The Chicago Cubs and the city of Chicago are close to finalizing a $500-million Wrigley Field renovation plan that preserves views for local rooftop owners, adds more video signage and includes a new 300-capacity parking garage.
The deal, expected to be finalized for an announcement at Monday’s season opener, gives the Cubs the right to add a large videoboard in left field and more signage in right field — two moves that will definitely impact views from some of the rooftop bleachers, but the Cubs agreed to compensate the owners for an revenue losses. In addition, the Cubs agreed to build a 300-car parking garage at Clark and Grace on land already owned by the team; the Cubs will also foot the bill for more police protection in the area. We reported yesterday that a new parking ramp could clinch a deal for the Cubs, and that’s exactly what happened. (It’s important to note that the deal was negotiated by officials in Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office; the mayor has always been an optimist about reaching a deal.)
One key part of the deal with rooftop owners: it did not extend the current 11-year deal. We’d expect another effort by the Cubs to impact the rooftop views once the current deal expires.
As part of the deal the Cubs would be allowed to add 10 or more more night games — up from the current limit of 30 — and hold more concerts at the Friendly Confines.
The core part of the plan calls for a dramatic renovation of the Wrigley Field grandstand, including a widening of concourses and the addition of more and larger restrooms. The Cubs also plan on building a hotel on the currently hosting a McDonald’s across Clark from the ballpark.
Rendering courtesy of the Chicago Cubs.
RELATED STORIES: Could parking ramp clinch Wrigley Field renovation plans?; Rosemont to Cubs: Here, have some free land for a new ballpark!; White elephant on Cubs ledgers? Debt service, not Wrigley Field imperfections; Chicago mayor: We can work with Cubs on Wrigley Field renovations; Cubs unveil more details on Wrigley Field renovations; Cubs exploring hotel, courtyard as part of Wrigley Field upgrades; Ricketts: We’re taking long-term view on Wrigley Field improvements; Spat between Cubs, Mayor Rahm continues; Can Bud Selig warm relationship between Cubs, politicians?; Cubs: Following the Fenway Park recipe for renovations; Ricketts family political activity threatens to scuttle Cubs reno plans; WSJ: Tear down Wrigley Field now!; Chicago politics at play: Tunney vs. the Cubs; Cubs reno plan draws harsh criticism from key alderman; Cubs funding request: $500M in Wrigley Field improvements; Emanuel plan for Wrigley renovation: set aside landmark status; Illinois guv: No public money for ballpark renovations; City, Cubs finalizing terms of Wrigley Field renovations; Ricketts: Time to talk Wrigley Field public funding again; Want to buy a chunk of Wrigley Field? Dream on; Gammon rips Wrigley Field, defends Ricketts; Mayor Rahm: No to city aid for Wrigley Field; Poll: Voters oppose public funding of Wrigley Field renovations; State funding of Wrigley Field renovations dies as Assembly adjourns
—-
Share your news with the baseball community. Send it to us at editors@augustpublications.com.
Are you a subscriber to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter? You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!
Follow Ballpark Digest on Google + and add us to your circles!
Wrigley Field is one of the ballparks mapped out in the Ballpark Digest iPhone/iPad app. Buy it for only $1.99 and plan your ballpark trips!