Last-Minute Talks Have Wrigley Renovation Plans Set To Pass City Council

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 23, 2013 9:50PM

Addison and Sheffield, near where the Captain Morgan Club currently resides. (Courtesy Chicago Cubs)

The Ricketts family sees light at the end of the tunnel after a late round of negotiations between them, Mayor Emanuel and Ald. Tom Tunney paved the way for their $500 million plan to renovate Wrigley Field and develop the immediate area around it to be passed by City Council without much in the way of debate at their Wednesday meeting.

Tunney’s major demands standing in the way of his endorsement of the plan—moving the entrance of a proposed boutique hotel from Patterson Avenue and a portico over the street, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the hotel to the ballpark—were addressed. The bridge and portico was “deferred indefinitely” while a statement by Emanuel’s office read that discussions regarding the hotel’s entrance would continue.

As for the outfield signage that has been a source of dispute between the Cubs, Tunney and the rooftop owners surrounding Wrigley Field, it was agreed the Cubs would receive the two outfield signs, including a Jumbotron in left field, and only those signs through the remaining 10 years of the club’s contract with the rooftop owners.

“I am pleased that the Cubs and Rooftop Club owners are having serious discussions to resolve their remaining issues for the duration of their current agreement and I encourage the parties to complete their negotiation,” Emanuel said. “Alderman Tunney and I also agree that there must be public input regarding any future revisions to Sheffield Ave. before plans would be approved by any city department and the alderman. While work still needs to be done, overcoming these remaining issues will allow the planned development to go forward so the Cubs can begin investing in Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville.”

Those future revisions to Sheffield Avenue Emanuel refers to involves extending the ballpark east on the street so that the proposed 650-square foot sign in right field approved by the Landmarks Commission and Plan Commission won’t block the views of the rooftop clubs.