Summit Design + Build has completed the build-out of DeVry University’s Chicago campus at 1900 W. Lawrence in the Ravenswood neighborhood. ArchIteriors served as the project architect and Newmark served as the owner’s representative.
The nearly 90-year-old institution is located inside of a former 1920s-era Sears department store. The Ravenswood Sears store was the oldest and longest-standing store for the retailer before it permanently closed it 2016.
DeVry University occupies 17,306 square feet of the property’s first floor. In addition to a new façade, the build-out features a refreshed, open concept design which includes common areas for students to study individually or collaborate with peers, as well as 11 classrooms, including one virtually connected classroom, and a Tech Playground.
The new DeVry campus is located within walking distance of the CTA Brown Line, the Metra (Ravenswood Station) and CTA bus routes. Plans to relocate students, faculty and staff, as well as DeVry’s Advantage Academy, are underway; however, the campus will remain closed until students are permitted back on site. Until then, DeVry students will continue with remote learning.
Summit Design + Build is also the general contractor for the 1900 W. Lawrence base building project, set to be completed in late 2020.