What’s happening to the Lincoln Yards development in Chicago, and what does it mean for the future of the city’s riverfront?
After years of delays and shifting plans, the ambitious Lincoln Yards project is being reimagined. The site is now evolving into multiple developments, including a fresh vision called Foundry Park, reshaping how residents and investors view this prime stretch of the Chicago River.
Early rendering of Lincoln Yards showcasing its original mixed-use riverfront vision.
A Megadevelopment That Never Quite Materialized
Originally launched by developer Sterling Bay, Lincoln Yards was set to be a $6 billion, mixed-use transformation of industrial land between Lincoln Park and Bucktown. With plans for tech hubs, parks, housing, and entertainment venues, it promised to redefine the city’s North Side.
But over time, financing challenges, infrastructure delays, and shifting market conditions stalled progress. As portions of the site were repossessed by lenders, the grand vision began to unravel.
Site map of Foundry Park (red) – Lincoln Yards (orange) via Google Maps
Enter Foundry Park: A New Direction for the North Side
Now, a new player has stepped in. JDL Development is moving forward with a project called Foundry Park on the northern half of the former Lincoln Yards site. This development brings a more grounded and community-forward approach to the area.
Highlights of the Foundry Park plan include:
Up to 3,000 new residences
Ground-level retail space
Expanded green space and potential riverwalk access
Thoughtful integration with existing neighborhoods
This pivot aligns more closely with what many local residents hoped to see: a vibrant, livable, and scalable neighborhood along the Chicago riverfront.
Overall site plan of Foundry Park by HPA
What About the Rest of Lincoln Yards?
The remainder of the site is still in flux. Other developers are reportedly in talks to acquire different parcels, meaning that Lincoln Yards which was once a single megaproject is now likely to become a collection of distinct but complementary developments.
For anyone watching Chicago’s urban evolution, this is a pivotal moment. It’s a reminder that large-scale city planning is never static and that vision must adapt to economic and community realities.
A Sign of Positive Momentum
Whether you were skeptical of Lincoln Yards or excited by its potential, the emergence of Foundry Park and the piecemeal redevelopment of the site marks real progress. The Chicago riverfront is evolving and opportunities are emerging for residents, investors, and businesses alike.