Renderings of Related Midwest’s The 78, White Sox Stadium

Related Midwest’s updated vision for The 78 megadevelopment has been unveiled.

The Chicago office of Miami-based Related Group released renderings of the ambitious $7 billion project, showcasing a stadium for the Chicago White Sox, Crain’s reported.

Related Midwest, headed by CEO Curt Bailey, aims to create the “78th” Chicago neighborhood with The 78, set to include housing, a hotel, entertainment venues and a 4,000-car parking garage, spanning 62 acres just south of downtown.

The stadium, a potential anchor for the development, is shown in renderings as near the University of Illinois’ Discovery Partners Institute and bordered by a plaza with bars and restaurants.

The project aligns with the growing trend of integrating sports stadiums with surrounding amenities and residences. The Chicago Bears had been planning a stadium-anchored mixed-use development of its own in Arlington Heights. However, a property tax dispute prompted the NFL squad to pursue alternative plans, potentially remaining in the city.

Discussions between White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Related, regarding the team’s relocation from Guaranteed Rate Field to The 78, emerged in January. It was reported that the White Sox were on the hunt for a new stadium site last summer.

Images portray the stadium nestled along the South Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by high-rise apartment buildings and mixed-use structures.The renderings envisage the future of the area surrounding Guaranteed Rate Field, although Related emphasized the need for a community-driven process to determine the site’s optimal use, the outlet reported.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred recently voiced his support of the White Sox’s relocation plans, highlighting the potential to revitalize the area and enhance fan experiences.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has also signaled initial approval for the project, with support also coming from influential figures like Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter and City Alderman Pat Dowell.

—Quinn Donoghue