Illinois Medical District

On May 22, we were excited to host the second annual recipients of our IMDC Scholarship Program for a lunch and awards ceremony. 🎓 Last year, we launched our first scholarships offering merit-based financial assistance to local students who demonstrate academic excellence. Congratulations to the 2026 recipients — we look forward to seeing the great things you do in the future as you further your education and careers! 👏 Bookmark imdchi.co/scholar and check back next spring for future IMD scholarship opportunities.

The IMD is open for business! 🏗️ Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday for IMD NEXT: Development & Opportunity Exchange. Representatives from the City of Chicago – Government, Cook County Government, Illinois EDC, West Central Association, and developers, contractors, and real estate professionals came together to explore development opportunities across the IMD, connect with industry leaders, and view the IMD's available land on a guided bus tour. With 25 acres of shovel-ready OZ/EZ/TIF land and more than 70k sq. ft. of available lease space, the IMD is the perfect place for your business to call home. 🦺 Learn more about the event ➡️ imdchi.co/imdnext or view available real estate ➡️ imdchicago.org/real-estate

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Calling all developers and contractors! 📢 Join us on Thursday, May 21 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. for IMD NEXT: Development & Opportunity Exchange. This interactive event brings together real estate professionals to explore land and lease opportunities in and around the IMD — including 25 acres of shovel-ready land and over 70k sq. ft. of lease space on the Near West Side. Enjoy networking, exhibitors, a bus tour and more. 🏗️ Learn more or RSVP ➡️ imdchi.co/imdnext

Route 66 turns 100 — marking a century of one of America’s most iconic roadways. 🚗 🏁 Check out this marker outside Cook County Health Stroger Hospital in the IMD to learn more. Known as the “Mother Road,” it connected Chicago to the West Coast, shaping travel, culture, and commerce across generations. As the official starting point, Chicago stands at the heart of this legacy, celebrating the history, stories, and spirit that made Route 66 a symbol of freedom and exploration. 🎂

Great job University of Illinois Chicago! 🌿

UIC researchers use mural art to raise awareness of invasive plant species UIC’s MEC Lab studies the traits that make invasive plant species harmful. Its new grant-funded mural project aims to promote mitigation and education.

📰 Read the April 2026 issue of The Catalyst newsletter for all the latest from the IMD including Earth Month events, our CTA train wrap, galas and fundraisers, community councils, and more ➡️ imdchi.co/catalyst2604

Today, IMD Commission staff took an excursion to UI Health — one of the four major hospital systems that anchor the IMD — to learn more about their high-impact critical work driving meaningful change for their patients. 🏥 UI Health is a leading academic health system delivering advanced care, research, and community impact. Its recent Magnet 🏆 designation underscores excellence in nursing and patient care. Part of the University of Illinois, it offers top specialty services while serving a highly diverse population. With a focus on health equity, innovation, and training future professionals, it remains a vital driver of medical progress. Thank you to the team at UI Health for welcoming us! 🩵 To learn more, visit ➡️ hospital.uillinois.edu

Yesterday, we were pumped to visit the United Center and for the Chicago Bulls vs Pacers game and for IMD Day — where a portion of the proceeds went to support the IMD Foundation benefitting the IMD Community! 🏀 Thank you to everyone for your support! 🫶