The 78
Proposed urban development
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 78 is a plot of land undergoing urban renewal infill in South Loop, Chicago.[1][2] Its name refers to the existing 77 community areas in Chicago.[3] The 78 stretches from Roosevelt Road south to 16th Street, and Clark Street west to the Chicago River. Ping Tom Memorial Park is adjacent to its south, and St. Charles Air Line Bridge is on the opposing river bank.
The 78 in 2022 | |
 Interactive map of The 78 | |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°51′53″N 87°37′56″W |
| Use | Mixed-use |
| Website | 78chicago |
| Companies | |
| Architect | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill |
| Developer | Related Midwest |
| Technical details | |
| Cost | $7 billion |
| Size | 62 acres (25 ha) |
In June 2025, the owner of the Chicago Fire soccer team proposed to build a soccer stadium on the site.[4] Crews began environmental remediation in February 2026,[5] and the Chicago Fire held a groundbreaking ceremony on March 3, 2026.[6]
History
The planned mixed use development is located on a 62-acre parcel of land just south of Downtown Chicago and north of Chinatown. The area is bordered by Roosevelt Road to the north, Clark Street to the east, 16th Street to the south, and the South Branch of the Chicago River to the west.[7][8] Much of the land was created through landfills in the 1920s as part of a $9 million realignment of the River.[7][9] The area then became a railyard for trains traveling to or from Grand Central station and LaSalle Street station.[10]
The railyard was eventually demolished in the 1970s, forming a 62-acre vacant lot. The former railyard remained in limbo for decades. In 2001, Tony Rezko bought the entire land for mixed-use development. His plan did not come to fruition and he eventually sold the land in 2005.[11]
Many plans have been proposed or discussed for the site.[4] Related Midwest acquired the land in 2016.[12] The 78 was the site of an unrealized 2018 megadevelopment proposal for several office and residential towers, high-rises, and a riverwalk.[7] Since 2016 Related Midwest is the owner of the site.[3][12][13] Although the Chicago City Council approved the megadevelopment in April 2019 (including a tax increment financing agreement),[14] it was not built. The megadevelopment was to include a $1.2 billion research center called the Discovery Partners Institute, which would have been operated by the University of Illinois.[4]
In 2021, it was proposed to put a Rivers Casino in The 78 as part of the Chicago casino proposals, but the city selected a site in the River West district near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street.[15] Community groups opposed the 2022 plan to build a Rivers 78 casino at The 78 location.[16]
In 2024, it was reported that the Chicago White Sox and its owner Jerry Reinsdorf were in discussions with Related Midwest to potentially build a new stadium on the site to replace Rate Field following the end of the team's lease in 2029.[17] In addition to the stadium, the plan calls for retail, offices, and housing.[18][19][20][21]
Between August and September 2024, the White Sox and developer Related Midwest built a temporary field on the site.[22][23][24][25]
The owner of the Chicago Fire FC soccer team Joe Mansueto proposes to build a stadium exclusively for soccer games on a 9-acre site in The 78.[4] Mansueto plans to use private funds. The City of Chicago would be responsible for site preparation, as the area lacks basic utilities (water, sewer, electric) at present. Some unused railroad tracks need to be removed. His aim is to open the team’s 2028 season in its own stadium.[4]
Earlier, the owner and developer presented the idea of a joint stadium. The Chicago Fire FC, which currently plays at Soldier Field, would construct a new stadium there along with the White Sox. Joe Mansueto's plans to privately finance a new stadium makes their path much clearer than that of the Bears and White Sox if they choose to develop in this area just south of the Loop, given the aforementioned two teans are seeking public funding.[26][27] Ultimately, a soccer-specific plan went ahead.
Chicago Fire FC owner Joe Mansueto, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, Chicago Fire President of Business Operations Dave Baldwin, and Related Midwest President Curt Bailey joined the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire stadium on March 3, 2026.[2][28]