Canal Edge, a Chicago-based developer led by future White Sox owner Justin Ishbia, used the lucrative Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend to release plans for a potential new stadium as part of a larger development across the Chicago River from the South Loop neighborhood known as The 78.  The site, currently a maintenance yard for Amtrak, was purchased by Ishbia’s private equity firm earlier this year.

Calling the space The Railyards, a new White Sox stadium would join a previously announced healthcare complex.  The stadium would sit alongside the river, stretching from Roosevelt Road in the north to 18th Street in the south, and bordered with the river on its east side and Canal Street to its west.  McDonald’s Park, the new stadium under construction for the Fire, would sit directly across the river.

In a statement, Canal Edge noted it is “currently beginning a multi-month study and feasibility review evaluating a range of factors from transportation to environmental impact. If feasible, this plan could be presented to Chicago White Sox leadership for consideration as one of the team’s ballpark options when its current lease in the state-owned ballpark ends.”  The team’s lease with the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority for Rate Field ends following the 2029 season, which just happens to be the first year Ishbia could contractually buy out current White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and take full control of the franchise.