Loyola University Chicago Begins Construction on Nursing and Science Facility

Loyola University Chicago began construction in March of 2026 on a $250 million facility for the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and the College of Arts and Sciences. Located on the Lake Shore Campus in Maywood, Ill., the interdisciplinary structure will offer 150,000 sf of leading-edge space for education, research, and training, as well as an additional basement level spanning 40,000 sf. Woodhouse Tinucci Architects designed the six-story building to provide sophisticated academic environments including advanced simulation labs, virtual reality suites, teaching labs, and classrooms. Mentoring areas, debriefing rooms, and technology-rich anatomy labs will promote immersive engagement, accompanied by welcoming zones for gathering and collaboration. An inviting atrium will include a range of settings for informal exchange, with huddle rooms and workstations available to support both group and individual study.

Catalyzing innovation in nursing education and the sciences, this dynamic destination will feature flexible instructional venues that can be adapted to meet changing requirements. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Forensic Science program will occupy space in the structure, which will serve as a vibrant new home for Loyola’s renowned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. When it opens in fall of 2028, the state-of-the-art facility will enable 400 BSN students to enroll each year, nearly doubling existing capacity to address a critical shortage of qualified nurses across the nation.

Extensive glazing will maximize the transmission of natural light to the interior, with the northeast corner showcasing views of Lake Michigan. The sustainable development will further Loyola's commitment to climate action, which ensures that all new construction and renovation meets or exceeds the criteria for LEED Gold certification or an equivalent standard. Power Construction is the general contractor and Keller Construction is performing geotechnical services on the site. This center is one of the first projects to be delivered as part of a wider campus plan to modernize the university's capital resources.