Prominent Chicago preservation group Friends of the Parks responded Wednesday to the highly anticipated reveal of the Bears’ new stadium project in Chicago, which includes demolishing much of the current Soldier Field in order to build a dome-shaped installation and more.
Friends of the Parks, which successfully sued to stop George Lucas from building a lakefront museum, has previously expressed opposition to the construction of any new stadium projects on Museum Campus, where the Bears offer their new stadium site.
“The ‘Chicago Way’ was on full display today at the Chicago Bears press conference. Once again, Chicago taxpayers are being told what’s good for them. We’re being told that a new stadium in dome shape on protected lakefront land will make Chicago a great city,” the group said in response to the announcement. “We are already a great city, thanks in large part to our protected lakefront. As is so often the case in Chicago, the powerful and wealthy are demanding that our entire city stop and accelerate its plans to expand operations on the lakeshore. ”
The group noted several lingering questions following the revelation of the team’s proposal, including why the team is pushing for a faster timeline for the project, why other parks were not reviewed or chosen as a potential site , what will happen to Soldier Field and more.
“We heard nothing at the Bears press conference that couldn’t happen elsewhere in Chicago. We have too many questions to make a decision on the value of these plans. We encourage the Bears and the administration to take action with honor,” integrity, transparency, wisdom and being forward-thinking and collaborative and not repeating the mistakes of the past,” the group’s statement said.
The Bears answered some of those questions in their announcement Wednesday, saying the team evaluated 10 to 12 different sites before settling on the museum campus.
Among these was the site of Michael Reese Hospital.
“I was passionate about the Michael Reese location, because of the history and tradition of Bronzeville and all the different things it brings,” said Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren . “The difficulty with this venue – it’s very narrow. So from an NFL stadium footprint standpoint, this difficulty doesn’t work. It’s too narrow. The other thing is it would have to be built on active rail and train lines “There are certain rules and requirements that the majority of sports leagues, particularly the National Football League, have regarding the construction of active stadiums on train lines. active, especially with a certain child within a 100 foot perimeter. ”
Warren said that for the team to build a stadium capable of hosting Final Four games, Super Bowls, college playoffs, concerts and more, “it would be incredibly difficult at this point to do in so that it works.”
The team revealed plans for more than just a stadium, but rather an entertainment center that could host a number of major events.
“It’s really becoming an international destination for the Olympics and the World Cup,” Warren said.
Renderings of the proposed new stadium include a “fixed” roof, with the stadium located atop Soldier Field’s current south parking lot. As for Soldier Field, the columns exist, but the stadium is gone. (See full renderings here)
The proposal provides the first chance for fans and the city to see what the team has planned since leaving the Arlington Heights property it previously purchased.
Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke with NBC Sports Chicago shortly after Friends of the Parks’ statement was released, and he said he “looks forward to continuing the conversation.”
“The lakeshore protection ordinance, which I fully support, I’m confident we’re not opposed to that ordinance,” Johnson said. “We’re talking about 20 percent more open space. The amount of investment that went into creating 14 more acres of space for our children, our youth in Chicago to benefit from, that’s been the vision for the lakefront since a while. Look, I know there’s a common practice in the city of Chicago where things are forced on people. What we’re saying is we have the option to not just keep the Bears in the. city of Chicago, but 24,000 additional construction jobs just for Chicagoans, 46,000 additional jobs in the region, millions of dollars in labor income – the kind of income needed to be able to live in. the city of Chicago.
Among the new features highlighted by the team are:
- Expanded green and open space
- Added playgrounds, creating safer places for youth and families to gather
- Public restrooms as well as food and beverage options to enhance the park user experience
- Better infrastructure that improves access to the Museum Campus
- A year-round venue that can accommodate community events of all sizes
One of the biggest questions from residents was funding for the new plan.
“I’m going to say it one more time to make sure everyone understands,” Johnson said during the announcement. “This project will not result in any new taxes for Chicago residents.”
Karen Murphy, chief operating officer and executive vice president of stadium development, said in a presentation Wednesday that the team expects the entire stadium project to cost $4.7 billion:3 .2 dollars for the stadium itself and a little over $300 million for the infrastructure needed to open it, then 1.2 dollars. billion for two other development phases.
Last month, the team confirmed it would contribute $2 billion to fund the majority of the project. A slide in the presentation Wednesday clarified that figure would be closer to $2.025 billion. After that, the team would turn to an NFL stadium program for a $300 million loan. That leaves a $900 million shortfall in financing the stadium itself. The Bears’ plan has them turning to a bond mechanism through the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority program to make up the difference.
The Bears said a 2 percent hotel tax already in place for ISFA should help offset the $900 million they need from state funds.
There was no clear answer, however, as to where the team would get the $300 million for infrastructure. Murphy said the team is still working with the state and exploring different funding sources.
If the team gets the public funding needed to open the stadium, they said there would be two more phases of development requiring public money.
The Bears’ plans have also come under scrutiny as part of a separate effort by the Chicago White Sox to secure public funding for a stadium project in the South Loop. According to a recent Crain’s report, the teams were told that lawmakers were reluctant to approve separate financing plans for the stadiums, and urged the two teams to work together.
Warren and the Bears have said they are still happy to own the Arlington Park property, and officials remain optimistic that the team could return to the negotiating table.
“We are currently the largest landowner in Arlington Heights. 326 acres,” Warren said. “We own a beautiful piece of land. And I have great respect for Mayor Hayes, Randy Recklaus and all the politicians there. I believe right now that these projects are incredibly difficult. And just learning the different things I ‘ve done in Minnesota, you have to be focused And right now we’re putting our energy into downtown Chicago, the museum campus, just from an energy and resource standpoint. largest landowner. “I will remain in communication with Arlington Heights, but we must now focus on Chicago to give ourselves the best opportunity for success.”
Arlington Heights officials said they would be ready and waiting if the Bears changed their minds.
“There are many challenges ahead regarding the lakeside stadium in terms of funding and opposition from interest groups like Friends of the Parks… We are prepared to continue discussions with the Bears if they get a no at the lake,” Mayor Tom said. Hayes told NBC Chicago.
He added that while the village respects the Bears’ plan to explore a lakefront stadium, they believe the Arlington Heights property is a better solution.
“Other than a lake that we don’t have in Arlington Heights, I think everything else in Arlington Heights is a better solution for them,” he said.
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