Bears WatchFriday, November 13
Developers pitch a $10 billion Bronzeville stadium plan to keep the Bears in Chicago
The 5AM Evanston team
If you're following the Bears stadium saga, there's a new pitch. Capri Investment Group and GRIT Chicago unveiled a $10 billion plan Thursday for about 100 acres around the former Michael Reese Hospital site in Bronzeville, anchored by a 75,000-seat domed stadium.
$10 billionprojected cost of the Bronzeville Lakefront development
WGN-TV counts at least nine public stadium proposals since Mayor Brandon Johnson was elected.
Sources: WGN-TV, FOX 32 Chicago
Capri founder Quintin Primo III said at a Thursday news conference his investors are "prepared to buy the Arlington Heights site" if the Bears' ownership there blocks a fair look at Bronzeville. It's a developer pitch with no commitment from the Bears, who previously rejected the Michael Reese site over space and railroad-related concerns.
- Homes: more than 5,000 across the district and nearby sites
- Park: 28 acres, with a land bridge over Lake Shore Drive
- Hotel rooms: about 2,000
- Jobs: 60,000 construction, 11,000 permanent, developers estimate
The proposed district would be more than twice the old hospital site
Area of the proposed Bronzeville district, beside places you know
76 football fields would fit inside the proposed Bronzeville district
Sources: WGN-TV, FOX 32 Chicago
View as table
| Area | |
|---|---|
| The proposed Bronzeville district | 100 acres (About 100 acres) |
| The former Michael Reese site | 48 acres |
| A football field | 1.3 acres (end zones included) |
WGN-TV reports the Bears have publicly backed a site in Hammond, Indiana, with Arlington Heights second. Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield next week to consider stadium financing legislation.
Sources: FOX 32 Chicago, CBS Chicago, Chicago Patch, WGN-TV