CHICAGO | One Central

[2PRUROCKS!]

The numbers were a little fuzzy but the Bears were asking for somewhere between $1-2.4 billion for the whole new stadium and infrastructure south of Soldier Field depending on which option was done (not counting the money the Bears and NFL would contribute which is about$2.5B). I think $300 million to $1.2 billion would have been for infrastructure. Now the park district wants to spend $630 million to renovate Soldier Field and improve infrastructure plus there is the possibility of spending $1.6 billion on this One Central related stuff. It seems the city/state would have been better off spending the money on the Bears stadium plan than this. It seems like spending around $1 billion and getting a new domed stadium and improved infrastructure for the Bears would have been a better value than spending $630 million for a renovated Soldier Field and improved infrastructure without the Bears and a domed stadium.

[ithakas]

We're on the verge of near limitless demand to live downtown, in my opinion (aside from the western half of the Loop west to the Kennedy, which needs some work). I think downtown Chicago's reached a tipping point – the pandemic set it back but people across the country are finally waking up to what a unique value it is.

[woodrow]

^^how does west of the Kennedy need some work? Some of the hottest restaurants and bars, loads of "cool" companies, lots of development in the pipeline? I mean, for sure lots to be done, but it feels like there is a tremendous amount of demand. This is a serious question. I have been gone for 2.5 years and might be missing something.

[moorhosj1]

Originally Posted by woodrow

^^how does west of the Kennedy need some work?

I think they meant the piece just east of the Kennedy, between the river and the Kennedy (mostly along Desplaines St.). I would also call out the bridges across the Kennedy, which could be vastly improved for pedestrians.

[woodrow]

Oh...Well I definitely can see the space between the river and the Kennedy needing something. It seems just like a between space, neither Loop or West Loop. That is not entirely fair I know, there are some cool buildings, restaurants, landmarks (St. Pat's), but it still feels more like a place to drive through.

Having walked on the bridges over the Kennedy numerous times I couldn't agree more. Not wonderful. As more buildings have been built up to the edge of the expressway it is not as much of a psychological barrier. Still not good.

[left of center]

Agreed that the area between the river and 90/94 needs more activity. it has good bones, with 2 huge commuter rail stations and sandwiched between Fulton Market and the Loop proper which are both hubs of activity. What is dragging it down is the plethora of parking. We need to get those lots developed with high density residential in order to entice more street level retail to move in and enhance the pedestrian experience.

[ithakas]

Yes, I said west to the Kennedy, not west of the Kennedy.

I think the area could use a distinct identity too, like West Gate or Stationville (I know it's technically West Loop Gate, but that feels duplicative).

[left of center]

^ I've never likes the term West Loop Gate. Definitely too long and agreed that its duplicative of the more popular West Loop. West Gate could work.

[Randomguy34]

*sigh* Looks like Bob Dunn will get his tax incentives after all

Facing the specter of losing the Chicago Bears to Indiana, the Illinois House unveiled a new version of property tax legislation that the team says is a prerequisite for building a new domed stadium in suburban Arlington Heights.
....
The legislation would also expand the tiers of projects aiming to redevelop rail yards. Potential projects that could be eligible for this incentive include the One Central development near Solider Field and Amtrak’s 14th Street rail yard in Chicago, which is being eyed by billionaire Justin Ishbia for a redevelopment that could include a future White Sox ballpark.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/04/22/...-new-version-of-bears-megaprojects-bill/

[sentinel]

^But what's the point if the Bears leave Soldier Field and possibly Illinois altogether?

He'll just be creating a bridge to nothing, considering the 'transit center' is a nothingburger..

[left of center]

Originally Posted by Randomguy34

*sigh* Looks like Bob Dunn will get his tax incentives after all

Dunn would likely not persue this project since the Bears are moving out of SF. Even with the new tax incentives, I don't think it makes as much sense anymore.

Plenty of easier plots of land to more cheaply develop in the South Loop.

[moorhosj1]

Originally Posted by sentinel

^But what's the point if the Bears leave Soldier Field and possibly Illinois altogether?

He'll just be creating a bridge to nothing, considering the 'transit center' is a nothingburger..

I'm not sure where people got the idea that Soldier Field only exists for Bears games. They didn't move in until 50 years after the stadium was built. The stadium hosted more concerts (15) than games (9) last year. That is with the prime months of September and October unavailable for the Bears season.