Landmarks Commission Approves Amended Wrigley Field Renovations
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 11, 2014 2:00PM
Score another victory for the Cubs in their ongoing quest to renovate Wrigley Field. The Commission of Chicago Landmarks unanimously approved the ballclub’s amended renovation plan to add five more signs in the outfield in addition to the two already agreed upon last year.
The $575 million plan also includes 300 new seats; new outfield lights that would reduce shadows; moving the bullpens from their current spots against the grandstand walls to under the bleachers which would require removing bricks and ivy so pitchers can see the game; and expansions of both the Cubs and visitors clubhouses.
The vote by the Landmarks Commission gives the Cubs more leverage against the rooftop club owners who have been the main roadblock to the team implementing the renovation plan. The two sides have been bickering like ex-lovers for months about the outfield signage in the plan. The Cubs have said they won’t begin renovating the Friendly Confines unless they receive assurances the rooftop club owners won’t sue. The rooftop club owners oppose any plan by the Cubs that would block their views into the ballpark. But it’s become clear from the rhetoric by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, in the media, and now with the Landmarks Commission’s vote Thursday the only bargaining chip the rooftop clubs hold is the remaining 10 years on their 20-year revenue sharing deal with the Cubs.
Even the rooftop owners are beginning to recognize that and said after the vote they would not take the Cubs to court if the ballclub limits its outfield signage to the Jumbotron in left field and the static sign in right field in the original renovation plan. Cubs spokesman Julian Green, speaking on WSCR-AM this morning, said that’s not going to happen and that the team didn’t fight this hard for the advantage they now have to take a step back now. Cubs President of Business operations Crane Kenney told the Commission they will discuss every option with the rooftops to avoid a legal challenge.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who earlier this week said the two sides need to continue discussions, said of the plan.
“Not only does it uphold the architectural heritage of the stadium that Chicagoans can enjoy but will generate thousands of jobs. In addition, discussions with the rooftop owners should — and must — continue so that this plan remains a win-win.”