Revamped Vision for Bronzeville Lakefront Development Showcased

The development team behind the proposed Bronzeville Lakefront project, located on the former site of Michael Reese Hospital, has shared updated plans. The vision includes housing, retail, hotels, and a potential domed stadium for the Chicago Bears. This marks the third proposal in recent weeks aimed at relocating the team to the South Side.

This rush of proposals comes as Illinois legislators prepare to tackle property and city planning issues in the upcoming veto session. These issues are aimed at keeping the Bears in Illinois. Despite varied plans for new stadiums, the Bears are considering moves to either Arlington Heights or Hammond, Indiana. No immediate response came from the team regarding the latest proposal for the Michael Reese location.

Expanding the Site for Bronzeville Development

GRIT Chicago, the group spearheading this project, revealed plans to address criticisms about site size. Developers propose enlarging their 48-acre plot with adjacent areas like Golub & Co.’s Prairie Shores and the McCormick Place Marshaling Yard. This consolidation brings the project’s total size to 100 acres.

Quintin Primo, Executive Chairman of Capri Investment Group and partner in GRIT Chicago, stated the expansion alleviates concerns of insufficient space. The updated vision calls for substantial residential developments, roughly 5,000 units, including affordable housing and student accommodations. Plans also involve a 75,000-seat stadium connected by new CTA and Metra stations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Legislative Considerations

Mayor Brandon Johnson has shown interest in the project. Yet, specifics of engagements with him or Governor JB Pritzker remain undisclosed. State leaders emphasize that the decision ultimately rests with the Bears. Legislators are expected to debate proposals that might incentivize the team to remain in Illinois, including property tax reductions and new stadium finance structures.

GRIT Chicago had initially secured city backing in 2021, aiming to highlight medical research. This plan changed due to the pandemic. Similar large-scale projects around Chicago like Lincoln Yards and Foundry Park have undergone revisions to adapt to new challenges.

Financial Backing and Future Prospects

The addition of Primo and Capri Investment Group imparts more fiscal strength to GRIT Chicago. Primo has expressed willingness to acquire the Arlington International Racecourse, currently owned by the Bears, if it sways their location decision.

The project’s site already gains cooperation from the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, facilitating comprehensive development. Changes for residents of Prairie Shores include new plans to replace or upgrade about 1,000 apartment units while adding more in nearby public lands.

Community Benefits and Support

Promises to avoid displacement come via a community benefits agreement with Bronzeville residents. Local activism plays a role in supporting the vision. Leaders stress the necessity for investment that directly benefits residents.

Additional stadium site proposals surface from Related Midwest. Their plan sets a domed stadium near a tech park at the former South Works site. This location aims to retain the Bears without disrupting current properties.

The South Works project involves 440 acres of active development. Conversations with the Bears around this site are ongoing.