Chicago Politician Proclaims Changes In Lincoln Yards Development Plan, Says Live Nation Reportedly Removed

Via Sterling Bay – Lincoln Yards Development Rendering

Alderman Brian Hopkins of Chicago’s 2nd Ward has reportedly backed calls for changes to the plans to develop the “Lincoln Yards” entertainment district, which include the removal of a 20,000-seat soccer stadium and cutting out Live Nation.

According to Crain’s Chicago Business, the politician wrote in an email message to constituents: “I have informed planning officials at Sterling Bay, the developer of the proposed Lincoln Yards project, that I am not in support of a major sports and entertainment arena within either of their two planned development districts now under consideration.”

“I have further requested that the identified site of the proposed stadium . . . be repurposed as open and recreational park space.

“In addition, I have informed Sterling Bay that I will not support the proposed ‘entertainment district’ within the Planned Development that was intended to be co-owned by Live Nation and comprised of multiple venues with seating capacities ranging from 3,000 to 6,000. The Entertainment District will be eliminated from a revised plan, and replaced by restaurants, theaters, and smaller venues that will be scattered throughout the site. Live Nation will have no ownership interest in any of these venues.”

Hopkins’ changes will be put into a revised master plan and submitted to the community for review, according to the publication. Sterling Bay has gone through several drafts of plans to build a soccer stadium and multiple music venues in a 70-acre area between Lincoln Park and Bucktown, and Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts was partnered in the stadium aspect of the plans.

Live Nation had previously said it and Sterling Bay planned to build three-to-five venues in the district, which could range from 100-cap clubs to 6,000-8,000 capacity theatres or sheds. The district would reportedly be on both sides of the Chicago River. Construction was anticipated to begin on the project in 2019.

But 53 percent of the 870 local survey respondents opposed the stadium plans as of Nov. 27, according to Crain’s, with 25 percent more stating they were unsure how they felt about it. Concerns included parking and pedestrian congestion, as well as effects on local businesses. 

A group of local independent venues including Schuba’s, Metro/Smart Bar, The Empty Bottle, The Hideout, Thalia Hall, Martyr’s and others formed the Chicago Independent Venue League in November to delay the Lincoln Yards development. At a press conference announcing the CIVL’s formation, board member Robert Gomez told the Chicago Tribune: “I work with Live Nation … this isn’t an anti-Live Nation movement. This is: If you’re going to alter the cultural music scene of the city we need to be in the conversation.”

Sterling Bay responded to Hopkins’ recent email with the following statement provided to Crain’s: “While much of the feedback has been positive, Ald. Hopkins and residents have been very clear: they do not want a stadium. And we want to say: we heard you loud and clear. We have removed the stadium and broken up the entertainment district, allowing for assorted smaller venues throughout Lincoln Yards where all independent music operators will have the opportunity to participate.”

Live Nation declined comment for this story.