CHICAGO (WLS) — A new vision for the Chicago White Sox could eventually take the team out of Bridgeport and place it in a riverfront ballpark in the South Loop, a possibility that is already generating a range of reactions from fans and public officials.
Canal Edge, the developer behind the concept, recently released renderings for “The Railyards,” a proposed mixed-use project near Roosevelt Road and Canal Street. The plan includes space for a potential new White Sox stadium, as well as housing, commercial and retail areas, and a Northwestern Medicine outpatient care center.
For now, the South Loop stadium proposal is still in the preliminary phase.
Outside Rate Field, where the White Sox currently play in Bridgeport, fans offered mixed opinions about the idea of the franchise relocating.
“Don’t love it. Let’s keep it where it is. We don’t need the Sox moving. We don’t need the Bears moving,” White Sox fan Hannah Harris said.
Another fan, David MacWilliams, said he sees potential benefits in a move.
“I think it’s a cool idea. I mean, I love this, and I love the history here and it’s been forever, but sometimes change is good,” MacWilliams said.
The proposal also has generated strong reactions from local leaders.
In a joint statement released Saturday, Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley and 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee, whose districts include Bridgeport, criticized the plan.
“Today’s announcement from Justin Ishbia represents nothing less than a betrayal to the community that the White Sox have called home and relied upon as their most loyal fan base for 116 years,” the statement said.
The officials said a move would harm the surrounding community and argued that Rate Field should instead be modernized.
“Rate Field, which is just 35 years old and was built with $137 million in taxpayer subsidies, has plenty more life to give,” the statement said. “We strongly support the idea that we must modernize Rate Field and the surrounding area to serve the interests of both the White Sox organization and the community.”
“This area, I think, is truly underdeveloped, and this would bring that type of opportunity not only for jobs but for construction, but for overall development and economic activity to the southwestern corner of the Loop,” Ervin said.
The White Sox said they are reviewing the findings being developed for the Canal Edge site and could add it to the list of locations under consideration for a future ballpark.
“Justin Ishbia recently approached us about his vision for the Canal Edge development, which explores it being a possible future site for the next White Sox ballpark once our lease at the state-owned Rate Field ends,” the team said in a statement. “He agreed to conduct a multi month study and evaluation of the site and to present those findings to the White Sox for consideration. If the site proves interesting and viable after his due diligence, it would be added to the locations up for consideration for a new ballpark, along with The 78 and other options.”
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For now, the South Loop proposal remains under study, with the White Sox indicating the Canal Edge site would join other potential locations only if it is ultimately determined to be viable.
A developer released a proposal for “The Railyards,” which could potentially be home for a new riverfront stadium for the Chicago White Sox.
The developer Canal Edge said the company already has the riverfront property near Roosevelt and Canal streets under contract.
The proposal says the new district would “combine transit-oriented residential, commercial, and retail development; a potentially viable new ballpark option for the Chicago White Sox; and potential healthcare offerings by Northwestern Medicine.”
Canal Edge controlling shareholder Justin Ishbia said the company has an agreement with White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf that includes an option to purchase the franchise following the 2034 season.
“Justin Ishbia recently approached us about his vision for the Canal Edge development, which explores it being a possible future site for the next White Sox ballpark once our lease at the state-owned Rate Field ends,” the White Sox said in a statement. “He agreed to conduct a multi month study and evaluation of the site and to present those findings to the White Sox for consideration. If the site proves interesting and viable after his due diligence, it would be added to the locations up for consideration for a new ballpark, along with The 78 and other options.”
“The Railyards” location sits directly across the river from the Chicago Fire’s new McDonald’s Park.
Ishbia said the concept of the Sox moving to the South Loop is still in its early stages.
The proposal also includes an outpatient care center for Northwestern Medicine.
“The South Loop presents an opportunity to create something bigger than a healthcare facility or a stadium. It’s an opportunity to strengthen an entire community,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “When Northwestern Medicine invests in a community, we are investing in health, jobs, opportunity and Chicago’s long term future.”
Twenty-eighth Ward Ald. Jason Ervin released the following statement:
“I look forward to engaging with the White Sox, 28th Ward residents, and my colleagues in the City Council about a development that has the potential to create good-paying jobs for Chicagoans, improve our transportation infrastructure, and provide a long-term home for one of our city’s storied franchises.”
“At the same time, Chicago faces significant fiscal challenges, and any proposal must protect taxpayers and demonstrate that the public benefits justify any public investment. I will approach these discussions with an open mind and a clear focus on what is in the best interests of the 28th Ward and the City of Chicago.”
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