Video: “Chicago Tonight” co-anchor Paris Schutz discusses the potential development of a new Chicago White Sox stadium.
Conceptual renderings have been released for a potential new Chicago White Sox ballpark on a swath of land known as The 78.
The site is located just south of the Loop and is bordered by the south branch of the Chicago River, Roosevelt Road and Clark Street.
In the renderings released Thursday night by developer Related Midwest, the new ballpark is pictured along with surrounding new buildings.
“The development would be a catalyst for the creation of Chicago’s next great neighborhood, create tens of thousands of permanent and construction jobs and bring a state-of-the-art White Sox ballpark to the South Loop riverfront,” reads a statement from a Related Midwest spokesperson.
As for what would happen to the team's current home at Guaranteed Rate Field, a Midwest spokesperson indicated the firm would also be pursuing development opportunities at the site. Also included in the renderings are images featuring new housing and a revised sports facility on the Bridgeport site.
“While we do not own the land at 35th & Shields, Related Midwest has a long history of working in communities,” the statement reads. “We knew there would be questions about 35th St. use, so we put together conceptual ideas, understanding there would (be) a robust community process to determine the best use for this land.”
A spokesperson declined to comment further on the Bridgeport housing element saying at this point it is an idea and not a proposal.
Ald. Pat Dowell, whose 3rd Ward includes The 78, has been in contact with the developers and said in a statement last month that she was impressed with what she’s heard so far.
“I believe the proposed Chicago White Sox stadium can be a positive anchor for the new 78 community. Assuming the financial details can be worked out, this development shows promise as a great growth opportunity for the City of Chicago,” Dowell said in her statement. “The addition of a significant market and affordable housing, retail, and a world-class baseball stadium and concert venue can be the sort of catalytic investment this city needs.”