CHICAGO | The 78 Site

[r18tdi]

Instead it wants to split the project in two, with a presence at the new quantum technology campus on the Far South Side at the former U.S. Steel plant, and classroom and office space downtown.

Suppose that makes more sense. But not great news for The 78 coming to fruition.

[moorhosj1]

Originally Posted by r18tdi

Suppose that makes more sense. But not great news for The 78 coming to fruition.

It's not, but this also came out yesterday. I would think the 78 makes the most sense for the Fire, as it's close to their new training facility and downtown.

Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto said he is "actively pursuing" development of a new soccer-specific stadium in the city and is targeting three proposed megaprojects as potential sites.

Mansueto, who is on Forbes' list of the 400 richest Americans, previously said he would not pursue public funding for a soccer stadium if the team were to build one. His comments today are his most definitive public statements to date that the team is hunting for a new home.

[Zapatan]

Not really that surprising.

But not great news for The 78 coming to fruition.

Was it ever going to? I always thought this project was just a vision anyway.


I hope a legit developer gets a hold of this prime site and does something cool someday.

[r18tdi]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

I hope a legit developer gets a hold of this prime site and does something cool someday.

A developer more "legit" than Related?

[sentinel]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

Not really that surprising.



Was it ever going to? I always thought this project was just a vision anyway.


I hope a legit developer gets a hold of this prime site and does something cool someday.

Project went out for contractor bidding not that long ago, it was very much intended as a real project, but clearly, things have changed

[r18tdi]

Originally Posted by sentinel

Project went out for contractor bidding not that long ago, it was very much intended as a real project, but clearly, things have changed

Work was reportedly already underway, to the tune of $25 million in sunk costs by U of I, per Crain's:

The decision came just after preliminary construction had begun on the 1.5-acre site near 15th and Wells streets, the south end of the 62-acre neighborhood development known as The 78, when the university abruptly stopped the work to reconsider.

...

U of I has already spent $25 million in design, engineering and other costs on the project. Killeen said the university asked the Capital Development Board, which was overseeing the buildout itself, late last week to halt the project and notified the governor’s office that it plans to switch gears.

[sentinel]

Originally Posted by r18tdi

Work was reportedly already underway, to the tune of $25 million in sunk costs by U of I, per Crain's:

What a waste, I can’t believe the U of I board and president would tank the project like this. I would assume there is some sort of penalty clause in whatever joint venture agreement they have with the state and city, and if so, the latter two should sue for damages if possible. I think this is such a boneheaded move, the U of I board is totally in the wrong here.

[MorganChi]

Bears save the 78!

[r18tdi]

Originally Posted by MorganChi

Bears save the 78!

I heard a very credible rumor the Cubs are looking at The 78 for a new enclosed stadium.

[lakeshoredrive]

The 78 is so cursed. Really sad to be honest.

[ardecila]

Originally Posted by lakeshoredrive

The 78 is so cursed. Really sad to be honest.

Government needs to invest in the infrastructure to make these sites feasible. That's how it's done in Europe and Asia. Expecting private developers to foot the bill is just not realistic unless you're building sprawl in a cornfield, and even then it's dicey.

[Zapatan]

The 78 is so cursed. Really sad to be honest.

I feel like this country is sometimes. I'm exaggerating a little and we do get some cool projects every now and then but we could do so much better.

Originally Posted by ardecila

Government needs to invest in the infrastructure to make these sites feasible. That's how it's done in Europe and Asia. Expecting private developers to foot the bill is just not realistic unless you're building sprawl in a cornfield, and even then it's dicey.

The money from one fewer aircraft carrier could fund so many cool developments and we'd still have the most powerful military.

[BVictor1]

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/loca...-says/3578694/

Possible future home of White Sox could have a second stadium, developer says

Related Midwest said it was "disappointed" by the Discovery Partners Institute's decision to exit, the departure opens up "opportunities for new partnerships and site configurations."

By NBC Chicago Staff • Published 32 mins ago • Updated 29 mins ago

The company behind "The 78" development proposed in the South Loop said Friday the exit of the University of Illinois' Discovery Partners Institute from the project opens up new opportunities for the site, including the possible co-location of dual stadiums for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Fire.

Crain's Chicago Business reported on Friday that the University of Illinois is scrapping its plans to build a $285 million research and teaching facility called the Discovery Partners Institute, a new research and innovation center, in the South Loop on the proposed site of The 78.

Related Midwest, the site's developer, planned to donate approximately an acre of land on the site to the University of Illinois for the construction of the institute. In a statement Friday, Related Midwest said it was "disappointed" by the DPI's decision to exit, but the departure opens up "opportunities for new partnerships and site configurations."

"Given its proximity to downtown, adjacency to the river and flexibility to accommodate a wide range of uses, The 78 stands alone in its ability to house large institutions that want to plant their flag in the heart of Chicago," their statement read, in part. "We are actively exploring the co-location of dual stadiums for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Fire, two organizations whose presence at The 78 would align with our vision of creating Chicago’s next great neighborhood."

[BrickellBased]

That's a huge shock given that Clark Construction just set up a construction cam and began on site preparations.

https://www.greenmarketreport.com/u-...lan-at-the-78/

More

The University of Illinois is scrapping its plans to build a $285 million research and teaching facility called the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) in the South Loop on the proposed site of The 78.

Instead it wants to split the project in two, with a presence at the new quantum technology campus on the Far South Side at the former U.S. Steel plant, and classroom and office space downtown.

U of I has already spent $25 million in design, engineering and other costs on the project. Killeen said the university asked the Capital Development Board, which was overseeing the buildout itself, late last week to halt the project and notified the governor’s office that it plans to switch gears.

Two stadiums makes economical sense in that they can share infrastructure (and costs).

Reinsdorf is really looking for that 'friend' that will pick up some of the check.

Originally Posted by BVictor1

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/loca...-says/3578694/

Possible future home of White Sox could have a second stadium, developer says

Related Midwest said it was "disappointed" by the Discovery Partners Institute's decision to exit, the departure opens up "opportunities for new partnerships and site configurations."

By NBC Chicago Staff • Published 32 mins ago • Updated 29 mins ago

[twister244]

I think part of the problem is there's just too many fucking mega projects scattered around right now.....

Until we go into a low-interest boom period again where ambitious plans are "in" - I feel like one or more of these things is going to bite the dust.

Lincoln Yards has been struggling, along with 78 site, etc..... The Bears situation is a shit show, and who knows what will happen with the Sox. I just wouldn't count on a sports stadium saving one of these projects, nor should it. I would rather see something with more organic growth.

Which is why I'm also not surprised to see the Quantum Campus starting to suck all of the air out of the room. I don't blame UI for shifting their strategy, makes total sense. And frankly..... I'm ok with folks shifting their focus to the Quantum front down on the former Steele site...... That part of town needs it more than 78/LY/etc.....

[VKChaz]

Originally Posted by twister244

I think part of the problem is there's just too many fucking mega projects scattered around right now.....

Until we go into a low-interest boom period again where ambitious plans are "in" - I feel like one or more of these things is going to bite the dust.

Lincoln Yards has been struggling, along with 78 site, etc..... The Bears situation is a shit show, and who knows what will happen with the Sox. I just wouldn't count on a sports stadium saving one of these projects, nor should it. I would rather see something with more organic growth.

Which is why I'm also not surprised to see the Quantum Campus starting to suck all of the air out of the room. I don't blame UI for shifting their strategy, makes total sense. And frankly..... I'm ok with folks shifting their focus to the Quantum front down on the former Steele site...... That part of town needs it more than 78/LY/etc.....

Even with lower rates, there needs to be sufficient demand. I would just hope nothing ends up with a sea of townhomes.
The United Center looks like one that could take off, assuming the players behind it aggressively push it.
Am interested in seeing a site plan for 2 venues on the 78. And whether it demonstrates a strong urban character or begins to look like stadiums in a park.

[DCReid]

I would have mixed feelings with sports facilities taking up the bulk of this site. I remember Hudson Yards was proposed for the new Giants/Jets stadium as part of the Olympics bid. I think is HY is much better as it has turned out and am willing (or hoping) to wait for years, if necessary, for this site to be developed similar to HY, which also took literally decades to come to fruition.

[gandalf612]

Originally Posted by DCReid

I would have mixed feelings with sports facilities taking up the bulk of this site. I remember Hudson Yards was proposed for the new Giants/Jets stadium as part of the Olympics bid. I think is HY is much better as it has turned out and am willing (or hoping) to wait for years, if necessary, for this site to be developed similar to HY, which also took literally decades to come to fruition.

I have visited Hudson Yards and I would not hope for a replication in Chicago. Neighborhoods need soul and if this is going to claim to be the 78th, it should not be a soulless glass playhouse for the rich. At least stadiums bring in the masses and if not surrounded by a parking crater I find them far more likeable than HY, even though I personally don't care about sports. Just no public money, which it sounds like the Fire are fine with.

[BrickellBased]

Agree.

If it developed into residential, it's mostly going to be a replication of something like Riverline. Which is just a bunch of 30-50 floor residential buildings with not much else going on.

Bringing two sports teams into the heart of the city will have a meaningful impact on the feel and culture of downtown - as well as bring a lot of business to that area.

Originally Posted by gandalf612

I have visited Hudson Yards and I would not hope for a replication in Chicago. Neighborhoods need soul and if this is going to claim to be the 78th, it should not be a soulless glass playhouse for the rich. At least stadiums bring in the masses and if not surrounded by a parking crater I find them far more likeable than HY, even though I personally don't care about sports. Just no public money, which it sounds like the Fire are fine with.

[iguy]

Two stadiums makes economical sense in that they can share infrastructure (and costs).

Reinsdorf is really looking for that 'friend' that will pick up some of the check.[/QUOTE]

Agreed. From a conceptual perspective as well, I feel like it makes a lot more sense to pitch some kind of "sports district" with two stadiums/teams to build out around rather than trying to mash together a stadium and DPI. The latter could definitely be made to work, but still.

We'll see if too little too late for the Sox though.