So I’m hearing rumors of new construction on the Southside, any news there?
@Chrchill happy now? %-(
always – How safe is Washington Park ?
@Chrchill please stop derailing the thread. Washington Park is not south of campus nor are there any planned dorms in it.
To answer your question - uh, it’s fine, mostly. People are scared to cross the park at night but tbh I’ve done it a few times after dark (by myself and with others) and never even seen anyone else, let alone got mugged.
The neighborhood has some pretty bad blocks but along Garfield Boulevard it’s mostly fine.
With the Obama Library anchoring other developments in Woodlawn (residential units, grocery stores, renovated Green Lines, small businesses), it makes a lot of sense why UC would build a dorm near, I assume, the library. The real estate there will be in a prime location once everything settles in five years. New academic buildings in that vicinity are likely next as there are few viable alternatives left. What was unthinkable years ago is going to become reality – the area immediately south of campus will be considered “safe”.
Washington Park is a different story. It’s huge, poorly lit, difficult to patrol, and unsafe. And it borders the western part of campus. Think of the layout of the campus surroundings. 53rd is now a commercial and entertainment district, and north of that is Kenwood, a relatively wealthy residential area. Further north is Bronzeville, which is independently gentrifying. East is the lake. South will soon be a “new” Woodlawn anchored by the Obama Library. All that is left to develop is west of campus, which is most challenging given the huge park that serves little utility at the moment besides acting as a buffer, as well as the extreme conditions just beyond it.
That UC chose to place its arts programming west of campus is deliberate. Its gentrification 101.
Are you sure its a dorm and not a hotel? Based on these it is a “Study Hotel” much like the ones in Yale and Penn. The old Hyde Park Day school will be where it is at.
Learn something new:
Midway to 63rd is no longer called “Woodlawn” it is now called “Hyde Park South”. Get on with the times people! 
http://chicago.curbed.com/2017/3/24/15052884/hyde-park-hotel-development-university-of-chicago
Wait, why are you guys talking about Washington Park? As far as I can tell, Obama Library will be in Jackson Park by the lake.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama_Presidential_Center
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/obamalibrary/ct-obama-library-kamin-met-0328-20170328-story.html
I had some business to attend to in Hyde Park this week. To cut through the early morning rush hour traffic I actually drove on Garfield all the way into Hyde Park. I have to say Washington Park is not as scary looking as it was in the 1980’s. I was under the impression that Obama Library would be built in Washington Park thus providing a major boost to the area.
Upon closer examination I then realize that Obama Library will be established at the Jackson Park area. Woodlawn will then be the major beneficiary of Obama Library.
That would make sense to me as U of C has already fired the first shot by building the multi-million dorm and art center south of Midway Plaisance. Further extending the footprint to the south makes sense in conjunction with the Obama Library. .
@85bears46 Chicago Bears pick Trubisky???
@CU123 Sigh, if there is a city making more dumb sports decisions than Chicago, please tell me.
Over the years within the Chicago sports franchise there have been managers, coaches and scouts who liked to thumb their noses to conventional wisdom by making stunningly crazy gambles. It would be okay if at least one third of the pick worked out but they didn’t. So the fans just have to shake their heads and suffer silently.
@85bears46 Well, I hope he works out.
@85bears46 The U of C is likely to put up a few more buildings south of 60th, but major expansions past 61st would be a much bigger step. To make a long story short, the university has a longstanding agreement with the Woodlawn community not to build anything south of 61st.
For a longer version, here’s what I wrote on another thread a few days ago:
@DunBoyer Thank you for your insight.
The gentrification of Woodlawn has already started. Just out of curiosity my wife and I are checking out the real estate market of Woodlawn online and we are surprised to see many new houses being built and sold. Smart money sees the potential of Obama Library and is already buying lots and building multi-unit buildings. I would guess the expansion of U of C southward is just a matter of time despite the agreement with the Woodlawn community. In another 10 to 15 years a much more affluent Woodlawn community may even welcome an U of C expansion.
From the Maroon:
Zimmer: The Maroon sat down with the president of the University last week. Here are some highlights:
• Zimmer expressed concern over the substantial cuts to science in Trump’s proposed budget: “It is certainly the case that if that budget were implemented it would have a very significant negative effect on science research in the country, and it would have a significant negative impact on every major research university, including us… If that budget were enacted, it would be a concern.”
• He held the line on controversial speakers, reiterating that campus groups should be able to invite whoever they want to speak and that the University is committed to facilitating these events.
• The University is planning more development on the south end of campus, which could include a new residence hall. =D>
• As president, Zimmer has been spending a lot of time on:
o fledgling academic programs (like molecular engineering and neuroscience), developments in computer science, and arts programs; =D>
o fundraising to increase campus accessibility;
o improving relations with the South Side and Chicago communities, and building global relationships; =D>
o and the hospital. =D>