Chicago architect and Edward Peck Design managing director Edward Peck has “come up with a proposal to build a translucent roof on top of Soldier Field,” in an effort to keep the Bears in Chicago. However, the proposal has “no connection to the team, the city, or the Park District,” which owns the stadium. Most importantly, “there is no identified way to pay for it.” Peck was engaged to “create the concept” by an anonymous Bears fan. The plan would “create an entertainment complex by building a deck over adjacent rail lines and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.” Peck estimated his plan would be “35% more cost-effective than building a new stadium,” which would help pay for the estimated $700M cost of the 10-acre deck. The Bears “wouldn’t comment” on the proposal, but have their own plans to build a new stadium either in Arlington Heights or Hammond. The Bears have said that “they want an enclosed stadium, and have shown one in their own plans.” Sports stadium consultant Marc Ganis “isn’t involved in the Bears’ deal,” but because of Soldier Field’s limitations and existing plans to move, he said that “the new dome proposal is ‘not relevant’” (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/20).
