Environmental Remediation Set to Begin for The 78 in South Loop Chicago

Cleanup Work Starts at The 78 Site Ahead of Chicago Fire Stadium Construction

Environmental remediation work is officially underway at the The 78 development site in Chicago’s South Loop, marking a major move forward for one of the city’s most transformative urban redevelopment projects. With approval from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, crews have begun Phase 1 cleanup of impacted soil and materials, clearing the way for future construction at the 62-acre megadevelopment known as The 78.

The remediation phase is expected to last approximately four to six weeks and focuses on the northeast corner of the site, where soil and other materials will be removed and transported for licensed disposal. This work is a prerequisite for upcoming construction activities, including the new stadium that will serve as the anchored centerpiece of the redevelopment.

What Environmental Remediation Means

Environmental remediation refers to the process of cleaning up contaminated soil, groundwater or materials that could pose a risk to health and the environment before construction begins. In this case, contractors are removing impacted soil and waste materials in a controlled manner, using tarped transport to ensure safety and minimize impacts on surrounding streets and neighbors.

This cleanup is a critical step in preparing The 78 site for future construction work. Without this remediation, heavy construction activity for foundations, utilities, and building structures could disturb legacy contamination and create safety issues.

The 78: What’s Next

Once remediation is complete, the next major milestone will be the start of construction on a new stadium for Chicago Fire, currently planned as part of the first phase of The 78 development. Work on the roughly $750 million privately financed stadium is expected to begin in early 2026 with an opening targeted for the 2028 MLS season.

Planned by developer Related Midwest and designed by Gensler, the stadium’s design reflects elements of Chicago’s industrial heritage while providing modern spectator amenities, premium spaces, and a dedicated supporters’ section.

Anchoring a new neighborhood in the South Loop, The 78 masterplan envisions a mix of residential, retail, office, green space and public amenities that extend well beyond sports. The remediation work now underway is the first tangible sign that years of planning are moving toward physical progress.

Why This Cleanup Matters for the Neighborhood

The 62-acre site known today as The 78 sat vacant for decades before redevelopment plans gained traction. Named to reference Chicago’s 77 community areas, the parcel is poised to become one of the city’s largest urban revitalization projects in recent memory.

Environmental cleanup not only prepares the site for construction, it also reduces potential long-term risks and helps ensure that future development aligns with contemporary environmental and safety standards. Successful remediation can improve soil quality, reduce contaminants in groundwater, and support public confidence in the safety of new infrastructure.

For South Loop residents and investors, moving from concept to site preparation is a major transition point. With soil cleanup underway, the focus shifts toward building foundations, infrastructure work, and eventually above-ground construction that will reshape this part of the city.

What Happens Next in 2026

With Phase 1 remediation underway, the timeline for The 78 now has a clearer sequence:

• Environmental cleanup: four to six weeks of soil removal and remediation to prepare site for construction.
• Start of stadium construction: targeted for early 2026, building a privately financed soccer stadium to anchor The 78.
• Ongoing development: phases of residential, commercial, retail, and public space construction will follow over the coming years as part of the megadevelopment.

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