University of Illinois Chicago

Experience the University of Illinois Chicago’s unique blend of architectural styles and academic vibrancy on this insightful tour.

Explore the country's first fully planned, public urban university, including the innovative architecture of Walter Netsch, a mid-20th century maverick.

Architects and Styles

Meet

Starbucks at 940 W. Harrison (inside the Academic and Residential Complex)

At UIC, Netsch's goal was to promote educational ideals through the design of the campus. The campus received awards from the architecture community, but the public is still debating the success of the project. The tour also delves into the controversy that the new campus sparked -- because of its bold, modern style, but also because its construction destroyed a working-class neighborhood. The tour ends with a visit to one of the remaining structures of that neighborhood, Jane Addams Hull House, once the country’s most famous settlement house.

Know before you go:

Parking and driving directions

This tour meets at the Starbucks located on 940 W. Harrison inside the Academic and Residential Complex. There are three options to arrive at the Starbucks located inside the Academic Residential Center (ARC): Take the “L” blue line stop at UIC, Harrison/Halsted Bus lines, or driving. If you are driving take exit 29A (Congress Parkway) off of 290 traveling east continue to Racine and south to Harrison where the Harrison Street Parking structure is located. If traveling westbound on 290, take exit 29B, south on Morgan to Harrison and west to the Harrison Street Parking Structure. From the Harrison Parking structure, it's a two-block walk to the meeting point. Parking rates are on their website.

This tour meets at the Starbucks located on 940 W. Harrison inside the Academic and Residential Complex.
After the tour has concluded, guests will have the opportunity to explore the Hull House on their own.
This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.