Scott Goodman, the Chicago developer behind a string of splashy downtown projects, is back in the hot seat over unpaid bills after transit records show one of his companies is more than $1 million behind on rent to the Chicago Transit Authority. The CTA says the firm is also on the hook for roughly $11 million in late fees tied to repeated payment lapses. The shortfall centers on a West Loop office building that once housed Farpoint Development and the CTA's control center, even as Goodman keeps chasing big redevelopment deals across the city.
Documents obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times show the arrears piled up in 2025 and that the transit agency is treating the unpaid rent and late fees as a legal dispute. The records also note that Goodman made recent political contributions, including a $1,032 donation to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, even as his companies pushed ahead on deals such as a planned redevelopment at 830 N. Michigan Ave.
"Options to extend the lease were not exercised," CTA spokeswoman Catherine Hosinski told the Sun-Times, which reports Farpoint was based at the CTA-owned building at 120 N. Racine under a multi-year lease that expired last August. The story notes that Farpoint later moved to 1308 N. Elston Ave. and that Goodman’s firm, through Randolph Racine LLC, told the paper the parties are "now in advanced discussions" and are "confident we will reach an amicable solution to resolve all outstanding issues." The CTA also told reporters it was "unable to provide any other comment pending litigation."
A Pattern Of Arrears And Penalties
This is not the first time one of Goodman’s ventures has been flagged over unpaid obligations. As reported by The Real Deal, Goodman’s Sterling-Racine LLC previously faced about $25 million in unresolved late fees and roughly $1 million in property tax arrears; at the time, the company said it had made arrangements to get current. Those earlier delinquencies drew attention after portions of the building were sublet to event organizers and, later, to the city for temporary uses.
Projects, Migrant Contracts And The Michael Reese Site
Block Club Chicago reported on Farpoint's 1308 N. Elston shelter and its role as a city contractor, while WTTW and other outlets have detailed Farpoint's ambitious plans for the roughly 48-acre Michael Reese campus. Those projects have positioned Goodman as a major player in city redevelopment even as his firms deal with overdue bills and legal back-and-forth.
What Comes Next
Both sides say they are talking, and the result of those negotiations or any future court filings will determine whether the CTA recovers the rent and late fees or opts for tougher enforcement. For now, the dispute stands as another example of how public contracts, political donations and private development in Chicago often collide in complicated, and occasionally costly, ways.
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