago’s energy code and stormwater ordinances.
- A commitment from DePaul to host a pre-construction meeting with neighbors.
- A commitment from DePaul to work with the Alderman’s Office and community organizations to activate the surface lot at Sheffield/Fullerton for community activities and explore the addition of electric vehicle charging stations for community use.
- A commitment from DePaul to continue existing community programs, including discounted parking, discounted gym memberships, meeting space rentals, hosting a polling place, library access, and discounted tickets to Lincoln Park athletic events.
- A commitment from DePaul Athletics to enhance access to community rentals within McGrath-Phillips Arena, as permissible by NCAA guidelines.
Design changes can be seen here.
Historic preservation has been a common theme in the feedback, and it’s a very important topic. While we agree that these buildings add to the character of the neighborhood, DePaul University’s consultants did not find any evidence of landmark potential. After several months of additional research, it’s clear the proposed site offers the most suitable location for this project’s needs while reserving other parcels on DePaul’s very limited campus footprint for future academic and student service projects already approved in the university’s master plan. Each of the properties are owned by DePaul and are not practicable for continued use in their current state. This location was also chosen due to its proximity to the existing athletics facilities at Sullivan Athletic Center, Wish Field, and Cacciatore Stadium.
DePaul is committed to historic preservation and will move forward with the historical landmarking of the exterior of Cortelyou Commons. In addition, DePaul will work with the Vincentian Order to preserve Byrne Hall and engage in an investment in the façade of O’Connell Hall so it can continue to serve as a staple on DePaul’s campus and the surrounding neighborhood. More information about the history of these iconic campus buildings, and the university’s commitment to preservation will be shared here soon.
The modernization of McGrath-Phillips Arena will provide a state-of-the-art competition venue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, perfect for evening entertainment outings, small events, and local school competitions as permissible by NCAA rules. The additional space alone will also allow for more collaboration with community groups for usable and rentable space in McGrath-Phillips Arena.
Overall financial strength from enrollment levels and student retention benefit the entire university and the surrounding Lincoln Park community in the form of stability in the number of faculty and staff jobs offered and the university’s economic impact on the neighborhood. The construction of both projects will further support new job opportunities and generate indirect tax revenue and permit-related fees payable to the city.
Further, the university is committed to creating economic opportunities for minority-owned, woman-owned, and Chicago-based businesses through the advancement of these projects. The targeted goal for subcontracted spending with both minority-owned and woman-owned businesses for the project is 32%.
The project will be fully compliant with the City of Chicago’s Sustainable Development Policy by achieving 100 points for the construction of the new training facility from the DPD Sustainable Strategies Menu. Further, the project will meet, or exceed, the City of Chicago’s energy code and stormwater ordinances and will focus on several sustainable initiatives, including: indoor water use reduction, waste diversion, installation of rooftop solar panels, and bird protection.
The construction of the new basketball practice facility will not bring new populations to campus. This project will be accessible to the same population we currently service, now spread out between two buildings.
The university will work carefully to ensure traffic impacts on Sheffield and Belden Avenue are minimized during the construction of the project. A pre-construction community meeting will be held once a construction vendor is selected to further discuss this impact.
Yes, there will be numerous opportunities to get involved and have your gift be recognized within either facility. For more information, please contact Patrick Gray at patrick.gray@depaul.edu
Facilities are critical for our program to recruit and retain top talent. The proposed facility projects will provide our student-athletes with industry-leading academic, training, recovery, and wellness resources and are crucial for us to compete in the BIG EAST Conference and nationally.
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DePaul is a University of great people and as great as the people may be, they still need great spaces to do their work. Our new basketball practice facility will be a game changer for both our present and future DePaul Hoopsters.
The addition of two new sports performance areas will provide the most impactful improvement I have seen in my 10 years at DePaul in our ability to maximize student-athletes' physical performance. Having an adequate and versatile space, along with state-of-the-art equipment is a must to accomplish this goal. I couldn’t be more excited about this project and the future results it will bring to the entire DePaul community.
These facility upgrades will greatly enhance the student-athlete experience here at DePaul. When they are finished, our program will have some of the best facilities in the BIG EAST Conference and across the country. It will be a massive change for us and our program. It’s truly an exciting time to be a part of DePaul Athletics!
McGrath-Phillips Arena is one of the most unique arenas in BIG EAST volleyball, and nationally, due to its intimate build. Volleyball fans are close to the court and can really impact match outcomes. This facility project will allow us to create an even more intimate in-game atmosphere that will connect the team to the fans at an elevated level and push our home-court advantage into new a gear. It will also give our athletes the resources they need, and come to expect, in a locker room and study rooms that are necessary for high levels of success.
These projects will be a tremendous asset for our student-athletes and all of DePaul. Both projects will provide new spaces for our team, and staff, and will signifcantly help in recruiting as we continue to strive for new heights.
Our women’s soccer program couldn’t be more excited about the future of DePaul Athletics. We are looking forward to the modernization and expansion of the athletic facilities, which will most certainly enhance the student-athlete experience. The future is bright for DePaul Athletics and there has never been a better time to be a Blue Demon!
I am thrilled with the announcement of of these facility projects. Being apart of the planning process has been so invigorating to experience. Seeing the meticulous thought and effort going into this project and how it will benefit every single team at DePaul means the world to me as a coach and our women’s tennis program. We will finally have our own locker room for the first time, and the opportunity to design and customize it to our unique needs. We are so grateful for this opportunity.
Through my time as a student-athlete and now coach at DePaul, we have always made do with spaces available. This project will truly allow us to prioritize the student-athlete experience and focus more efforts on training them to be the best athletes they can as they represent DePaul University.
