Chicago – Minority White Sox owner Justin Ishbia revealed a detailed plan to convert the 47‑acre Amtrak rail yard south of Roosevelt Road into a new home for the team. The proposal, dubbed “The Railyards,” would turn idle land along the west bank of the Chicago River into a mixed‑use development anchored by a modern ballpark.

Project scope and financing

Ishbia’s Shore Capital Partners has signed a contract to purchase the rail yard and has already contributed roughly $125 million toward relocating the Amtrak facility to nearby Bridgeport. The Federal Railroad Administration recently approved $572 million in grants for the $900 million relocation effort, clearing a major hurdle for the stadium project.

Location and timing

The site sits directly opposite the new $750 million Chicago Fire stadium that broke ground on the east side of the river earlier this year. The White Sox have played at Guaranteed Rate Field on the South Side since 1991, and the new venue would bring Major League Baseball back to the downtown riverfront corridor.

Ownership transition

Ishbia is set to become the principal owner of the White Sox after finalizing an investment agreement with longtime chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. Reinsdorf retains the option to sell his controlling interest between 2029 and 2033, with Ishbia slated to gain full control by 2034, joined by his brother Mat and father Jeff as investors.

Community impact

In a release, Ishbia emphasized that “The Railyards is about turning idle land into opportunity… This is a Chicago project, built by and for Chicagoans, and we are excited about its potential.” The development promises new housing, office space, and retail, aiming to spur economic growth and job creation in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The plan still requires city approvals and coordination with federal agencies, but the early momentum suggests the project could reshape Chicago’s riverfront landscape within the next decade.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.