Ishbia reveals riverfront White Sox stadium proposal amid lingering questions

Justin Ishbia’s Canal Edge development company has unveiled “The Railyards,” an early-stage proposal for a new Chicago White Sox stadium along the Chicago River between Roosevelt Road and 18th Street, near the Chicago Fire’s new stadium. The mixed-use project would combine an open-air ballpark with transit-oriented housing, retail, commercial space and a Northwestern Medicine health care facility, with plans still subject to transportation, environmental and feasibility studies. The White Sox could consider the site as the team weighs options for replacing Rate Field, whose lease is set to expire in 2029, although White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf remains the club’s decision maker. Ishbia has an agreement that could eventually allow him to purchase the team and is reportedly prepared to privately finance a new ballpark. City and team officials have expressed cautious interest, but some community leaders oppose potential tax subsidies, environmental impacts and relocating a rail yard near Bridgeport and Wentworth Gardens.