The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) will submit a revised Wrigley Field designation proposal to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks next week that preserves the ballpark’s historic features while addressing the Chicago Cubs’ needs for modernization and upkeep. The refinements to the October 2000 preliminary designation report more clearly describe the ballpark’s character-defining features, as well as non-historic elements that the Commission will not review.
The proposal will be submitted to the Commission at its next monthly meeting on March 6 in City Hall, Room 201-A, at 12:45 p.m. The Commission will also hold a public hearing on the merits of Wrigley Field’s historic significance on Wednesday, March 12, in City Council Chambers at 1 p.m. At a later date, the Commission will consider all of the evidence and testimony to determine whether to recommend landmark designation to the City Council.
DPD will recommend the designation of all four street elevations and the marquee sign at Clark and Addison. Inside the ballpark, the open nature and sweep of the grandstands and bleachers, the brick wall and ivy around the playing field, and the historic center field scoreboard will be protected. Significant changes, such as the proposed center field “batter’s eye” restaurant, would be allowed.
The Commission would review the design once the plans are formally submitted. The designation proposal also streamlines the Commission’s permit review process by allowing most minor improvement work related to normal baseball operations to be performed with little or no review —for example, the installation of broadcast equipment or replacement of seats and railings. Because some features such as the concourse areas and other back-of-house operations would not need to be preserved, they would not be subject to Commission review.
The proposal also allows the Commission to enter into an agreement with the Cubs to guide the placement and character of signage throughout the ballpark. Since only the City Council can approve a bleacher expansion over the public sidewalk, landmark designation would neither permit nor prohibit such a project. However, the Commission would have review authority over any approved expansion to ensure its design is compatible with the historic character of the field—including the character-defining view from inside the ballpark looking out.
In December 2002, DPD announced that it would not be extending the tolling agreement on the proposed designation of Wrigley Field, as an agreement with the Chicago Cubs could not be reached. DPD has separated the designation process from the ongoing discussions concerning the issues of a neighborhood protection plan, additional night games, proposed bleacher expansion, and the compensation for the use of Seminary Street.
Built in 1914, Wrigley Field has been home to the Cubs since 1916. For five decades (1921-70) it also served as the playing field for the Chicago Bears. Commonly referred to as the “Friendly Confines,” Wrigley Field has been universally acclaimed for its intimacy, charm and distinctive urban setting. |
