Naperville Bears?
Plans to put goalposts in the Chicago Bears’ outskirts came after Naperville Mayor Scott Whalley met with team chairman Kevin Warren Friday afternoon about the possibility of building a new NFL stadium in Naperville instead of Arlington Heights. When we talked about it, it showed a surprising development.
The meeting between Wehri and Warren came despite the team’s purchase of 326 acres of land in Arlington Park, on the western edge of Arlington Heights, for $197.2 million. A deal to buy the closed racetrack was completed in February.
On Friday, the Bears released a statement, saying their Arlington Heights project was “in jeopardy” and that the team was currently evaluating opportunities for stadiums other than Arlington Park. Part of the reason, the statement said, is the ongoing disagreement over potential property tax valuations.
Earlier this year, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi increased the property value of Arlington Park from $33.5 million to $197 million. That would increase the annual property tax bill from $2.8 million to $16.2 million. The Bears are appealing Mr. Kamiki’s evaluation.
“Stadium-based projects continue to be widely popular in Arlington Heights, Chicagoland and statewide,” Scott Hagel, the Bears’ senior vice president of marketing and communications, said in a statement. “However, the fact that the property was originally valued at five times its 2021 tax value and that the recently agreed settlement with Churchill Downs in 2022 was three times its value suggests that this property would not operate in its current state. not reflect that it is not commercially viable.”
Mr. Wehri and Mr. Warren met at the same time as the demolition of Arlington Park began. Arlington Heights officials are waiting for the Bears to submit more detailed plans outlining their vision for a potential $5 billion redevelopment of the Arlington Park grounds centered around a new domed stadium. there is
Hegel said the team’s goal is to build “the largest single development project in Illinois history that will be led by billions of dollars of private capital investment, creating jobs and economic returns,” and that the team will look to the future. It said it was conducting due diligence to pursue options for the company. stadium.
NFL experts believe Warren led the construction of the Minnesota Vikings’ U.S. Bank Stadium, which opened in 2016. He was hired as president of the Bears in January and was formally appointed in April, almost two years after officials from the team and Arlington Heights. He began discussing a possible stadium at Arlington Park.
“While we will continue our ongoing demolition efforts and strive to move Arlington Heights forward, it is no longer our sole focus,” Hagel said. “It is our responsibility to listen to other Chicagoland municipalities on potential locations that can provide this transformational opportunity for our fans, clubs, and the state of Illinois.”
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes acknowledged Friday that the Bears, as a for-profit organization, “should consider all options.” But he said the village is “very encouraged” by the Bears’ purchase of land in Arlington Park.
“We’re pretty far along with the redevelopment of the place,” Hayes said. “I understand there are still challenges ahead to overcome, but I believe the Arlington Park property is a very unique property that will serve the Bears football stadium in the greatest interest over the next 50 years and beyond. I keep thinking it will.”
Hayes said team officials alerted the village about a meeting in Naperville on Friday morning.
“I told them at the time that they certainly understood that they had to do due diligence and that they should answer the phone if someone contacted them,” Hayes said. “I would do the same. So I just believe that the Arlington Park property is the best option for the Bears going forward. But in terms of making it a reality, we still don’t have it.” We have a long way to go and we have to do our part.” ”
Naperville public relations director Linda LaCroche said Wehri contacted Warren last week and described Naperville as “a thriving community with many business investment opportunities.” He sent Warren a letter dated May 24, purporting to be a formal introduction to the Bears, stating, “In considering or reassessing your relocation plans, the City will provide an opportunity to review your business needs and available properties. We welcome
“With economic development one of our primary focuses, the mayor will continue to emphasize Naperville’s benefits to businesses across Chicagoland and across the nation,” Lacloche said.
Lacloche did not say which land in Naperville was specifically discussed for the stadium. Existing developed sites may be demolished and redeveloped, as there is not enough vacant land in the city.
Wehrli wrote to Warren that, as a lifelong Bears fan, he respects the team’s decision to build its own stadium as “essential to its on-field success and championship pursuit.”
Soldier Field, the current home of the Bears, is owned and operated by the Chicago Park District. Bears officials said the deal would limit the team’s ability to maximize earnings.
This isn’t the first time there’s been hope that the Bears will move to the suburbs. Over the years, the Bears have considered Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Aurora, Elk Grove Village, Waukegan and, once before, Arlington Heights.
Wehrli’s letter advertises that Naperville is accessible from major highways, including Interstate 88 east-west, Interstate 355 north-south, and the downtown Metra station. There are also Metra stops on Highway 59 in nearby Lyle and Aurora.
The meeting was a big topic for Naperville-based Mr. Wehri, who was elected in April and has been mayor for just one month. The letter to Warren highlights the impact NFL stadiums have on the city.
“We have several locations available or to be available that may fit the characteristics you are looking for in your future home,” Wehri wrote to Warren. rice field. “Like all of you, I am just getting used to my role. I have pledged to pursue responsible economic development to support Naperville’s thriving economy. It will bring significant economic benefits to our community.”
• Daily Herald staff writer Katlyn Smith contributed to this report.
