56 minutes ago, DoUEvenShift said:

This would have been 2011 or 2012?

https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/Resources/d071eb72-bca0-4533-8fe1-b23b45e71d0d/Thompson_Jam_PFNL_Vol_V.pdf

Interesting exchange. So, it was Jerry that didn't want it, but at the same time the location wasn't going to turn this area into another Wrigleyville even if they did. They did open the ChiSox Bar and Grill. It seems fine, but doesn't seem to be a massive draw either.

Also interesting point about all the parking lots that are to the south of the stadium. They border a church, a school, and CHA housing (plus a senior housing high-rise). That doesn't sound like prime "stadium district" land to me.

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by 77 Hitmen

18 minutes ago, 77 Hitmen said:

Interesting exchange. So, it was Jerry that didn't want it, but at the same time the location wasn't going to turn this area into another Wrigleyville even if they did. They did open the ChiSox Bar and Grill. It seems fine, but doesn't seem to be a massive draw either.

Also interesting point about all the parking lots that are to the south of the stadium. They border a church, a school, and CHA housing (plus a senior housing high-rise). That doesn't sound like prime "stadium district" land to me.

It was written about at the time that JR wanted all income opportunities inside the park so the franchise would get all of the fans money.

10 minutes ago, 77 Hitmen said:

Interesting exchange. So, it was Jerry that didn't want it, but at the same time the location wasn't going to turn this area into another Wrigleyville even if they did.

From Thompson’s comments about being a “dreamer”, it seems that he envisioned just that, actually. Apartments and retail space, likely mixed use, as well as a hotel would have definitely led to more activity/development around that stretch. While it’s hard to justify going to the ChiSox Bar & Grill when it’s offering its concessions at stadium prices, any independent businesses neighboring it would have lower prices to compete in the market. Jerry likely knew this and didn’t want that.

Bridgeport never had a chance to proof itself. Reinsdorf’s reluctance to commercialize the area guaranteed that.

36 minutes ago, Mouthsider said:

From Thompson’s comments about being a “dreamer”, it seems that he envisioned just that, actually. Apartments and retail space, likely mixed use, as well as a hotel would have definitely led to more activity/development around that stretch. While it’s hard to justify going to the ChiSox Bar & Grill when it’s offering its concessions at stadium prices, any independent businesses neighboring it would have lower prices to compete in the market. Jerry likely knew this and didn’t want that.

Bridgeport never had a chance to proof itself. Reinsdorf’s reluctance to commercialize the area guaranteed that.

Fair enough about the ChiSox B&G. I still have my doubts that the stretch of 35th St around the stadium could become a thriving mixed-use district akin to something like the Baseball Village in St. Louis. Would a hotel there really succeed year round? Like a Hyatt or something? But, as you said, we'll never know how the area could have turned out if Jerry didn't block development.