* Press release…

As part of his focus on expanding Illinois’ innovation economy, Governor JB Pritzker and the University of Illinois’ Discovery Partners Institute unveiled the design for the new headquarters in The 78, a vibrant new innovation district along the Chicago River.

Design renderings can be downloaded here.

In addition, CVS Health announced today that it will be an anchor employer for DPI’s new partnership with technology services firm Interapt. Over the next five years, the Chicago/Skills apprenticeship program will provide as many as 2,500 individuals with tuition-free technology training and paid apprenticeship opportunities, with a focus on diverse apprentices. CVS Health has committed to hiring more than 200 successful participants over the next three years.

“The State of Illinois is building a world-class innovation hub in the heart of Chicago on the site of an old railroad yard that has sat vacant for decades,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Already DPI has helped launch our state’s COVID-testing system, is searching for COVID-19 and other viruses in our wastewater, and is training hundreds of students for careers in tech – and has a plan to spread the opportunities equitably. This futuristic design from OMA/Jacobs matches our ambitions.”

“This new building is a testament to the innovation and forward-thinking ideas Illinois aims to foster across the state,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “The future headquarters will also show how much we can do to grow and progress when we invest in infrastructure that pushes us forward. That was the mission of Rebuild Illinois, and the funds coming from this plan continue to positively shape diverse communities throughout the state.”

Located on a one-acre site southwest of the Loop, the new DPI headquarters will provide more than 200,000 square feet of office, classroom, lab, and event space for DPI and its university and industry partners.

The State of Illinois is committing $500 million in capital funding to launch DPI and establish its Innovation Network at regional universities throughout the state. DPI is part of the University of Illinois System.

* Meanwhile, here’s the Tribune…

Construction has begun at the site of the former United Airlines headquarters in Mount Prospect, with recent demolition at the property clearing the way for the creation of a $2.5 billion data center campus expected to launch in 2024.

Officials with CloudHQ, a Washington, D.C.-based global data center provider that specializes in the design, development and operation of “hyperscale” data center facilities, said the 1.5 million-square-foot campus is expected to create 75 to 100 jobs for each of three planned buildings, including operations, maintenance and security positions.

The site, which is bordered by Dempster Street and Algonquin and Linneman roads, is anticipated to generate up to 3,000 construction jobs during construction of the three buildings.

* More…

* Illinois Racino Progress Varies At Hawthorne And Fairmount Tracks: Hawthorne running at quicker pace in transition toward new phase of operations

* Chicago hospitals commit to equitable care, but rising costs squeeze budgets and threaten progress

* John Rowe, who built Exelon into a national utility powerhouse, is dead at 77: One of Chicago’s most civically active corporate leaders, Rowe deftly navigated the choppy waters of the power business—and kept a major corporate headquarters in Chicago in the process.

* Governor Pritzker Announces Commitment of $2.6 Billion in Soybean and Corn Purchases by Taiwanese Government

* Southland officials seek Gov. Pritzker’s support to move forward with South Suburban Airport: House Bill 5810 seeks to amend existing legislation by changing one word in a 2013 public act that said the state “may” move forward with the airport. “Sometimes when the state doesn’t want to do anything you say may,” Davis said. “Instead of may, we’re saying shall.”