South Chicago Divided Over Quantum Park Development

New tech hub promises jobs but raises concerns about community impact

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Chicago's South Works neighborhood is undergoing a major transformation with the construction of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), a 128-acre technology campus focused on quantum computing. While proponents see the project as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation, some residents have raised concerns about local hiring, transparency, environmental remediation, and the overall impact on the surrounding community.

Why it matters

The IQMP represents a significant investment in the region and a potential opportunity for economic revitalization in South Chicago. However, the project has sparked debate within the community, with some residents worried about the potential downsides and the need to ensure the benefits are shared equitably.

The details

The IQMP is part of the larger 'Quantum Shore Chicago' redevelopment, which also includes plans for advanced manufacturing facilities, research centers, housing, and a hospital. The project's anchor tenant, PsiQuantum, plans to build the country's first utility-scale quantum computer on the site. Other companies committed to the park include IBM, Diraq, Quantum Machines, and Infleqtion, as well as French quantum computing company Pasqal.

  • Construction on the IQMP is well underway and is expected to be completed by 2028.
  • The overall Quantum Shore project is anticipated to start in 2026 and be finished by 2028.

The players

Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP)

A planned 128-acre technology campus focused on quantum computing, located on the former U.S. Steel South Works site.

PsiQuantum

The anchor tenant of the IQMP, planning to build America's first utility-scale quantum computer on the site.

Neighbors for Quantum

A coalition of local residents, small business owners, and school officials who publicly support the IQMP project.

Southside Together

An organization that has raised concerns about the IQMP project's potential impact on the community.

Alliance of the Southeast

Another organization that has voiced concerns about the IQMP project, including demands for a community benefits agreement and transparency.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The community groups opposing the IQMP project are expected to continue advocating for their demands, including a community benefits agreement and greater transparency, as the development moves forward.

The takeaway

The IQMP project highlights the tensions that can arise when a major development project is proposed in a community, with proponents touting the economic benefits while some residents express concerns about the potential impact on the local area. Ongoing dialogue and collaboration between developers, community organizations, and residents will be crucial to ensuring the project's success and the equitable distribution of its benefits.