Chicago State University (CSU), in collaboration with CBRE, has initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) for University Village 95, a comprehensive mixed-use development designed to significantly expand student housing and serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization along Chicago’s 95th Street Corridor. The launch of the RFP, announced on Monday, July 28, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in CSU’s long-term strategic vision for the South Side of Chicago.
The proposed University Village 95 project is slated for approximately 232,000 square feet of new construction on a two-acre site. The initial phase aims to deliver up to 528 student beds and 25,000 square feet of retail space, with an anticipated occupancy targeted for 2027. This ambitious undertaking is a direct response to identified needs outlined in CSU’s 2023 Facilities Master Plan and the 95th Street Corridor Development Framework Plan.
As Illinois’ sole four-year Predominantly Black Institution, CSU contributes substantially to the state’s economy, generating an estimated $1.6 billion in annual income. This development is presented as a testament to the University’s ongoing dedication to equitable economic development, fostering a modern and vibrant hub that will benefit students, faculty, families, and the broader community.
“University Village 95 is more than a real estate project—it’s a commitment to equitable development through real estate investment,” stated Andrea Zopp, Chair of the CSU Board of Trustees. Zaldwaynaka (Z) Scott, President of Chicago State University, emphasized the project’s broader impact: “This is a generational opportunity to create a vibrant, transit-connected hub that meets the evolving needs of our students and surrounding community. University Village 95 will be a new front door to our campus and a catalyst for inclusive growth.”
The development’s strategic location along the 95th Street Corridor is crucial, as it functions as a key connector between Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods and major employment centers. The area benefits from substantial public and private investments, including a $280 million renovation of the 95th Street Red Line station, a $5.75 billion Red Line extension, and $56 million in upgrades to the nearby Metra station. Furthermore, Advocate Health Care has committed $1 billion in investments to Chicago’s South Side. CSU’s campus is also positioned adjacent to burgeoning economic hubs such as the $9 billion Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park and the Roseland Medical District.
A recent housing survey revealed a waiting list of over 90 beds and indicated demand for an additional 915 beds among current students. The assessment concluded that there is an immediate minimum need for 300 beds, a figure that could increase to over 1,100 beds if CSU achieves its target enrollment of 5,300 students. The plan considers a variety of housing formats, including traditional dorms, studio apartments, larger apartments for students with families, and interest-based housing. Notably, approximately 27% of student survey respondents expressed interest in family housing, suggesting that 15-25% of new units could be allocated for this demographic. The survey also highlighted that while 53% of students would be willing and able to pay current rates for a double room, only 13% would for a single room, indicating a potential need for additional financial support to offset occupancy costs.
Beyond housing, retail studies indicate an unmet demand for approximately 10,000 square feet of traditional retail space, which could include restaurants, coffee shops, and small grocery/convenience stores. Additionally, there’s a need for 15,000 square feet of CSU-sponsored commercial space, such as a fitness center and a bookstore. CSU has also identified space needs for a University quantum facility (3,000-5,000 square feet) and a community outreach center associated with its Community Development program. To ensure success given retail real estate dynamics, the recommendation is to phase the development of commercial spaces and build in flexibility to accommodate either third-party or University uses. The project proposes co-locating commercial and academic support amenities with student housing to enhance the success of commercial enterprises.
The development plan features several key concepts, including concentrating development along 95th Street to stimulate long-term investment, creating a new, pedestrian-focused “front door” for the campus, establishing a social spine connecting existing and new social spaces, and incorporating a green corridor of inter-linked landscaped courtyards to foster community and celebrate CSU’s natural landscape. The plan is organized into four distinct phases, each with two sub-phases, allowing for flexible development that can scale between 1,500 and 2,500 beds upon full build-out.
In a move to foster inclusive growth and strong community partnerships, CSU is launching a dedicated website to serve as a clearinghouse for local participation in the project. The University encourages local subcontracts, workforce development partners, vendors, and service providers to submit their information via the site.
Brandon Green, part of CBRE Chicago’s Advisory & Transactions team, alongside Anne Rahm and Michael McShea from CBRE’s national Public Institutions and Education Solutions (PIES) team, have been appointed as the University’s real estate advisors.
Proposals for the University Village 95 project are due by 3 p.m. CST on Oct. 16, 2025, with a development team expected to be selected by Dec. 8, 2025.