The 78 is a development in Chicago that will consist of several office and residential towers, high-rises, and will also include a riverwalk.[1] The name "The 78" refers to the existing 77 community areas in Chicago and the mega-development is to increase that number by one.[2] Related Midwest will develop the site, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed the project's master plan.[2] Related Midwest acquired the land in 2016.[3][4]
Aerial video of The 78 proposed site, with an Amtrak train going through it, and Ping Tom Park in the foreground
In 2021, it was proposed to put a Rivers Casino in The 78 as part of the Chicago Casino Proposals, but the city selected a site in the River West district near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street for a casino and entertainment complex.[8]
In 2024, it was reported that the Chicago White Sox were in discussions with Related Midwest to potentially build a new stadium on the site to replace Guaranteed Rate Field following the end of the team's lease in 2029.[9]
Much of the land was created through landfills in the 1920s as part of a $9 million realignment of the South Branch Chicago River.[1][10] The area then became a railyard for trains traveling to or from either the Grand Central stationorLaSalle Street station.[11] The railyard was eventually demolished in the 1970s, forming a 62-acre vacant lot. The former railyard remained in limbo for decades. In 2001, Tony Rezko bought the entire land for mixed-use development. His plan did not come to fruition and eventually sold the land in 2005.[12]
