Justin Ishbia's Shore Capital Under Contract to Acquire Amtrak Rail Yard Near The 78
On March 19, 2026, Justin Ishbia and his private equity firm Shore Capital Partners confirmed they are under contract to acquire an Amtrak rail yard located just across the Chicago River from the South Loop site known as The 78, a spokesperson for the minority White Sox owner said.
The parcel, immediately south of Roosevelt Road, is being eyed for early mixed‑use planning. Shore Capital has begun work on concepts that include a potential healthcare facility and a medical innovation hub in partnership with Northwestern Medicine, whose spokesman said discussions are at an early stage as the health system explores expanding its South Loop presence.
People familiar with the matter say Ishbia is also considering a stadium for the roughly 47‑acre plot, though his spokesman declined to confirm any stadium plans and emphasized that decisions about the team’s home rest with chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The White Sox announced a succession option last year that could allow Ishbia to acquire control as early as 2029, the same year the club's lease at Guaranteed Rate Field expires; the team has said its focus remains on a ballpark at The 78.
An Amtrak representative said the agency is pursuing opportunities to deliver an expanded Midwest maintenance facility, while Rick Harnish of the High Speed Rail Alliance urged public engagement, warning the site may be needed to support future Chicago Union Station access. Local context includes the Chicago Fire’s recent groundbreaking on a $750 million stadium near Roosevelt and Clark and aldermanic concerns about fitting multiple venues into the neighborhood.
COMMENTS (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
LOGIN TO COMMENT