Bronzeville Lakefront

Level-1 is shaping the digital backbone of Bronzeville Lakefront, a 100-acre smart district blending culture, innovation, and community on Chicago’s South Side.

Located just south of McCormick Place on the former Michael Reese Hospital site, Bronzeville Lakefront is one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment efforts in Chicago’s history. Envisioned by a team led by Farpoint Development and Draper & Kramer, this 100-acre site is being reimagined as a thriving hub of innovation, healthcare, housing, and community development honoring Bronzeville’s rich cultural legacy while propelling it into a tech-forward future. 

Level-1 Global Solutions was engaged early in the design phase to support technology strategy, infrastructure planning, and future-ready systems integration. Working closely with the master development team, Level-1’s role has centered on the planning and design of digital infrastructure that will serve as the technological foundation for this smart, sustainable district. 

From broadband fiber connectivity to physical security and smart grid capabilities, Level-1 is helping shape a scalable technology environment that will support a wide array of uses, including life sciences research, retail, residential, civic, and entertainment functions. 

What We Delivered 

• Strategic technology infrastructure planning for a multiphase 10M–14M SF mixed-use smart district 
• Design consultation for fiber connectivity with dedicated easements for current and future data centers 
• Support for broadband infrastructure to serve commercial, residential, and civic tenants 
• Physical security systems consultation to support future camera, access control, and emergency response needs 
• Preliminary network design planning aligned with potential smart grid capabilities, including renewable energy readiness 
• Collaboration with developers, planners, and architects to integrate technology infrastructure into sitewide utilities and streetscape design 

Bronzeville Lakefront represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a resilient, connected, and equitable community on Chicago’s South Side. Level-1’s early involvement ensures that digital infrastructure will evolve alongside physical development positioning the district as both a cultural revival and a forward-thinking urban innovation engine.