Illinois Tech Grows Research Footprint, Securing Prime Space at TCC’s Fulton Labs

CHICAGO—November 3, 2023—Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) has leased approximately 34,295 square feet in Trammell Crow Company’s (TCC) Fulton Labs innovation hub, announced today by the Chicago office of TCC, a global real estate developer. Illinois Tech will occupy the entire 7th floor of the cutting-edge wet lab facilities at 400 North Aberdeen, aiming to fuel scientific breakthroughs and industry-relevant research as the first academic institution to join the thriving and collaborative innovation ecosystem alongside their Fulton Labs neighbors, which include Portal Innovations and the Chan Zuckerberg BioHub. 400 North Aberdeen will mark the university’s first off-campus move to a commercial research hub, which it will occupy in Fulton Market by late summer of 2024. 

“As Chicago's only technology-focused university, Illinois Tech is uniquely positioned to advance cutting-edge innovations, offering a distinctive education and unique research program focused on using science, technology, and design thinking to address global challenges,” said Illinois Tech Provost Kenneth Christensen. “As the first academic institution to be part of this hub of innovation at Fulton Labs, we're not only setting the pace but also fortifying a diverse and thriving innovation ecosystem.”

Illinois Tech will utilize Fulton Labs to expand its research and development presence and drive innovation. Researchers will focus on biomedical and biological engineering, including sensors, separation science, and electrochemical energy materials, along with more biology-focused research, such as therapeutics development. These advanced research facilities, along with opportunities to collaborate with employers, offer Illinois Tech students exposure to industry-aligned research that is an integral part of the Elevate experiential learning experience that Illinois Tech offers students. At Fulton Labs, Illinois Tech will help grow a vibrant ecosystem, collaborating internally and with nearby partners.

“In the dynamic realm of scientific research, partnership and collaboration are more than mere concepts—they are the driving forces of groundbreaking discoveries that lead to impact for humanity,” said Christensen. "By championing an ecosystem that thrives on shared resources and mutual growth, we are laying the foundation for a future where innovation knows no bounds. Expanding our research footprint to Fulton Labs is the natural next step to advance synergistic scientific collaborations in an ever-evolving landscape.” 

“Illinois Tech growing its R&D and innovation presence at Fulton Labs further validates the promise of innovation and access to a wealth of science-forward talent in Chicago,” said Johnny Carlson of TCC. “The University will be able to catalyze innovation within the neighborhood, where many other prominent ecosystem drivers, like Portal Innovations and the Chan Zuckerberg BioHub, have recently established a presence. Illinois Tech is the first academic institution to lean in off-campus to create an innovation hub in the city. Being near like-minded companies and institutions will allow Illinois Tech to support student and faculty advancement, and enhance student networking and job opportunities.”

Dan Lyne of CBRE represented TCC in the deal, while Max Zwolan and Scott Brandwein of JLL represented Illinois Tech. Perkins&Will designed Illinois Tech’s space at the building. Power Construction is the general contractor of this project. 

“Chicago is really starting to flex its core scientific and innovative roots,” said Lyne. “The success of the Fulton Labs campus, attracting powerhouses like Illinois Tech and so many other biotech and science-focused companies, is measurably moving the needle for the city’s business and life sciences ecosystem on the global stage.”  

TCC’s Fulton Labs campus – totaling 725,000 square feet across two world-class buildings – is part of the firm’s 1.2-million-square-foot life science portfolio in Chicagoland, which also includes the under-construction Evanston Labs (175,000 square feet) and Hyde Park Labs (302,000 square feet), both slated for delivery in 2024.

“At its core, true impact is born from the fusion of innovation with collaboration. By establishing our presence at Fulton Labs, we're embracing a philosophy that believes in pushing boundaries through collective endeavor,” said Christensen. “With this expansion, Illinois Tech is not just broadening its geographical reach but also amplifying its relevance in the ever-evolving world of technology and research. Our aspiration is clear: to shape a future with relevant and impactful research that resonates locally and globally.”

With this strategic move, Illinois Tech continues to position itself as a leading force in innovation, research, and collaboration, proving once again its commitment to driving growth and shaping the future.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and progress for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the living lab of the city, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit Illinois Tech.edu.

Trammell Crow Company

Trammell Crow Company (TCC) is a global commercial real estate developer and wholly-owned subsidiary of CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas. Founded in 1948, TCC has developed or acquired nearly 2,900 buildings valued at $75 billion and over 655 million square feet. As of September 30, 2023, TCC had $15.4 billion of projects in process and $14.5 billion in its pipeline. It employs 650 professionals in 28 major cities throughout the United States and Europe. The company serves users of and investors in office, industrial/logistics, healthcare, life sciences and mixed-use projects, as well as multi-family residential through its operating subsidiary High Street Residential. For more information visit www.TrammellCrow.com.

Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. The firm is committed to creating a better, beautiful, more equitable world through Living Design, an approach that integrates environmental, social, and design considerations to advance ecological health and well-being. Architizer named Perkins&Will the world’s “Best Sustainable Firm” in 2023, and Metropolis named it “Firm of the Year” in 2022 for its industry leadership in advancing climate action and social justice. Fast Company named Perkins&Will one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in Architecture three times, and in 2021, it added the firm to its list of Brands That Matter—making Perkins&Will the first architecture practice in the world to earn the distinction. With an international team of more than 2,500 professionals, Perkins&Will has 30 studios worldwide, providing integrated services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture. Partners include Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects; Portland; Nelson\Nygaard; and Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). For more information, visit www.perkinswill.com.

Media contacts

Petra Kelly
Communications Director
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773.771.1064
pkelly6@Illinois Tech.edu 

Elise Maguire Ferrara
U.S. Communications and Media Manager
Trammell Crow Company
emaguire@trammellcrow.com