## Chicago’s Architectural Landscape: A 2025 Outlook
The new year brings a flurry of architectural activity to Chicago, ranging from ambitious new projects to the potential loss of architectural gems. Several developments warrant close attention in 2025.
One of the most contentious projects is the proposed new Chicago Bears stadium. While CEO Kevin Warren announced a 2025 groundbreaking, the reality is far less certain. The team’s request for $1.5 billion in public funds, coupled with plans to redevelop 70 acres of public parkland, has met significant resistance. Governor JB Pritzker and state legislators have expressed opposition, citing higher priorities for state funds. Friends of the Parks and other advocacy groups are poised to challenge the project legally. The Bears’ alternative consideration of the former Michael Reese Hospital site in Bronzeville, previously rejected, further complicates the situation, leaving the lakefront stadium’s future highly uncertain.
In contrast, progress continues on other projects. The Obama Presidential Center, while not slated to open until 2026, will see the completion of Home Court, a 45,000-square-foot athletic facility designed by Moody Nolan. This facility, featuring an NBA-sized basketball court and ample event space, is expected to be finished this year. However, the overall design of the Presidential Center itself remains a subject of debate, with concerns raised about the scale of the museum tower and the impact on Jackson Park’s landscape.
The West Side will see the commencement of the 1901 Project, a $7 billion redevelopment surrounding the United Center. This year marks the beginning of construction on a 6,000-seat music hall, a significant addition to the area. While early renderings present a somewhat mixed aesthetic, the project promises a much-needed revitalization of the neighborhood.
Finally, the architectural landscape faces the potential loss of significant structures. The former Scott Foresman campus in Glenview, a well-designed mid-century modernist complex, is slated for demolition to make way for single-family homes. Despite reuse proposals and its listing among Illinois’ most endangered buildings, this significant structure faces destruction, symbolizing the ongoing challenges in preserving valuable mid-century corporate campuses. This loss highlights the ongoing debate about balancing development with the preservation of architectural heritage.