Chicago Ald. Scott Waguespack says JDL Development considering buying Lincoln Yards site after Sterling Bay fell through
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — There is a revamped plan for the future of Chicago’s Lincoln Yards.

A recent effort to redevelop the property has fallen through.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

And now someone else wants to buy it.

The 55-acre Lincoln Yards sits along the north bank of the Chicago River, and spans from the Kennedy Expressway to Webster, Clybourn and North avenues.

It was supposed to be a $6 billion mixed-use development along the river on the North Side. Instead, 55 acres have sat idle for years. What happened to Lincoln Yards?

Overgrown weeds, graffiti and wasted concrete: The Lincoln Yards development broke ground in 2019. Yet, nothing has developed except a life sciences building, which is also empty.

“Sterling Bay could not get it moving forward on the project that they proposed and promised everybody would happen six or seven years ago,” 32nd Ward Ald. Scott Waguespack said.

The entire mega-development site, owned by Sterling Bay, sits in Waguespack’s 32nd Ward. He is now in talks with a different Chicago developer. He says JDL Development is negotiating to possibly buy the entire site, after banks are pulling out of the deal with Sterling Bay.

“We’re trying to pull the whole thing together, look at potentially new ideas for it while meeting many of the obligations that exist,” Waguespack said.

Waguespack says the new ideas include scaling back the project by building more residential than office space. He hopes JDL is open to the possibility of a Chicago Fire soccer stadium. North Side neighborhood groups say their priorities have not changed; they want more green space.

“More open green space that’s inviting to the entire community, not just maybe the people that might be in, you know, certain buildings,” Sheffield Neighborhood Association President Brian Comer said.

The other priority for residents is building enough infrastructure to support such a big development. Sterling Bay was supposed to create new infrastructure and get reimbursed by the city under a tax increment financing deal made with then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Waguespack says, instead, the developer broke its promise, by asking the city for money upfront.

“Was it too big to be true? Probably, and what can we do to make it realistic now for a developer to get it done?” Waguespack said.

Both Sterling Bay and JDL would not comment.

Waguespack says if all goes well with JDL, he hopes a new plan for Lincoln Yards will be in place by the end of the summer.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Hamas 'gang-raped and executed' October 7 victims, new report claims

Hamas allegedly subjected victims of October 7 attacks to sexual assault and murder, as per recent report

Victims of the Hamas-led massacre in Israel were said to have been…
Australian Erin Patterson found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case

Australian Erin Patterson convicted of all charges in mushroom killings trial

An Australian woman was on Monday convicted of murdering three elderly relatives…
White House issues devastating takedown of 'uninformed Democrats'

White House delivers strong criticism of ‘uninformed Democrats’

The White House is actively responding to accusations from Democrats regarding the…
Mexico beats U.S. 2-1 to win 10th Gold Cup title

Mexico triumphs over the United States 2-1 to secure their 10th Gold Cup championship.

HOUSTON — Mexico beat the United States 2-1 on Sunday night for…
UFO footage captured by US Navy shows mysterious aircraft launching from sea, expert says

Over 60 UFO sightings reported whizzing across state in first half of 2025, national tracking group says

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! New York state has…
Elon Musk announces formation of 'America Party'

Elon Musk creates new political party called the ‘America Party’

(The Hill) Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Saturday he has officially formed…
Kerrville resident recounts escape from flood waters that overtook his home

Kerrville man shares his experience fleeing from floods that engulfed his house

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus activists faces federal trial

Federal trial looms for crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus activists by Trump administration

BOSTON (AP) A federal bench trial begins Monday over a lawsuit that…