The 78 is the largest and most ambitious real estate development in Chicago history, transforming 62 acres of undeveloped riverfront land into downtown's most vibrant mixed-use community. The 78 embraces Chicago's rich cultural history, drawing inspiration from the city's existing 77 neighborhoods and expanding the central business district southward to connect multiple dynamic communities. The 78 will also be an economic engine for Chicago, anchored by the University of Illinois System's Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) and industry-leading companies.

The 78's walkable campus will bring the best of 24/7 living to one location, featuring nearly 13 million square feet of dynamic office space, residential, experiential retail, local shops, hospitality, seasonal markets, fine dining, cafes, bars and live music venues, as well as cultural, recreational, event and educational space. Residents, workers and visitors will also enjoy 12 acres of publicly accessible open space, including a 7-acre park and a half-mile riverfront promenade that will connect to Ping Tom Park to the south.

In addition to the new riverfront promenade, The 78 will enhance connectivity between downtown Chicago and the city's South Side through multiple infrastructure improvements, knitting together the South Loop with the adjacent neighborhoods of Chinatown, Bronzeville and Pilsen. Work is already underway on the Wells-Wentworth Connector—a new pedestrian- and bike-friendly road that will be the main street of The 78 and link the Loop to Chinatown. The 78 will be easily accessible via several modern and safe roadways, a new CTA Red Line station, a new riverfront water taxi stop, walking paths and bike lanes.