Chicago’s Future Breaks Ground Below the Surface: The Invert Ushers in a New Era of Sustainable Economic Growth
- Erica Trejo
- May 5
- 3 min read
On April 2nd, the South Side Builders Association welcomed Alberto Rincon to present at our monthly real estate networking seminar. Rincon is the Senior Vice President of The Invert Chicago to talk about the heart of Chicago’s Southeast Side, a once-overlooked brownfield site is being transformed into one of the most ambitious and environmentally advanced developments the city has ever seen. Dubbed The Invert, this groundbreaking project promises to deliver more than six million square feet of state-of-the-art commercial space—entirely below ground.
But this isn’t just a bold experiment in architecture. At its core, The Invert is about community, sustainability, and opportunity.
Click on image to view slides of projection and plans
A Vision for Generational Growth
The ultimate goal of The Invert is clear: to generate lasting economic opportunity for the local community. As construction ramps up, over 800 annual jobs will be supported by agreements with local unions and workforce agencies. The project is expected to generate more than 3,700 permanent jobs across sectors such as green manufacturing, cloud computing, vertical farming, and laboratory sciences.
“The Invert isn’t just about building something new—it’s about building something better,” said Rincon. “We’re talking about modern, well-paying jobs that reflect the future of work, right here on the South Side.”
Reimagining Space and Sustainability
Spread across two subterranean levels with 40-foot ceilings and access to multiple transportation modes, The Invert turns previously unusable land into a hive of innovation. Unlike traditional surface development, this unique approach drastically reduces environmental impacts:
Less material waste
Lower water usage
Reduced truck traffic and
Decreased energy consumption
Backed by a comprehensive sustainability assessment, The Invert is designed to outperform traditional buildings on nearly every ecological metric. It’s on track to achieve zero-carbon operations and bolster regional biodiversity.
An EPA study suggests the project could help preserve more than 500 acres of local green space—adding to rather than subtracting from the region’s natural assets.
A Hub for Innovation
With its focus on advanced industries, The Invert will welcome tenants in vertical farming, life sciences, medical and archival storage, and other forward-thinking sectors. The possibilities are as expansive as the space itself. Thanks to its unique design and adaptable layout, new and emerging uses that were previously impossible in this area are now within reach.
Community at the Center
Since January 2021, The Invert has operated a first-of-its-kind Community Engagement Center, providing a consistent platform for public input. Local residents regularly meet with developers, attend informational sessions, and even use the space for their own events. Inclusion and equity are baked into the development strategy, ensuring the benefits extend to those who need them most.
A Cleaner Future with Real Fiscal Benefits
The long-term financial benefits are just as impressive. Analysts estimate The Invert will generate $655 million in net fiscal revenue over the first 30 years. That money will help fund critical public services throughout Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois.
“We believe that the community is ready—and the time is now,” said Senior Vice President Alberto Rincon. “With vision, partnership, and persistence, we can turn a forgotten parcel of land into a thriving, sustainable economic engine for generations to come.”
As Chicago looks to the future, The Invert stands as a powerful symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets community commitment—and digs deep.
Learn More About The Invert Chicago
Connect with Alberto Rincon
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