Wrigley Renovation Thread

[Guest]

Not much new here but an interesting read:

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-wrigley-construction-20140804-story.html

 

Of course the headline when I picked up the paper this morning was something like "Wait until 2017 for renovated Wrigley" or something at which point I was like wtf??

 

Oh, you mean the renovations are going to take a few years to complete? That part wasn't news.

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

it'll be a surprise when they're finished before next season when Crane announces their bringing in this guy:

 

http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140406222136/lego/images/0/08/Lets_take_a_moment_to_examine_how_perfect_that_smile_is.PNG

[Guest]

The document also says that the Cubs hope to complete most of their Wrigley Field renovations by the start of the 2017 season.

 

But Green said the timeline does not include all the renovations planned for Wrigley and is merely an update to existing plans. The team said work actually will take four off-seasons, meaning construction will occur through the 2017 off-season. The entire project, including a hotel across from Wrigley on Clark and a plaza south of Clark and Waveland Avenue, is expected to be finished by opening day 2018.

 

The Cubs have split the $375 million project — an additional $200 million will be spent on developing the area surrounding the ballpark — to repair and modernize the 100-year-old stadium into two phases.

 

The first phase of the renovations is scheduled to begin after this season and focuses on work to raise team revenue: expanding the bleachers, installing the Jumbotron over left field and adding interior signage. The team has said it would upgrade the home clubhouse, which did not need landmark approval, as soon as possible. The Cubs plan to begin other major changes — such as installing a new gate on the west side of the ballpark, relocating bullpens from along foul-lines to underneath the bleachers, and building a new visitor's clubhouse — after next season.

 

In the document, the team said the timeline is its "best approximation" and that "all times are subject to change based on the realities of construction and other factors affecting the project."

 

Besides an estimated timeline and details on the suites and new concourse, the documents offered other construction plan details:

 

•Some ramps leading to the terrace and upper levels will be redesigned, and more than half the ramps from the back of the terrace to the upper level will have sections replaced with stairs. The lower portion of the four major concourse ramps will be replaced with stairs. The winding ramp in the left field concourse will be removed and a new staircase to the terrace level will be installed. The team said replacing ramps is for "structural work and to remove aging concrete." There will not be any escalators, Green said.

 

•The caretaker's cottage, the trailer-like structure on the northwest corner of the stadium, will be reassembled on a new foundation. The team initially wanted to relocate the cottage during renovations but could not because it's so old. The cottage, which used to be the old groundskeeper's cottage, is now used for office space.

 

•The team will look to increase signage where it already exists. There are LED boards on the right and left field portions of the upper level fascia as well as the underside of the upper-level roof.

 

•The club will add at least 10 elevators, according to the document, although Green said team officials are reevaluating how many elevators actually will be added. In some sections, plastic seats will be removed and replaced with new ones that look similar. The team also will add new support columns, but Green said they will not lead to more obstructed views for seats in the grandstands and upper decks.

 

•Signage on the grandstand facade was revised based on input from the National Park Service. The Cubs have been working with the federal agency in an effort to earn a spot on the coveted National Register of Historic Places and receive federal tax credits. The historic preservation tax credit is equal to 20 percent of qualifying rehabilitation costs. The Boston Red Sox reportedly received $40 million in federal tax credits toward their $285 million upgrade of Fenway Park.

 

•Although the document says most of the renovations should be finished by the start of the 2017 season, Green said some work — such as additional restrooms and the upper deck patio construction — will occur after that point.

 

PHASE 1: 2014-2015

http://photodesk.chicagotribune.com.s3.amazonaws.com/Graphics/ct-met-wrigley-timeline-web-phase-1.jpg

 

1. Proposed Sheffield and Waveland bleacher expansions, facade: A new concrete deck will support expanded bleachers. Also included is a concessions area partially enclosed by glass walls.

 

2. New playing field lighting: Two light poles added — one for left field and one for right.

 

3. Outfield brick wall and ivy: Repairing the outfield wall involves removing ivy, rebuilding the wall and replacing the ivy.

 

4. Bleacher entrance and outfield bleacher deck at the bleacher gate: Moves the bleacher gate approximately 6 feet toward Waveland and Sheffield.

 

5. Interior signage, upper level: New LED signs and boards added on the upper level of the infield seats.

 

Also:

 

Elevators (various areas): About 10 new elevators added to access the upper levels in left and right field, as well as other areas.

 

PHASE 2: 2015-2016

http://photodesk.chicagotribune.com.s3.amazonaws.com/Graphics/ct-met-wrigley-timeline-web-phase-2.jpg

 

1. Western gate: New gate allows for entrances and exits.

 

2. Relocation of the bullpens: Bullpens would be moved under the outfield bleachers, with existing double doors in the outfield walls being replaced by chain-link mesh.

 

3. Seating in areas of current bullpens: Four new rows of seating will be added on each side of the field where the bullpens are currently.

 

4. Visitors’ clubhouse: A new clubhouse on the club level had originally been planned for second level.

 

5. New service entrance on Clark Street facade: A new freight entrance added near the Clark Street entrance.

 

6. Ticket windows and exhaust venting on Clark Street facade and Gate F

 

Also:

 

Ramps (various areas): Some would be replaced with stairs. There will not be any escalators. Cubs will also build a new upper-level concourse connecting new open-air concession areas between the dormers along the roofline.

 

PLANNED FOR BOTH PHASES

 

Suites: Three “bunker suites” would be added below the stands near the Cubs dugout and down the third base line. They will not have views of the field but will lead to seating areas. A spokesman said the suites’ use hasn‘t been determined.

Caretaker’s cottage: Renovating the historic building to replicate its original appearance.

Outfield signage: Outfield signs, including the left field Jumbotron and the proposed right field LED board, will be installed beginning in Phase 1. Other signs will be installed as they are sold — and may be challenged legally by nearby rooftop clubs.

Modifications to foundation system and steel: Many parts of the structure will be renovated and upgraded to meet Chicago building codes. Extra support and columns will be added throughout the park. The team says that will not add more obstructed views.

[jersey cubs fan]

What the F is the caretakers' cottage?

[Guest]

You know how dogs and cats get taken to a nice farm? Like that, but for Ronnie Woo Woo.

[Guest]

What the F is the caretakers' cottage?

 

I had to look on streetview to figure it out. It's this thing:

 

http://i.imgur.com/aH2QOEN.jpg

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

What the F is the caretakers' cottage?

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/04/17/article-0-0047342400000258-507_468x367.jpg

[jumbo]

What the F is the caretakers' cottage?

 

I had to look on streetview to figure it out. It's this thing:

 

http://i.imgur.com/aH2QOEN.jpg

 

Why the [expletive] are they replacing that shitty ass trailer? If this is part of the landmark commission that's bs.

[jersey cubs fan]

Why the [expletive] are they replacing that [expletive] ass trailer? If this is part of the landmark commission that's bs.

I cannot it has anything to do with the commission. I would guess that since the 3rd base line side offers the greatest opportunity for changes and they do have a lot to do around there to make it eventually fit in with the plaza and whatnot, that upgrading that crappy little garage was a necessity.

[Guest]

Why the [expletive] are they replacing that [expletive] ass trailer? If this is part of the landmark commission that's bs.

I cannot it has anything to do with the commission. I would guess that since the 3rd base line side offers the greatest opportunity for changes and they do have a lot to do around there to make it eventually fit in with the plaza and whatnot, that upgrading that crappy little garage was a necessity.

 

I think he's asking why they don't just tear it down instead

[jersey cubs fan]

Why the [expletive] are they replacing that [expletive] ass trailer? If this is part of the landmark commission that's bs.

I cannot it has anything to do with the commission. I would guess that since the 3rd base line side offers the greatest opportunity for changes and they do have a lot to do around there to make it eventually fit in with the plaza and whatnot, that upgrading that crappy little garage was a necessity.

 

I think he's asking why they don't just tear it down instead

 

It says it is being used for office space, and they already have a huge problem with usable space.

[Guest]

Why the [expletive] are they replacing that [expletive] ass trailer? If this is part of the landmark commission that's bs.

I cannot it has anything to do with the commission. I would guess that since the 3rd base line side offers the greatest opportunity for changes and they do have a lot to do around there to make it eventually fit in with the plaza and whatnot, that upgrading that crappy little garage was a necessity.

 

I think he's asking why they don't just tear it down instead

 

It says it is being used for office space, and they already have a huge problem with usable space.

 

Yeah but they're building a giant office building next door.

 

I wonder what they'd even be using this for.

[Vinestal]

I think they just want to keep it there because its really, really old.

[jumbo]

I think they just want to keep it there because its really, really old.

 

I guess, but, I mean, if it was Ben Franklin's outhouse or something, I'd keep it (or rebuild it). But it's just a crummy old trailer-looking shack.

[J.R.]

Probably some very nice brickwork underneath the whitewash.

[seanimal]

you guys may hate it but it's probably the best double-wide ptr has ever had

[Vinestal]

So now 8 of the rooftops are suing the city over the approval of the signage, this renovation never going to happen *sigh*

[Guest]

So now 8 of the rooftops are suing the city over the approval of the signage, this renovation never going to happen *sigh*

 

I highly doubt this wasn't expected and I highly doubt anything will come of it.

[Vinestal]

So now 8 of the rooftops are suing the city over the approval of the signage, this renovation never going to happen *sigh*

 

I highly doubt this wasn't expected and I highly doubt anything will come of it.

You don't think it will delay things? Not that they seem to need an excuse

[Sammy Sofa]

Probably won't cause a delay, fortunately.

[fivepercent]

Interesting that they didn't sue the Cubs being in breach of the contract as they've said all along. Seems they're reaching for anything.

[Heisenberg]

[expletive] these stupid greedy ass rooftop owners. The [expletive] bathrooms need renovation at Wrigley and they're trying to stop this [expletive].

[George Hayduke]

Looks like Heisenberg was dipping into grandpa's moonshine again last night.

[jumbo]

Looks like Heisenberg was dipping into grandpa's moonshine again last night.

 

I was quite disappointed to see all the threads bumped by one sarcastic comment in each. Hope it was a good night!

[Guest]

Looks like Heisenberg was dipping into grandpa's moonshine again last night.

 

I was quite disappointed to see all the threads bumped by one sarcastic comment in each. Hope it was a good night!

Who gives a [expletive] what you think you turd