Key Takeaways
- Anthony and Anna Donato purchased the 114-acre former Trinity International University campus in Bannockburn, IL for $20 million, a significant discount from the $35 million Ross Perot Jr.’s firm Hillwood had considered
- The couple plans to build a 300,000 to 400,000 square foot indoor arena featuring basketball courts, volleyball facilities, indoor soccer fields, and potentially an ice rink
- Total investment including the property purchase and new construction is expected to reach $60 million to $70 million
- The site already includes full-size outdoor football, baseball, and softball fields across 26 buildings
- The development creates an emerging sports district alongside the Chicago Red Stars’ planned $30 million training facility on an adjacent parcel
Local Operator Steps In After Developer Exits
The Donatos closed on the Trinity property in seven weeks after Hillwood backed away from commercial redevelopment plans. According to sources familiar with the situation, Hillwood had explored redeveloping the land for Takeda Pharmaceuticals, which maintains office space in nearby Bannockburn property, but withdrew after sensing community resistance.
Trinity International needed to sell quickly due to a $16 million bridge loan from Connecticut-based lender JGB Management taken out in late 2024. The religious school controlled the property for over 60 years before declining enrollment led to a merger with Trinity Western University in British Columbia and the shutdown of most campus operations.
Youth Sports Vision Takes Shape
The centerpiece of the Donatos’ plan is a new indoor arena that will replace the campus’ existing Meyer Sports Complex. The 300,000 to 400,000 square foot facility will house multiple basketball courts, volleyball courts, and indoor soccer fields. The couple is also considering adding an ice arena for hockey and skating competitions.
Beyond competitive sports, the Donatos plan to introduce golf simulators, mini-golf, arcades, and escape rooms. They see opportunities for summer camps and corporate retreats using the property’s commercial kitchen and cafeteria capable of serving 1,000 people per meal.
“We could truly hold a tournament here every weekend,” Anna Donato said. The couple expects the construction to cost $40 million to $50 million and aims to break ground within 18 months while securing village approval.
Broader Real Estate Strategy and Market Position
The Trinity acquisition marks the Donatos’ second major Bannockburn purchase. In July, they bought the nearby Bannockburn Lakes office park spanning 530,000 square feet across five buildings for $17 million. That property sold at a steep discount after previous owners Walton Street Capital and Glenstar spent $43 million between 2015 and last year acquiring and upgrading it.
The timing coincides with the Chicago Red Stars’ announcement earlier this month of plans to build a $30 million-plus training performance center on an adjacent Bannockburn parcel. The Donatos say they were unaware of the Red Stars’ plans when submitting their offer, but the proximity creates a concentrated sports district in the suburb.
Anthony Donato, who built his wealth through solar power development, has limited experience with large-scale real estate development. The Trinity and Bannockburn Lakes deals represent his largest office and development projects to date.
Timeline and Implementation Plans
The couple hopes to launch sports leagues at the property as early as this spring while working through village approvals for the larger construction project. They’re also exploring adding a higher-end hotel and retail uses including restaurants and shops to capitalize on the property’s highway access and anticipated tournament traffic.
The Donatos financed the purchase with a bank loan but declined to name the lender or loan amount. They hired JLL last year to market vacant office space at the Bannockburn Lakes property to potential tenants, while planning to convert one building into self-storage or temperature-controlled storage.
via: The Real Deal
photo: Trinity International University
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