South Loop rail yard could be site for a new White Sox ballpark

Shore Capital is under contract to buy a 47-acre Amtrak rail yard in Chicago's South Loop; the White Sox have discussed pursuing a new stadium and their lease for Rate Field expires after the 2029 season.

Shore Capital, a private equity firm tied to Justin Ishbia, is under contract to buy a 47-acre Amtrak rail yard in Chicago's South Loop, across the river from the 78 development. The White Sox have publicly pursued a new stadium, and the team's lease for Rate Field runs through the end of the 2029 season. The proposed sale has drawn opposition from the High Speed Rail Alliance, which says the site should be preserved for possible rail expansion. A Shore Capital spokesperson said the firm has begun early planning for a mixed-use development and is exploring a potential healthcare facility and medical innovation hub with Northwestern Medicine. Key details: - Shore Capital is under contract to acquire a 47-acre Amtrak rail yard in the South Loop. - The site is located just across the river from the 78 development. - The White Sox have expressed interest in a new stadium and their lease for Rate Field expires after the 2029 season. - The High Speed Rail Alliance opposes the sale, saying the land should be preserved for future rail expansion and noting no south-side expansion plan has been put together. - A spokesperson for Justin Ishbia said Shore has begun early planning for a mixed-use district and is exploring a possible partnership with Northwestern Medicine for healthcare and medical innovation uses. Summary: The potential acquisition could affect planning for both a White Sox stadium and future rail infrastructure in the South Loop, according to parties involved. Stakeholders including the High Speed Rail Alliance have voiced concerns about preserving the site for rail expansion. Undetermined at this time.