The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) was proposed as a major hub for innovation and learning in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Planned as a $250 million, approximately 230,000‑square‑foot facility, DPI was designed to accommodate thousands of students along with more than 500 researchers and partners. The project was envisioned as a cornerstone of The 78, a $7 billion mixed‑use development along the Chicago River, and a key investment in the city’s growing technology and research ecosystem.
Led by the University of Illinois System in partnership with local and global research universities, DPI was to create a flexible, forward‑looking environment supporting education, applied research, and workforce development. The project’s goals focused on attracting and retaining top talent, fostering collaboration, and helping generate high‑tech jobs in Chicago.
Primera provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering services for the design of the facility. The plumbing design supported a wide range of academic and research functions, incorporating domestic water, sanitary and vent systems, stormwater drainage, special waste, lab gas, laboratory supply and waste piping, equipment compressed air, irrigation, and domestic hot water systems. These systems were carefully coordinated with the building’s mechanical, electrical, and architectural designs to ensure efficient operation, code compliance, and long‑term flexibility.
Primera’s mechanical scope included the design of central boiler and chiller plants, air handling and distribution systems, lab exhaust and makeup air, atrium purge, natural gas distribution, and a building automation system. Fire protection services encompassed sprinkler, standpipe, and special suppression systems, along with fire and jockey pumps. The electrical design included utility service, power distribution, lighting, fire alarm systems, emergency and standby power, and infrastructure for telecommunications, audiovisual, and security systems, supporting DPI’s vision as a high‑performance, future‑ready research and education facility.
This project was not constructed, read more here.
Renderings courtesy of OMA.
