In a massive pivot, the Chicago Bears are shifting their new stadium efforts to the lakefront in the city with a proposed $2 billion contribution to the project. Initial reports indicated the Bears would focus on the land south of Soldier Field. However, Friends of the Parks voiced displeasure with the Bears' announcement and insisted the Bears should explore the old Michael Reese Hospital site instead.
The Michael Reese Hospital site is located in the Bronzeville neighborhood at 31st Street west of the railroad tracks and south of McCormick Place and I-55. The site is currently undergoing infrastructure work to accommodate the "Bronzeville Lakefront" redevelopment. This project will be anchored by residential units, senior housing, and a medical research facility, per the City of Chicago.
The Bears still own the Arlington Park racetrack, but it hasn't been smooth sailing regarding the suburban site. The team bought the land last year for $200 million. They demolished the grandstand but have run into property tax issues as the Bears and Arlington Heights local school districts are at a $100 million impasse over classification.
Despite the Bears' lakefront movement gaining steam, the Village of Arlington Heights maintains that the Bears' "continued interest in Arlington Park has not changed." The Village added that "the possibility that the Chicago Bears could find a different location has remained an option since day one and this project has never been considered a 'done deal' in Arlington Heights."
All of this positioning by the Bears shows that the tribulations of securing a new stadium are far from over.
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