Wrigleyville: the new field, the bars,, the neighborhood

Whatever Happens 

to Wrigley Field

happens to this neighborhood

This blog post is a continuation of the post about the 
first 100 years of Wrigley Field 

but this one is dedicated to the occurrences/changes

 in the neighborhood of Wrigleyville 

that includes the hang-outs along Clark Street

*The bar section updated & revised Winter 2023*

But First

Why is Wrigleyville a neighborhood 

with the Communnity of Lake View?

the other recognized neighborhoods in Lake View are 

Lake View East, Boystown/NorthHalsted, and Graceland West

image below - The Chicago Neighborhood

a Wrigleyville Logo - Ebay

Vintage 90s Skybox Sheffield T-Shirt

zoomed below

2020 photo - Wrigley Aerials on Twitter

other current views

2021 photo - Wrigley Aerial

a video by drone

by Moses J. Polonio via Transit Chicago-Facebook

a Wrigleyville canvass image - Ebay

and artwork by Michael Birawer - Ebay

Wrigley Field is the economic and cultural engine of Wrigleyville. 

When the ballpark does well so does the surrounding community within Lake View. This community is not for everyone - there is a lot of visitors from the Chicagoland area that party here before and aftera game who at times do not respect the surrounding residential area that is intrinsically interlocked with the ballpark and the greater Community of Lake View.

The park’s great integration with its surroundings comes from the timing of its construction—built in 1914, it leaned on public transportation instead of cars—and the vision of its architect. Zachary Taylor Davis, known as the “Frank Lloyd Wright of Baseball,” grew up in Aurora, Illinois, and got his start in a very Chicago way, designing meat-packing plants and working as a draftsman for the legendary Louis Sullivan. Davis gave the park, initially named Weeghman Park after owner and charismatic businessman Charley "Lucky Charlie" Weeghman, a single-grandstand design. The steel-and-concrete structure with exposed bricks and steel beams reflected the city’s modern, industrial character. Wrigley has stood the test of time because it’s sewn into the urban fabric, from nightlife to street vendors. Hours before the game tonight, fans will stream into the Wrigleyville neighborhood, packing bars and restaurants. Those arriving by public transportation will step onto the platform at the Addison Red Line stop and look down on bustling streets and a view of the field. Nearby buildings are so close to the field that owners have even converted their rooftops to bleacher seating they sell to fans. - Curbed Chicago

William Olendorf via Ebay

Tom Lynch via Ebay

John Holladay via Ebay

History of Evolution & Renovations

(a video)

Another Perspective 

of our ballpark as of 2019

What’s also unique to Wrigley, is that it’s right in the middle of a neighborhood. One minute you’re passing two-flats, then you turn the corner on Addison Street and suddenly see the bright red marquee. Cubs’ second basemen Ben Zobrist, living only a mile away from the field, regularly bikes to games in his uniform and makes time to chat with neighbors. Now with a championship behind them, the Cubs have a new fandom. Much of the old Wrigleyville is shrinking and a flurry of new construction—hotels, restaurants, shops and apartments—is replacing it. We’ll help you get the full experience of the Major League’s second oldest ballpark—whether that means making sure your seat isn’t in front of a pillar or scooping up some insider tips. Welcome to the Friendly Confines, a nickname given to Wrigley by player Ernie Banks.

The 7th Inning Ritual

with Bill Murray against the Cardinals in 2021

It's a Generation Thing

true in 1985, true today

Another History of the Neighborhood

a podcast

The Planned Development 

of Wrigley Field

it started in 2013:

The Historic 1060 Project

$750 million to do it!

the initial overview in 2013

The 'planned development' area outside the park space is visible to the left along Addison and west of the park along Clark Street with private development at Addison & Clark.

pre-construction aerial view below

aerial photo - DigitalGlobe

An Interactive Map Overview

of the Ballpark

a thanks to Earl Camembert

1914

vs

1938

vs

2019

Hockey - Winter Classic 2009

vs

College Football 2021

The Video Presentation

of the renovations

 + some video snips

existing vs planned

*The Politics of the 1060 Project*

and later in this post

Across the Street 

from Wrigley Field

on Clark

Addison & Clark

initial renderings

There was a plan to modernize a broad section of the Wrigleyville neighborhood next to the park. This project while planned since 2014 will be realized by 2016. The area will consist of retail space, rental apartments, a hotel and 399 underground parking spaces. Built along Addison and Clark Streets, the project's plan was to help improve an under-utilized areas, an open asphalt parking lot at the center of the neighborhood and widen area sidewalks; increase open and green space; and was projected to create several hundred jobs during construction of the massive planned development to the west of the newly renovated Wrigley Field.

The planned development was approved by the city council in 2010; marketed by the developer in 2012 and was to be completed 

by 2015. The plan called for an hotel but the idea was withdrawn in 2013 for just rental residential use

The Revised Plan

The new renderings released Dec.18, 2015 below show an updated design for the $140 million mixed-use development 

 1st floor
 2nd floor

 3rd floor

Luis Auto Repair & Sports World on the southeast corner of Clark and Addison remained. The family business of Luis Auto finally sold out by a few years and moved to Western Avenue

The Business Hold -Out

the business that had been at this location for decades 

sold out to the developer after the project's completion

leaving a vacant space to be filled

photos - Luis Auto Repair Facebook page

Its replacement by 2021

A Shopping Mall was Planned

for this location in 1989

  Business's Removed 

from the Landscape

for the 'Addison & Clark' Development:

The city approved the development in October 2013 after years of planning. On Monday, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) said financing for the project should be in place by the end of 2015, but some leases were still being negotiated according to DNAinfo 

Goose Island Wrigleyville

photo - Chicago Beer Project
One of the most popular of the businesses to
 depart from the landscape was Goose Island-Clark Street

back yard photo - USA Today 

Salt & Pepper Diner

image - Chicago Tribune 2016

Salt & Pepper building was once a storage 

for Wrigley Field decades ago

the ironic neon

2016 photo - Garry Albrecht

Salt & Pepper Diner opened at 2575 N Lincoln Avenue in 1965. The owner John Halle opened the Wrigleyville location in 1996. The Lincoln Park spot closed in 2012

The Red Ivy 

Mullen's on Clark

The Starbucks on Addison 

with a video

heading back to the ballpark from Starbucks

The Notice

2015 photo - Garry Albrecht

Other Development 

Space Areas

2016 photos - Garry Albrecht

view north toward Starbucks

along Clark south of Addison

along Clark Street south of Addison

 the 7-11 fenced in - southwest corner of Addison & Sheffield

with a view of 7-11 from across the street

 view of the southeast corner of Addison & Clark

from across the street

 view east on Addison Street from the 

old Starbucks building

7-11

now gone on the southwest corner of Sheffield & Addison
photo - Chicago Cityscape

The Ceremony

 for this Planned Development

Congress Quigley, Mayor Emanuel, Alderman Tunney and the developer at opening ceremony in 2016
photo - WrigleyFieldNews.com

 But First, 

You Dig a Big Hole in the Ground
the future hotel space

  photos - BuildingUpChicagoDotCom  

The Landscape's History 

of that Planned Developement Area

in Maps

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

1894

1923

1950

zoomed view below

storage building

and future sight of Salt & Pepper

The Taco Bell

on Addison Street

an aerial Google Map view
and closer view below - via Block Club of Chicago

Rendering & Blueprint - DNAinfo

A Hostel

Along Clark Street

This was a piecemeal of a development. The first phase was a renovation of an existing building and then new construction buttressed along its north

the renovated building with addition view below

The Re-Construction 

of the Ballpark

Begins ...

September 2014

*The First 100 Years is in Another Post*

video by WGN

 

This new Plaza is to be an open area with an ice rink during the winter; open field during the summer for the days and evenings the Cubs are not in town; to be meant for those in the community that would like an alternative to bars on Clark Street. "Parents may enjoy a glass of wine on a summer movie night on the plaza with the kids. This limit would hurt those sort of events," said Dennis Culloton, spokesman for the Ricketts family, reported by DNAinfo

After days of lobbying for political support for the financing of the project, the Cubs on Tuesday released some early renderings of the proposed renovations and development, which include clubhouses built underneath the playing surface, the addition of several upper-deck patios facing Clark and Addison streets, wider concourses and another version of the long-awaited 'Triangle'. - Chicago Tribune 

An Area Map 

around Wrigley Field

(click images to enlarge)

According to sources, the plan envisions as much as $200 million in public taxpayer assistance for a $400-million rebuild of Wrigley, with officials given a menu of potential funding options to get the needed cash. - Redeye August 22, 2011. 

2011 photo below - Wrigley Field Aerials

A Much Narrow Sheffield Avenue

East Lake View Neighborhood Association 

vetoed this plan in 2013

'Sheffield Avenue will be narrowed to a width of 23 feet. Residential parking will be prohibited along the east side of Sheffield. Eighty-four residential units (this includes both Sheffield and Waveland) will be directly affected by this change. Our community will lose about 50 residential parking spaces for 365 days a year to benefit the Cubs on 80 plus days a year. East Lake View Neighbors is concerned as to the resulting impacts to charter bus loading and to fire trucks and emergency vehicle which now use Sheffield Avenue.'

a 1987 view of Sheffield by Mark Susina via Flickr

The Street Difference

2014 vs 2017

2016 photo - Lori K. Jones via Original Chicago-Facebook

The Control 

of the Advertising

The ad dollars is one of many sub-stories of this renovation

always as been

photo via Jeff Nichols, Forgotten Chicago-Facebook

The privately owned rooftop signs vs Wrigley Field signs 

became the battle for shared revenue dollars

photo above - Sports Illustrated

rendering below - Restore Wrigley Field.com

More 2013 Renderings

from Southport Corridor News & Events

A 650-square-foot scripted "Wrigley Field" mock-up sign, which ultimately will change to fit a new Budweiser marketing partnership, was shown as it would be if moved onto Sheffield Avenue. Given the location and size - down from the 1,000 square feet of a previous mock-up in May - "every rooftop partner on Sheffield will be able to have views inside the ballpark," spokesman Julian Green said. 

per 2013 DNAinfo

Some 

Neighborhood Associations 

Non-Starters

The purpose of neighborhood associations is to consider and act upon citizen needs. A main function of neighborhood associations is to encourage citizen participation and broaden communication between its neighborhood and various organizations and individuals concerning matters affecting neighborhood livability. - Wikipedia

The proposed walk-bridge over Clark Street to the ballpark from the proposed hotel was defeated by the City Council in November 2013 with strong opposition from the Lake View neighborhood associations. The Cubs management floated an idea of a party deck over Sheffield but the same group of associations were animatedly opposed to it so it was eventually scratched by the Cubs organization agenda within a few months later.

The Neighborhood Voices

to City Hall

Not everyone was happy about this new ballpark changes!

photos - LakeView Patch

Meetings at City Hall

photos - LakeView Patch 

 The Neighborhood Meetings 

were Continuous in 2013

 photos - Lake View Patch

That Damn 

Parking Issue!

A car tower was proposed on the Wrigley Field's Brown Parking Lot  on Grace Street but it did not get the neighborhood association approval due to increase traffic on a quiet residencial street.

 This map shows the parking lots near the field as of 2014

A remote lot at 3900 N Rockwell Street (below map) was to be used as a shuttle service to the ballpark.

 public transportation map 

by bus and rail 2014

public transportation by the elevated at

Addison and Sheridan stations in 2014

While not forgetting the old-time tradition of using 

private property parking (2021) available by local residents 

below photos - SpotHero

as an alternative long before the building at 3115 Broadway was converted to private residential use by 2021

Preservation

"The goal of the 1060 Project is simple: to preserve the beauty, charm and historic features of the Wrigley Field fans have cherished for more than a century, while upgrading the overall game day experience. The project team brings local and national experience working on historic facilities and respects its responsibility to maintain the unique atmosphere of the park.

The Cubs and the project team are inspired by the one-of-a-kind experiences Wrigley Field provides: walking up the stairs and seeing the lush, green field; tracking the game's progress via the iconic, hand-operated scoreboard; measuring the time of the year by the amount of ivy covering the brick outfield walls. Fans cherish the Wrigley Field Marquee on the park's exterior and the sightlines to the field, which are unmatched by any other ballpark in baseball.

To ensure the integrity of the Friendly Confines is maintained throughout all phases of the restoration, the design team visited a number of iconic ballparks and stadiums -- including Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium and the Rose Bowl -- that recently underwent major renovations. These efforts, in addition to countless hours of research on Wrigley Field and its history, were performed before starting the construction.

The goal of this project is to make sure we preserve and protect Wrigley Field for future generations, improve the game day experience for fans and provide the Cubs the resources they need to field a winning team. To do this the right way, we assembled a project team with a passion for the local Chicago community, coupled with vast experience around the globe."

'For all its quirks and charms and age and things you love and hate, is most certainly not "intact". In fact, there's now almost nothing left from the original edifice constructed in 1914. In fact, the last part of any "original" construction was demolished in 2005. My point is that Wrigley Field is a living, changing entity and always has been. Even the "perimeter walls" that are supposed to be preserved haven't been; the outer walls behind the bleachers on Waveland and Sheffield date only from 2006. While that would obviously be a significant change, the ballpark has had many such changes over the years; even though certain parts are landmarked, it's not anywhere close to the baseball stadium that was first built at Clark and Addison 99 years ago. In fact, what the Cubs plan to do will make it look more like the version of Wrigley that existed when the Cubs were winning pennants in the 1920s and 1930s, than at any time since.'

One Last look 

before Renovations Begin!

photos - Ebay

the view from Patterson Avenue & Clark Street
photo - Bob Russel via Pictures of Chicago-Facebook

The Rooftop 

Evolution

 Its about who owned $$ ad space 

In the 80’s the Cubs experienced a revived popularity and interest in the team, some entrepreneurs began constructing more sophisticated seating arrangements on these once crude rooftop properties. Some owners began to charge admission to their establishments. This did not bode well with the Cubs organization. Management tolerated these entrepreneurial endeavors for almost a decade, until the rooftops became organized and profitable businesses. The Cubs believed this encroached on their business and used the Cubs for personal and financial gain”. Discussions quickly began between the property owners and the Chicago Cubs. In 2004, 11 of the 13 established rooftops settled and agreed to pay 17% of gross revenue in exchange for official endorsement. - Wrigley View Rooftop

'Wrigley Field was part of the neighborhood.  Today, it is the neighborhood.  Nowhere can you see the disruptive effect of the new 'moneyball economics' than among the greystones. Those guys on the roof with their folding chairs have long since gone the way of the Potawatomi.  As early as 1938, the Sheffield Baseball Club sold $5.00 rooftop seats for the World Series, but after the Trib bought the team, the trend hit warp speed, fueled by 1989 a Championship series sold-out in the stadium.  Bare rooftops became slightly more finished rooftops, and then apartments became clubhouses.  A guy named Tom Gramatis became a “rooftop mogul”, owning not just the Sheffield Baseball Club, but two other buildings, as well. 

Instead of places to live, the greystones and their neighbors became, over time, the strange machines of a mutant urbanism, creating a Magritte-like architectural landscape where rooftop after rooftop is crowned with its own metallic bleachers.  If baseball has become a billionaires' clubhouse, rooftop clubs are the millionaires’ outpost, with estimated annual revenues exceeding $20 million. Worried rooftop owners are fighting back, trying to stop closing the streets on game days, and coming up with a counter-proposal to allow the Cubs to place advertising signs, not at Wrigley Field, where they might block rooftop views, but on the rooftops themselves, producing perhaps $10 million in new revenue, to be shared with the Cubs, who quickly dismissed the idea. Will the Ricketts continue to land bank their way through Wrigleyville?  Rooftop owners retain a paranoid fear that the Ricketts's ultimate goal is to drive them out of business and buy up their properties on the cheap.  And those aren't the only parcels that might be had at a bargain.' - Architecture Chicago Plus

photo - ABC Eye Witness News

photo 2006 - Wikipedia

once the location of the independent rooftoppers 

along Sheffield Avenue

 photo - scottishritechicago.org 

photo - The Cub Dom

photo - Chicago Now

photo - Wrigleyville Rooftops

 

interior photos of the 'Skybox' 
one of several rooftoppers on Sheffield Avenue

Example of Rooftop Construction

'When the Wrigley Field renovation project is completed, the curse on the Cubs will be broken, according to lifelong fan Trudy Achaetel. "I know for sure," said Achaetel, an Andersonville resident decked out in Cubs gear Saturday. "I feel it. But win, lose or draw, I'll be here." Achaetel, who calls herself "just a fan," twirled around on the pitcher's mound at the ballpark Saturday morning, saying "I'm worse than a 2-year-old, I'm so excited." Her excitement was shared by public officials, Cubs executives, former players and other community members, all of whom convened at the ballpark Saturday to officially break ground on the $575 million project. Though the first phase of construction started a couple of weeks ago, team representatives used the ground-breaking ceremony to share tales of the ballpark's history, and to explain why its facilities - famously panned by former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who complained the rats were as big as pigs - were due for an upgrade.

 - DNAinfo

EAMUS CATULI!

Lakeview Baseball Club, like the Chicago Cubs, is legendary. Twenty-six years (1989) after opening the doors of Lakeview Baseball Club, this Chicago Rooftop is the leader of connecting Major League Baseball tradition to the present. Lakeview Baseball Club is instantly recognizable because of its historic “Eamus Catuli!” and AC signs that cheer on the beloved Cubs and remind all fans how long it’s been since we’ve won the division, pennant, and World Series. 

photos - Facebook page

photo below - Ebay

Ricketts's

Owned Rooftops

as of 2021

 map via DNAinfo

The Lakeview Baseball Club

3633 N Sheffield Avenue

since 1996?

Once regarded as the first independent commercial 

Rooftop in Wrigleyville

photos & images - their Facebook page and other sources

t-shirt - part of my collection 

Some Construction

Prep Work

photo - Cubs: 100 A Century at Wrigley

photos - DNAinfo

'Water, sewer and gas crews will begin excavating, repairing and installing new lines this week. Locals can expect parking restrictions and traffic snarls in coming weeks. From Thursday to Sunday, a stretch of Sheffield Avenue near Wrigley Field will be closed as city crews work on water and sewer infrastructure, according to the Cubs and Alderman Tom Tunney (44th). Starting Tuesday, the east side of the street will remain closed from 8 a.m. each day to two hours before the start of any Wrigley Field event. Personnel and equipment must be removed before games or events, the Cubs said in a statement Tunney said locals impacted by the construction can park for free in the Cubs' Green Lot, 1126 W Grace Street on nonevent days. To be eligible, people must live in an area bordered by Addison to the south, Racine and Clark to the west, Irving Park to the north, and Wilton to the east. Neighbor-parking applications are available in the Cubs office at 3712 N. Clark Street. - DNAinfo

Deconstruction Views

2014 photos - David McCoy

and 

by SB Nation November 

One of the  goals is to debut a bleacher expansion, five outfield signs and two video boards by Opening Day 2015, said Julian Green, a spokesman for the team. Construction crews also will lay the foundation for a 30,000-square-foot underground players clubhouse, slated to debut in 2016.

A Small Conservation Project:

Restoring the Caretakers' House

'The Chicago Cubs moved the historic caretaker's house back to its original location at the northwest corner of Wrigley Field. The building was supposed to be returned by Opening Day, but cold weather has delayed many aspects of the first phase of renovations, including the completion of the bleachers. It took over three hours to move the structure a couple hundred feet south, with construction crews using large steel plates in the path of travel to help distribute the weight and prevent [a drop] in the rain-soaked ground. As the house inched along, Wrigleyville residents paused at the sight, asking workers what was happening. Some, of course, snapped photos.' - DNAinfo

a retro postcard from my personal collection of the house

photo - Chicago Tribune

video snips

The Rats are Now

Homeless

 photo - Curbed Chicago

“We’ve had an influx of rats and rodents /video just scrabbling all over the neighborhood,” said resident and Wrigley Field neighbor Terie Kata. “Nothing like I’ve seen in the 23 years I’ve lived here.”

Winter 2015 Scenes

by Wrigley Report-Facebook

 photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook

  photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook

  photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook

 photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook 

  photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook

 photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook 

  photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook

  photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook

  photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook

  photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook

 photo - Wrigley Report-Facebook

More Pre-Season Scenes
by Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

photo - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

 photo - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

photo - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

photo - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

photo - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

photo - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

photo - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

photos - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

Progress

March 2015 by WGN

No Longer Needed

photo snip from above video link

The house that once advertised for the Rickett's Restaurant (once located on Clark Street just south of Diversey), Budweiser, WGN, and United Airlines from its' own roof top and seen by patrons from the baseball field and TV screens is now history due to the jumbo advertising sign that was installed in front of it. 

photos - DNA info

photos below - Wrigley Renovation-Facebook

The Future of the Ballhawks

Aerial Spring 

2015 Photos

photos - Chicago Cubs-Facebook

view east towards the lakefront

view north to northeast

view east to northeast

view northwest

 view west to northwest above view west below

First Game 

During Renovation in 2015

was all about the washrooms

pre renovation photos

photos - CBC & SB Nation

The Fans' Opinions

The Jumbotron Worked!!

photos -  Cubs 100: A Century at Wrigley-Facebook

like a big TV screen in the sky

photos - Cub Hub-Facebook

A new tradition begins in the park! 

When the Cubs win a game a 'W' light remains on
2015 photo below - Jay Cody 

and a rainbow appears .... just kidding!!

Jumbotron near completion

photos - Wrigley Renovations

The Food

 and Drink Evolves

and by 2017

New Bleachers 

Installed in 2015

photo below - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

Still Working 

as Retirees

The Brick Paver 

Scandal

photo - Pontiac Daily Leader

A Massive Triangular Hole 

in the Earth in June 2015

photo - Wrigley Renovations on Facebook
photo below - DNAinfo

July 4, 2015

photo - ChiCitySports

A new tradition for the field occurred on July 4th 

after a winning game

Noisy Construction Starts 

Before 7 a.m

This is still a neighborhood, ya know!!

The Cubs organization reported in 2015 that a Japanese vehicle manufacturer will have its logo on the panel beneath the Wrigley Field marquee at Clark and Addison, the team said. Toyota will also have in-game rotational signs behind home plate and on the left field video board, while continuing to sponsor in-game manager challenges and umpire reviews. Beginning in 2016, the company will have field-level signs and naming rights to the team's parking lots, which are currently color-coded.

Flying the 

BIG W

photos via Chicago Tribune article 

The Videos's 

with Photos Snips

 Let's Fly the W 

It's time to fly the colors

Its been a story book season

photos snips below

The Cubs are on a roll!

'And Wrigleyville celebrated — responsibly, for the most part. The Cubs, in the one-game playoff, mowed down the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0 Wednesday night. Jake Arrieta pitched a complete game, stole a base and was in the middle of a bench-clearing showdown after getting hit with a pitch. After it was over, fans in Wrigleyville bars flooded the streets. Clark Street was packed with ecstatic fans. They swarmed outside Wrigley Field, bathed in blue lights of police cars. They jumped on top of each other and on cars. They poured beer and screamed. The Cubs are moving on in the playoffs.'

photos below - DNAinfo

Almost did it! 
The Stats by ESPN

(more to read)

Back to Those Renovations 

in November 2015

the video

photo - Chicago Cubs

Construction continues in earnest once again with street closures and reduction in traffic flow. 

Closures and lane reductions:

• Waveland Avenue from Clark to Seminary, Nov. 2-April 10

• The south section of the alley east of Clifton will be closed north of Waveland, Nov. 2-April 10

• Clark Street will be temporarily reduced to one lane during construction at the intersection of Clark and Waveland

• Clifton will be closed at Waveland, Nov. 2-Dec. 7

• Clark will be reduced to one lane going north at Waveland. Southbound traffic diverted north of Waveland, Nov. 2-Dec. 7.

• The north curb lane of Addison will be closed from 

Sheffield to Clark, Nov. 2, 2015-April 10, 2016

photos - SBNation

The Green & White

still to be seen

photos & text 2023

The Building that

anchors the Triangle Space

rendition of the Plaza - DNAinfo

'This year [2016], work is focused on the office building, a state-of-the-art team clubhouse and the plaza, which some hope will become a town square for the neighborhood for events and gatherings. The Cubs envision hosting farmers markets and children's movies on non-game nights and creating an ice rink in the winter. Beyond that, they'd like to host up to 25 larger-scale events on the plaza per year and allow people to carry alcohol within its perimeter. But that depends on what neighbors will agree to' according to DNAinfo.

According to Curbed Chicago, similar to the video boards and the landmark marquee at the entrance of the ballpark, the new Wrigley Field Plaza will sport corporate signage and take the name of its sponsor once it has been opened to the public. Below is a photo Chris Cullen via Picture Of Chicago-Facebook of the construction

 Wrigley Field's 

Naked Facade

2 photos - Cubs 100 A Century At Wrigley

Lights, Camera ... Action!

On 20th season of the TV program called The Bachelor 

our baseball field was highlighted

video snips 

Some Plaza Construction

Photos

via Wrigley Renovations-Facebook 2016

 

 

 

 

 

the old caretaker house surrounded 
& overshadowed by construction 
2016 photo - Brian Weber via LakeView Historical-Facebook

Bye Bye to 

McDonald's for now

3610 N Clark Street

The Obituary

2016 photo below - Second City Chicago Network

photo - Loria K. Jones via Original Chicago-Facebook

photo below - Southport Corridor News & Events

photo below- Curbed Chicago

view north from Addison Street

There was tow entrance to McDonald's, one on Addison to their parking lot and one on Clark to the restuarant

2009 Google Map view

Taco Bell 

to be gone as well for now

to be replaced with a fitness center building

that will included a Taco Bell

The foundation was layed in 2020

 Now, Let's Review

at this point

This Chicago Tribune maps scores the changes to the field

from 2015-2018 if kept on schedule

Phase 1 in 2015

Phase 2 in 2016 
Phase 3 in 2017

and

Phase 4 in 2018


What's Next??

The Outside the Field

map - Redeye/Chicago Tribune

 Another Development 

on Clark Street

The Wheel House Hotel

currently called

The Chicago Hotel Collection-Wrigleyville

3469 - 3475 N Clark Street

renditions - Curbed Chicago

A Plat Survey

via 44th ward development page

still on thier web page as of 2022

2010 Google View

2021 Google View

The Marquee Returns

in April 2016

photos - DNAinfo

Two Chicago permits were issued to re-install the marquee per Chicago CityScape – a online organization that watchdogs the permit process in Chicago Project Description: Baseball stadium; new exterior steel framing to reinstall historic marquee over the main entrance southwest corner worth $450k.

the reverse side of it

 below photo - Briangarza1/Instagram 

via Southport Corridor & News Events

Construction Update

2016 April 

removing the old & replaceing with the new

A Clubhouse is Completed

 for the Opener

An Opening Day 

Warning

photo via News4JAX

'Taping an appearance on WLS 890-AM’s April 2016 the public-affairs program “Connected to Chicago,” [Congressman] Quigley mentioned new rules from Major League Baseball calling for fans to go through metal detectors, adding, “I think Opening Day you'll see more metal detectors [at Wrigley] than at any park in baseball, but this will present other issues,” perhaps with lines of fans “spilling into the street.” Quigley also said that, with Wrigley being within 6 feet of the street at one point, that made it “about as big a target as any we could imagine.” Quigley suggested Clark and Addison streets be closed to traffic or at least bus-only before, during and after games, a concept floated by team management at the Cubs Convention in January, but rejected thus far by the Emanuel administration.' - DNAinfo

2016 Opener 

During Construction

 both photos - DNAinfo

This was another first day opener during an entire year of
continued renovations with a few years more to go ....

April 11, 2017 by DNAinfo

'Iron sunbursts, metal detectors and a brand-new clubhouse greeted the Chicago Cubs upon their return to Wrigley Field in the season home opener Monday, which the Cubs rallied to win 5-3. Renovation crews worked furiously to ready a half-finished plaza, new ticket offices and a refreshed facade in time for the 7:05 p.m. game against the Cincinnati Reds, Cubs spokesman Julian Green said. "Fans will see the ballpark returned to its majesty of the 1930s," Green said.'

photos below - DNAinfor

Some News 

on the Cubs 

2016 photo - New York Times

photo - Ian Common via Pictures of Chicago-Facebook 

 photo - Ian Common via Pictures of Chicago-Facebook 

photo - Ian Common via Pictures of Chicago-Facebook 

‘While the Cubs’ .769 winning percentage is extraordinary, it is not completely off the charts. Last year’s leaders through the games of May 3, the Cardinals, were at .750, and most leaders at this point in recent times were around .700. There is always a hot team or two at the beginning of the season, and many of them fade. What is different this year is that the Cubs are backing up their record by winning their games by large margins.’ - New York Times

 images - part of my collection

Watch the Renovations

via Wrigley Aerials/Twitter

(like Facebook you needed to register to view)
photos - Wrigley Aerials-Twitter

A May 9 2014 before noticeable construction

the famous advertised roof on Waveland

 March 29 2016 - Still needed to break ground for hotel

the intersection of Addison and Clark streets

moving westward 

view west along Clark Street of future plaza

View northwest from Clark Street of future hotel/plaza site

view north & westward along Clark Street 

The Vintage Filing Station 

on Patterson/Clark

photo - Roadside Architecture

A vintage 'cottage style' building was once a much larger  former Gulf Oil Filing Station on Clark Street and Patterson Avenue is now surrounded by construction with its fate unclear. By 2016 the garages surrounding it were replaced with only the office remains.

a 2009 Google Map view along with

a zoomed view below

the filing station property as it look in 2009 via Google Maps

a 2017 Google Map view

and below a 1950 Sanborn Fire Map view of it

The Question of 

Liquor in the Triangle

rendering - Chicago Tribune

'Following a terse response from Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) cautioning against the Wrigley Field plaza's application for a patio liquor license, the team's owners fired back with an appeal to neighbors Monday. The Ricketts family owns Hickory Street Capital, which will handle operations of the plaza and the hotel across the street. In an email to Wrigleyville neighbors, Hickory Street heralded the plaza's "long-awaited opening," which it promise would turn 

"a once-abandoned area into a celebrated open space." The Cubs' concessionaire filed for an outdoor patio liquor license on Thursday, skirting stalled negotiations with Tunney and community leaders over the Wrigley Field plaza ordinance.' - per a DNA 2016

From the Alderman

'Dear Neighbors, 

As you may know, the Cubs have applied for an Outdoor Patio License on the plaza adjacent to Wrigley Field along Clark Street.  We have heard from a number of concerned neighbors about the size and scope of this outdoor patio and the lack of any specifics on operations and security measures from the Cubs. I am also very concerned with the ability to serve alcohol to thousands of people on the plaza [as a patio] every day of the year until 11pm on weeknights and midnight on weekends.  The size of this patio is unprecedented in Chicago with an estimated occupancy of up to 6000 people; while currently, the largest outdoor patio in the city holds roughly 250.  Prior to this application, we had been working with the Cubs, community leaders and City departments to craft a Sports Plaza Ordinance. The ordinance is designed to create a new license that allows for limited alcohol sales in conjunction with baseball games and stadium concerts while offering events and amenities for the community to enjoy. The ordinance regulates the hours, limits offerings to beer and wine, regulates the points of sale, mandates security measures, and sets noise limitations on the plaza.' – Alderman Tom Tunney 2016 June

Compromise Reached 

on the Plaza

The agreement permits the Cubs to operate the plaza with different hours on game days and for special events. The new proposal would still require fans to have tickets to get on the plaza, but it would sell beer and wine until one hour after the game ends. Previously, alcohol sales were to be cut off at the same time as inside the ballpark after the seventh inning. - DNAinfo 

New Field, New Team,

& now a New Look??!!

who wears short shorts via Chicago Cubs-Facebook

photo snips 

We are on Jeopardy

2016 photo - Lori K. Jones via Original Chicago-Facebook
with comments from the show

Our Arch Rival 

in 2016

photo - Jerry Carroll via Pictures of Chicago
below photo - Chicago Cub Fans-Facebook

American Airlines 

1914 Club
The excavation for this space began in November 2016. The baseball diamond area was torn-up per this video from WGN.
illustration - Chicago Tribune

but I must dig it

photo snips

with other night views

Across the Street...

The Hotel Zachary

3630 N Clark Street

photos - DNAinfo

“The goal of our development is to create a town hub, where families, fans and visitors find entertainment, great food and daily attractions in an urban park setting," said Crane Kenney, chairman of Hickory Street Capital & president of Cubs business operations. The hotel will partner with restaurant groups like One Off Hospitality (Big Star), 4 Star Restaurant Group (Crosby's Kitchen), Folkart Restaurant Management (Yusho) and West Town Bakery to fill the 238,000-square-foot building ' - DNAinfo

Chicago Tribune images - Garry Albrecht

renderings - DNAinfo

take some virtual tours

We Won the Pennant

 after 71 Years via WGN

photos - Garry Albrecht

newspaper is part of my collection

 
 The Cub's Year to WIN 

the World Series!??

photo - Dolores Davison Schroeder 
via Original Chicago-Facebook

2016 photo - NBC Chicago

waiting for it ...

2016 photo - DNAinfo

preparing for it ...

2016 photo - DNAinfo

photo - Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images via NBC Chicago 

photo - ABC7 Chicago

photo - Chicago History-Facebook

Our New Song 

for the Playoffs

This song parody went viral

Official Cubs Parody by Joey Busse

Shoe 

and Chicago Cubs

when the Cubs did suck

This book is from my personal collection

This comic book was published in 1988 shortly after the lights were installed at Wrigley Field and the team 

had a more then recent history of 'sucking'. 

 These were a few selection pages from the comic book

Cubs celebrated through the night

'After an historic, come-from-behind win to clinch their National League Division Series, the Cubs celebrated through the night and arrived in Wrigleyville at dawn to a throng of ecstatic fans. The Cubs scored four runs in the 9th inning to beat the San Francisco Giants 

6-5, taking the best-of-5 series 3 games to 1. 

After partying on the field, dumping champagne and beer on each in the locker room, the players headed back to Wrigley Field. Some got on the jet still soaked. The team will face either the Washington Nationals or the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, which begins Saturday at Wrigley Field. The Nationals-Dodgers series is tied 2-2.' - DNAinfo

renovations continue during the playoffs

 What The Cubs Mean To Me: Cub Fans Share Their Favorite Memories

October 2016

We asked Cubs fans to share their favorite memories of their favorite team. Fans provided some vivid memories of their time at Wrigley Field, how the Cubs have been a key facet of their lives and how their late relatives would have loved this year's team.

Check out the responses below.

"This picture is of me and my dad, Tim. It was taken by our neighbor in 1983, I was around 2 years old. My parents raised me as a Cubs fan from the moment i left my mother's womb. Dad passed away from colon cancer in 2010 and wasn't able to see what we all saw [Saturday] in his lifetime. We would have and should have watched this game together. I cried like a baby after the final double play and will cry even harder when the Cubs win the world series. My first thoughts are always about him and all of the Cubs games we watched and went to." - David Guyon, Montclare

We would get there early for batting practice — all 5 of us — and stay until the last out of the second game of a doubleheader. We always sat in the upper deck along the first-base line so we could see into the Cubs' dugout, and because the tickets were cheap. My mom brought tuna sandwiches and apples for us kids, and her needlepoint and New Yorker magazine because she knew we were in it for the long haul. My dad got us all scorecards because you can't go to a game if you don't keep score. We could see the guys on the rooftops, sitting in their lawn chairs and grilling on little hibachis. There were "bums" in the bleachers, and vast swaths of empty seats. Sometimes my brother and sister and I got bored and we ran around in our section. There was plenty of room to run. And grumble and curse and dream of a day when our team wouldn't suck so bad. "Don't say 'suck,'" my mom would say. "It's so vulgar."

"They're our team, win or lose. We don't mind suffering. We are diehard fans," my dad would remind us on the (many) occasions when they lost even though it looked like it took a lot out of him to say it. And when they won, he would smile and buy us ice cream in little plastic novelty Cubs hats and he'd joke around with the vendors and the Andy Frain ushers in their blue uniforms with the ties and jackets with the gold buttons. The season always ended with the mantra "wait 'til next year". And the next years came and they went and there was more waiting and more turns around the sun and everything changed at the ballpark except that phrase: wait til next year. They flirted with success a time or two. And I was there at Game 6 in 2003, when the World Series was in reach and a bunch of guys got spooked by a foul ball and a goat and a million or so people who got spooked along with them. 

When they lost Game 7 the next night, my dad left me a voicemail message. "It's your old dad. I'm going to bed. I'm sorry I ever made you a Cubs fan." So tonight, when I called that guy — my dad, the one who made me a Cub fan, the stoic lawyer who sees the downside, the catch, the cloud in every silver lining — and that man said, "Isn't it wonderful?" and then his voice broke and quivered and he said that he loved us all, and then caught himself and warned us of everything that could go wrong in Cleveland...well, today I can honestly say I'm happy he made me a Cubs fan. - Lindsay Porter

via Scott Stantis on Twitter
below via Chicago History-Facebook

Now on to the World Series

it got international attention from the BBC

Some of the Scenes

that Evening

arriving by train before the game at the CTA Addison Station
photo - Emanuel Torres, Pictures of Chicago-Facebook

via Jron Samayoa, Original Chicago-Facebook

photos below - DNAinfo 

The CSO Even Gets into the Act

(video)

The World Series Continues 

& So Does 

the Construction

edited Google Maps view

development area labeled  

photos below - Garry Albrecht

 After 108

Long Faithful Years!

video from Chicago Cubs-Facebook

other views

photo - Business Leader

photo - NBC News

photo - ABC7 News

 Matt Slucom Associated Press via Chicago Tribune

photo of Bill Murray - Denver Post

photos below - DNAinfo

An Official CTA Poster 

by artist Steve Musgrave

photo - Garry Albrecht

'The players arrived by bus around 6 a.m. to the cheers of fans. Many never left the streets around the ballpark after the Cubs' thrilling extra-inning victory. "Rizzo! Rizzo!" people screamed as the first baseman raised the Commissioner's Trophy. Later, people reached past a line of officers to touch the trophy as he walked by. "I touched it!" one man bragged after Anthony Rizzo swept by. Other players, like pitcher Jake Arrieta, waved to the crowd or raised an index finger to show: We're No. 1. "I said we gotta be here when they come back to welcome them back home," said Bill Pryek, 71, of Wrigleyville, who stood in the crowd with his wife. "They're not only bringing home the championship, but just to see these guys who did so well for us. Unbelievable. Every one of them." Pryek and his wife live across the street from Wrigley Field. During Game 7, he was sitting on the edge of his chair, he said. He's been a Cubs fan his whole life and was born in 1946 - the year after the Cubs last appeared in the World Series. "At my age, it doesn't take a whole heck of a lot of stress," he joked, alluding to the tense last innings of Game 7. Officers, who stood between the players and buses and the fans gathered to see them, snapped photos and video of the scene. They looked at each other's videos afterward and talked about what they had seen. The night had gone quickly, one officer said to another, smiling, and it had been one of the best nights he'd worked. Nearby, two Cubs fans joked they had enjoyed Game 7 — but they wondered who was going to end up winning Game 8. 

- DNAinfo article

A Cubs fan celebrates on a traffic light at the intersection of Clark & Addison after the Cubs won the National League Championship according to WBEZ

The Big WIN Parade 

within Lake View 

photos - Chicago Cubs / Twitter 

The parade began at Wrigley Field and ended in Grant Park

 both photos - Calumet 412

A Sidebar Happenstance

a community expression of thanks

on the wall of bricks

video from Block Club Chicago

more photo views:

photo - Kansas City Star

photo - Chicago Patch

photo - Chicago Tribune

photo - DNAinfo

photo - Chicago Tribune

photo - DNAinfo

photo - Fox Sports

photo - DNAinfo

photo below - SunTimes

An Inspiring Melody

via Chicago Cubs-Facebook

A Meeting 

at the White House

photo - Obama via Twitter

College Football 

Returns

while inviting others to join in

Aerial Views 2017

by Wrigley Aerials-Facebook
with a time-laps video - Chicago Cubs

 all photos - Wrigley Renovation-Facebook

Re-Defining the Purpose

of the Plaza in 2017

is the park for the entire community 

or just the Cub ticket holders?

rendering - Chicago Cubs MLB

and a few days later ...

called the Park at Wrigley Field

photos - Wayne Johnson-Facebook 

photos below - Garry Albrecht

 

A New Uniform Look 

for the Fans!!??

photo - fan club T-shirt

First Home Opener Schedule

 in 2017

where to go in Wrigleyville

A Walk in the Fountain

by Wayne Johnson

below photo - Lauren Wood 
via Southport Corridor News & Events

from across the street in the hotel

The Premier 

$$ Clubs Rooms

I would call them corporate suites of special event rooms 

or for those who could afford it party rooms

According to the Cubs organization, the American Airlines 1914 Club is scheduled to be ready for Opening Day 2018. The remaining three premier clubs - the Maker's Mark Barrel Room, The W Club and the Catalina Club - are scheduled to be ready for Opening Day 2019.

Beyond Home Plate 

2017 photos - Greg O'Neill

Forgiveness 

but probably never forget

More than 2500 Games

On April 26, 1941, the Cubs became the first Major League team to have organ music at a ballgame. Although the experiment lasts only a day, it would return for good in 1967. - Chicagology

We Almost Did it Again

but what a ride

Construction

the same as last year

construction continues during the playoffs

photo - BuildingUpChicagoDotCom

 photo - DNAinfo article

photo - Wrigley Aerial/Twitter via BuildingUpChicago.com

  photos - DNAinfo article

Owner Ricketts signing the final beam

to the hotel

Not This Year!

dear Cub Fans

image - Pinterest

 image - Pinterest

CHICAGO (WLS) - The Chicago Cubs lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-1 in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, and the Dodgers advanced to the World Series. Enrique Hernandez put a Hollywood ending on an LA story three decades in the making. Fueled by Hernandez's home run trilogy, Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers are finally going to the World Series. Hernandez homered three times and drove in seven runs, Kershaw breezed through six crisp innings and Los Angeles ended the Chicago Cubs' title defense with an 11-1 victory in Game 5 of the NL Championship Series on Thursday night. "It feels good to hear World Series," Kershaw said. "It's been a long time coming for this team." After years of playoff heartache, there was just no stopping this group of Dodgers. With Kershaw firing away at the top of a deep pitching staff and Justin Turner anchoring a tough lineup, one of baseball's most storied franchises captured its first pennant since Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda managed Los Angeles to its last championship in 1988. The Dodgers will host the New York Yankees or Houston Astros in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night. The Yankees have a 3-2 lead in the ALCS heading into Game 6 at Houston on Friday night, so one more New York win would set up another chapter in an old October rivalry between the Yankees and Dodgers.

some scenes below

of the last game

  photos - NLCS Cubs/Twitter

The Ice Rink 

is now Re-opened 

for 2017
the old Ice Rink now in 'Wrigley at the Park'

currently called Gallagher Way Chicago

the video

2017 both photos - Wrigley Aerial/Twitter

The 'Park at Wrigley' will transform into a winter wonderland and offer a series of winter programming starting Friday, November 24. The inaugural 'Winterland at the Park' will welcome neighbors, families and visitors to skate, shop, eat and celebrate this holiday season. As part of the winter-themed attractions, the Park will welcome the return of the popular Wrigleyville ice skating rink, debut a third location of the iconic 'Christ-kind-market' and host a variety of outdoor, family-friendly programming. Programming dates, times and other details can be found at Park atWrigley.com

Their programs for 2017-2018

per their newsletter

  via Southport Corridor News and Events

 via Southport Corridor News and Events

 via Southport Corridor News and Events

  via Southport Corridor News and Events

photo below - Gallagher Way Chicago/Facebook

Renovations 

Still Continue

in the post 2017 Season

 2018 photos - Wrigley Renovations-Facebook

 Still on 'To Do List' 

Structural Improvements

*Continued Terrace Reserved Seating Replacement

*American Airlines 1914 Club for 2018

*Maker's Mark Barrel Room for 2019

*The W Club for 2019

*Catalina Club for 2019

*Enhancements to the Suite Level

*Expanded concessions

along with the completion of the hotel
and the private development on Clark/Addison
December photos by Wrigley Aerial - Twitter  

 photo - Wrigley Aerial/Twitter

  photo - Wrigley Aerial/Twitter

  photo - Wrigley Aerial/Twitter

 photo - Wrigley Aerial/Twitter

 photo - Wrigley Aerial/Twitter

December 2017 view - Wrigley Aerial/Twitter

  photo - Wrigley Aerial/Twitter

with a view of the Wrigley Field hotel on the northwest corner of Clark and Addison Street called the Hotel Zachary

took reservations for 2018

photos - Curbed Chicago

The Hotel Zachery Opens

(video)

in March 2018

photo via Southport Corridor News & Events

Hotel Zachary, located at 3630 North Clark Street, will feature 153 standard guest rooms and 20 suites, according to its developers. The seven-story hotel will also include street-level retail space for local boutiques and restaurants. The hotel's interior design is inspired by its namesake, Wrigley Field architect Zachary Taylor Davis. Each guest room includes a framed replica of Davis' original blueprint of Wrigley Field, sketched in 1922. Even the TV stand was custom-designed to resemble one that Davis would have once used to store his blueprints. - ABC 7 News

photo - Chicago Magazine
below photo - Wayne Johnson

Almost Done with the Renovations

and a New Season Begins 

April 2018

snipped images - Curbed Chicago

photo above via Getty Images
below photo/new dugout - Wrigley Report

The 2018 Home Opener 

was a Snow Day

an ABC News video of that day

The Cubs are Soft

Name Change in 2018

The Park at Wrigley Field

will be known as
Gallagher Way

2018 photos - their Facebook page

The 2018 Lineup 

for the Renamed Space

images from their website 

WGN/Wrigley Field
a video celebration

of 70 years in 2018

Cubs Logos 

on Parade
located under the left bleachers as of 2018

 photos - Jeffrey Horwitz via Pictures of Chicago-Facebook

The Sidewalk 

on Waveland

photos - Garry Albrecht

two legends

The Last Nail

in the Legal Coffin

for the Rooftopers

photo - Yelp

photo - Amanda A via Yelp

below photos - Betty R via Yelp

Get your Seats 

in October 2018

 images - Chicago Cubs-Facebook

and if you need a letter from the teacher ... 

Get your Parking Permits

for 2019

image via 44th Chicago Ward office

Politics:

Tunney vs Ricketts

... well sorta

*Tom Tunney won the 2019 election*

Residence

meets

Commercial

2018 WGN video

... and the home that stands across from the Zachery Hotel. This WGN video via Southport Corridor News & Events-Facebook is heartwarming story about change in Wrigleyville since 2014 to the present. I snipped a few Google Map images from 2009 to 2016 for more clarity for the story.

Google Evolution Views

a front row view 

2009

2013

2015

2016

2016 alley view with a window view

2017

2018

2018 alley view

A Last Look at the

Original Taco Bell/Wrigleyville

Nov. 2018 photo- Wrigley Aerials/Twitter

Spring Training 

in 2019

 Sloan Park in Mesa Arizona

One Week 

Before the Opener 2019

Construction continues days before the first game at Wrigley Field. This should be the end of it .. maybe?? 

I thought I pay the area a visit ...

March 2019 photos - Garry Albrecht 

 from the 2nd floor of the Hotel Zachary

 and a 2019 Visit to the Hotel Zachary

 

 My new friend 

 the hotel is located on the second floor

 the restaurant space

 My pre-dinner moment ...

Season Opener

in 2019
Cubs Facebook video

A Promo for the Season Opener

(Cubs Facebook video)

sorta sexy

and another 
I like this one!

It's called Cold Blooded

This musical video gave this Cubs fan chills!!

and finally the Opener 2019

photos below - Chicago Cubs-Facebook

and the fans remain loyal

 photos - NBC Chicago

Some Tips 

for 2019 Games

Its Been 3 Years, 

and Time to a Pray
With only 10 days left of the 2019 season it 'touch and go' for the Cubbies and its again time to pray for a win!

Last Season

 for WGN 

in 2019

video - Chicago Cubs-Facebook

Another End to an Era

photo - Chicago Cubs - Facebook

"Gary Pressy became the Wrigley Field organist in 1987 and hasn’t missed a single home game since. For 33 seasons, Gary provided the soundtrack of the Friendly Confines and has performed “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” alongside guests including Bill Murray, Eddie Vedder, Mike Ditka, Cookie Monster and so many more. After 2,687 consecutive games and nine playoff appearances, Gary decided to retire at the conclusion of the 2019 season. “I was debating it back and forth, but I really just wanted to spend more quality time with my family. I can’t say thank you enough.” 

- Chicago Cubs/Facebook

Maddon is Out!

image - Gregg Sieward via Original Chicago/Facebook

read full article from above link

The Wrigleyville's 'Social Distance'

in 2020

March 26, 2020

 a WGN Report 

Season Delayed due to Covid-19

 May 11, 2020

Customized Covid Masks

it became a 'cottage industry' for many companies

photos - Ebay

Here are photos of fans 

and without fans

the video

June 2020

The 2020 Season Begins

in July

NBC Sports Chicago

June 2020

Sharing is Good!

video

The Neighborhood of Wrigleyville 

Continues 

to Change in 2020

 a new building on Patterson Avenue near the ballpark

and the building it replaced ...

A National Landmark

in 2020

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field, has been designated a National Historic Landmark. U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced the designation Thursday, saying the ballpark has played a significant role in the city of Chicago and the history of professional sports. National Historic Landmarks are buildings, sites, districts, structures and objects that have been determined by the secretary of the interior to be nationally significant in American history and culture, federal officials said. "The historical significance of Wrigley Field is interwoven into our nation's story and a key part of what has become America's beloved pastime for over a century," Bernhardt said.

Gum to Gummies

would old man Wrigley be ok with this??

photo - Made in Chicago Museum

(Reuters) - Billionaire William “Beau” Wrigley Jr is taking cannabis producer Parallel public, in a merger due to complete this summer with Canadian-listed Ceres Acquisition Corp that values the Atlanta, Georgia-based firm at $1.88 billion. Parallel, the first firm Wrigley Jr has led since selling his family’s chewing gum business for $23 billion in 2008, will take on Ceres’ listing on the NEO exchange as expectations of an easing of U.S. rules on the pot sector draws investment. Shares of Ceres surged 19% to $12.50 as the deal comes at a time when officially-sanctioned sales of cannabis have surged to record levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.The combined company expects to have $430 million cash when the deal closes, a spokeswoman for Parallel confirmed to Reuters. With around 50 retail stores, cultivation and manufacturing sites in four U.S. states, Parallel will use the money to expand into new markets. It sells finished products including gummies, vapes and balms, but not chewing gum.

More Pandemic News:

The 20% Rule, for Now, 

Spring 2021

to season ticket holders only

Fans can return to Sox Park and Wrigley Field for baseball games this season. Mayor Lori Lightfoot made the announcement in a tweet Monday, saying fans could return to White Sox and Cubs games because coronavirus’s spread has slowed in Chicago. Those will be Chicago’s first major sports teams to be allowed to welcome back crowds since the pandemic started in spring 2020. 

The Cubs’ opening day is April 1 and the White Sox open at home April 8. Fans will have to wear masks at the games, and there will be “comprehensive screening and sanitization procedures,” according to a news release from the Mayor’s Office. Capacity will be limited to 20 percent at Guaranteed Rate Field, meaning just 8,122 fans will be allowed in at once. Parties of people will have to stay 6 feet apart, according to the Mayor’s Office. Wrigley Field will similarly have a 20 percent capacity limit, meaning it will be able to seat just 8,274 fans per game. Wrigley rooftops will be open, though they’ll operate under the same restrictions as bars and restaurants. Other changes are Ballpark entry and amenity zones will have limited-contact entry, There will be cashless concessions and shops,  Additional restrooms per guest, Reduced queueing times, and Reconfigured indoor spaces.

What Happens to Wrigley Field ...

Opening Day 2021

photo below from Jon Sciambi-Twitter

a twitter video below

First Ever Female 

Play-to-Play

Beth Mowins will made her Cubs TV Debut 2021 

photo - D-Man Thomas

New Public Announcer

Jeremiah Paprocki

photo via D-Man Thomas

New Uniforms 

for 2021

The Dream Team is Gone!

from bleedcubbieblue.com - 2021

Something New 

on Addison/Sheffield

August 2021

Removal Statures

February 2022

deconstruction photo below - Wrigley Aerials

Construction Begins on This

June 2022

Google Map Snips

2009 vs 2021

After Two Official

Pandemic Years

no restrictions applies

2022 Aerial Photos

by Wrigley Areials/Twitter

Prepping for 

the Ice Ring

Winterland 2022/2023 in Gallaway Park 

will be also be in the field

An Issue 

with the Feds

Crime, nothing new

but getting worse

in 2022

Bye Bye

 to a 1889 Building

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

1894

zoomed view below

1923

zoomed view below

2022 Google Map view

Google Earth view below

A Ice Rink is now

 Inside and Outside the Ballpark

The New Seasonal Layout 

inside and outside of the ballpark this year

Winterland operates from November 18, 2022, 

through Sunday, January 8, 2023

2022 photos - Wrigley Aerials/Twitter

photo below - Jon Gusanders

via Southport Corridor News and Events

Inside the Ballpark

2022 photos below from  Chicago Cub/Facebook

Outside the Ballpark

in Gallagher Way Park

Its Difficult to Imagine for Newcomers

that a coal storage area, a continuation of a railway 

and street was at this location at one time

1950 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map

 with zoomed view below

zoomed further hightlighting the coal yard space that is now Gallagher Way

The Holiday Train Passes-By

for the 2022 Season

photography by Rich Wickersty 

via Pictures of Chicago/Facebook

Addison & Clark

is filling-up

(not owned by Ricketts)

Built in 1910

to be replaced in 2023

Go Cubs Gooooo

2023

The W Light Show

when they win 2023

image - Obvious Shirts

The Nation Athem

the high note was amazing 2023

Less Time 

in the Ballpark

More Time in Wrigleyville

Buy 

or not Buy

The Betting Zoo - a haha & ha

summer 2023

the corner's look in 2021

Google Maps

Making the Grass Grow

March 2023

photos - Wrigley Aerials/X, former Twitter

The Sound of Music

from Far, Far Away

June 2023

College Football is Back

October 2023

photos - Wrigley Aerials/X, former Twitter

From Wood to

Steel Beams

November 2023

Post Notes: 

More Construction Photos

by Bleed Cubbie Blue

This is site has 80 photos as of March 2015
photographer David Sameshima

A Wrigleyville Christmas: 

the CD by Kevin Henrickson

Listen the the playlist below 

Christmastime in Wrigleyville

Clark and Addison

I'll be a Cubs Fan

A Different DRONE Kind of View

May 2023

some snips of the video link

Some Hang-outs

of Wrigleyville: 

mostly along Clark Street

2013-2023

*I try to keep-up*

Postcard Art by Brian McKelvey - Ebay

a 2013 list

A few bars mentioned were displaced by re-development 

or the economic aftermath of Covid 19 since 2013 list. I will mention those bars at the tail-end of this segment. 

All photo were from Yelp!, their websites & their Facebook pages.

Let's Begin with the Survivers ...

Cubby Bear 

1059 W Addison

plus what the interior looked like in the early 20th century
photo via George A Rosebrock with his grandfather behind the bar when it was called Rosebrock Tavern 

a couple of years before the baseball field was constructed

unknown date on the photo

Sports Corner 

 956 W Addison

the original building was replaced by 2011

Murphy's Bleachers 

 3655 N Sheffield

their history

1979 photo - David Naprstek

photo - David Zornig during the late 70's

photo - Jimmy Moy edit via Wrigley Reports-Facebook
and before that ....

the owners passing 

in 2023

Sluggers

 3540 N Clark

Old Crow Smokehouse 

3506 N Clark

before 2013

Bernie's Tap & Grill 

 3664 N Clark 

since 1954

historical photos below 

via a book called 'East Lake View' 

by Matthew Nickerson

Dugout Sports Bar 

950 W Addison

once a apartment residence (flat) and now has rooftop views

the view of the area in 1923

X marks the spot

the views

G-man Tavern 

 3740 N Clark

Some of their events

Guthrie's Tavern 

1300 W Addison

closed and then reopened

2020

2021

Lucky's Sandwich Company  

@3472 N Clark

Roadhouse 66 Gas 'N Grill 

3478 N Clark

some events

once located at 3330 N Clark

formerly called Uberstein, a German brewpub prior 2011

Merkle's Bar and Grill 

3516 N Clark

some of their events

Nisei Lounge 

3439 N Clark

History per their website

Legend, and a few guidebooks, say Nisei Lounge was founded by second generation Japanese immigrants in 1951 to provide a spot for Chicago’s Japanese-American community to socialize over a few drinks.  It may or may not have been located at Clark and Division from 1949 to 1951 until moving in 1951 to its current location in historic Links Hall (built in 1921 - just 7 years after Wrigley Field).

In 2008 rumors abounded that the bar was to be sold, gutted, and reopened as just another sports bar in a neighborhood already generously supplied with sports bars.  It was a fate worse than a White Sox World Series.  Happily that deal fell through and a year later, after falling just $899,800,162.00 short in their attempt to buy the Chicago Cubs, two friends decided to roll the dice, and buy Wrigleyville’s oldest dive bar.  If you can't buy Wrigley Field then a bar at Sheffield and Clark is the next best thing.

After an intensive crash course in bar management consisting of a quick skim through “The Dummies Guide to Bar Management”, and a marathon weekend viewing session of “Cheers: The Complete First and Second Season” and “Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season One” they opened Nisei for the latest chapter in it’s storied (and the stories get better after a few cold ones) history.

Output Lounge Sports Bar

3720 N Clark

before that

Raw Bar and Grill  

and before that

Whisk

this location as Raw Bar 

Country Club 

3462 N Clark

prior to 2014 it was called

Rebel Bar & Grill

Hacienda D' Suarez

3466 N Clark

before that ...

Cannikin 

by 2017

Rockwood Place 

2011-2016

Central 

prior to 2009

known for this good & live musica

the view from their second story in 2014 - different view today

before that

and before that

and before, before that

Smart Bar 

3730 N Clark

located in the Metro/Northside Auditorium Building

Smartbar is Chicago’s premiere independent nightclub, celebrating 40 years of showcasing the vast and varied offerings of the dance music world, as well as the most cutting edge DJs from around the globe.Stretch Bar & Grill 

3485 N Clark

before that ...

TRYST

Underground Lounge

952 W Newport
located in the Links Hall building

The Underground Lounge has been host to thousands of local acts and rocking bands for almost 20 years. When we don't have acts on our stage, we've got music playing on the jukebox, and two game machines to choose from: Iron Man Pinball Machine and an Ultra-Cade Multi-Game System with over 80 classic arcade games. 

a vintage photo

Vines on Clark 

3554 N Clark

 HVAC Pub

3530 N Clark
formerly known as the 

Wild Hare 

photos of the Wild Hare below

Yak-Zies 

3710 N Clark

Wrigleyville North 

3900 N Sheridan Road

El Jardin Cantina

3335 N Clark

photo - Robert Krueger Collection, 

Chicago Public Library - 1989

UnCommon Ground

3800 N Clark Street

since 1991

2021

  Sheffield' Chicago

3258 N Sheffield Avenue

For over 30 years Sheffield's Beer and Wine Garden has been known for pioneering the Chicago craft beer movement and more recently for it’s authentic in-house smoked BBQ. Swing by Sheffield’s Smoker Room Bar and check out our encased hickory smoker where we smoke everything from baby back ribs to beef brisket! Sheffield’s offers many craft beers on draft, over 100 in bottles and a huge Vintage Beer collection. Voted one of Esquire Magazine’s "Best 100 Bars in America", Sheffield's features four bars and two fireplaces flanking its storied beer garden, recently ranked one of “Americas Best Beer Gardens” by Food and Wine magazine. - their website

The Building

that had Many Faces

The 3551-53 N Sheffield

Hi-Tops in 2007

Harry Carey's by 2009
and then O'Malley's by 2011
 Starbucks by 2016

and decades before that

Riddliford Brothers 

1960 photo via Thom Karmik, Forgotten Chicago/Facebook

and before that 

a iron works shop in 1950

Sanborn Fire Insurnce Maps

some sort of a garage in 1923

The Graystone Tavern

3441 N Sheffield

Chicago’s first and only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar 

has returned! Graystone Tavern has transformed into a Hanukkah Haven. Blue and white decorations cover the bar from floor to ceiling, and the wall of Hanukkah sweaters adds the perfect amount of pizzaz. Sip Hanukkah-inspired cocktails in their weatherproofed beer garden, which is covered in over 14,000 blue and white lights, Hanukkah ball lanterns, Star of David and dreidel ornaments, Mensch on a Bench, an 8-foot inflatable dreidel and more! Warm up with traditional and spins on Jewish favorites like Matzo Ball Soup and Latkes. Board and card games will be available to guests nightly, including Connect 4 with Hanukkah gelt, Cards Against Humanity Jew expansion pack, Mitzvah Match, Jewish Guess Who, Dreidel, Apples to Apples Jewish edition, and Schmear Build-A-Bagel card game. - Greystone

Budweiser

Brickhouse Tavern

3647 N Clark Street

Big Star Wrigleyville

3640 N Clark Street

2018

Country Club

3462 N Clark Street

Lucky Dorr

(not Facebook page yet)

1101 W Waveland Avenue

Located in Caretaker’s Way, less than 20 feet from Wrigley Field, Lucky Dorr fields a unique collection of one-off collaboration brews from local breweries, including  Begyle, Noon Whistle,  Maplewood,  Lake Effect,  Old Irving Brewing, Illuminated Brew Works, Alarmist, Crystal Lake Brewing. Lucky Dorr was concepted and created, and is managed by Folkart.  As a leading, craft-driven hospitality management group, Folkart is focused on operational excellence, state of the art design and a deep-seated commitment to locally sourced ingredients. At Lucky Dorr, we actively contribute to every aspect of the collaborations, discussing style, recipe, hops, and name with each brewery before brewing. After we have each collaboration just right, we join the brewery and help brew the beer.  We are proud to share every pint. - Lucky Dorr

5 photos - Trip Advisor belowMordecai Cocktail Bar
& Restaurant
3632 N Clark Street

Lucky's 

3472 N Clark Street

Cubby Bear

1059 W Addison Street

since 1978

Swift & Sons Steakhouse & Osyter Bar

3600 N Clark Street

Happy Camper - Wrigleyville

3458 N Clark Street

Lowcountry - Wrigleyville

3343 N Clark Street

Lowcountry Chicago provides a comfortable and backyard-like environment to embrace the culture of social gatherings around a seafood boil. Our inspiration originates from childhood memories of family road trips to the gulf coast, and digging into lowcountry style seafood in bags set on picnic tables. An experience we’ve longed to share with our friends. That day has arrived, and we’re excited for the opportunity to share this experience…

Almost Home Tavern

3801 N Clark Street

(no Facebook page yet)

before that ....

PianoMan

Tin Roof

(not Facebook page yet)

3519 N Clark Street

2023

Lost Never Found

3660 N Clark

before that ...

Casey Moran's

Duke of Perth

from Clark Street to Broadway

2024

photos from Yelp

the new location on Broadway

Permanently

Closed
Forever !!
*based from my 2013 bar list*
The Reasons:
1) Closed due to Area Re-Development - Clark & Addison
2) Closed due to Area Re-Development - Belmont L Overpass
3) Closed due to Pandemic of 2020
4) Closed due to other Reasons

Addison and Clark
DevelopmentsThis wrap-around planned development occurred almost at the same time as the Wrigley Filed renovation project

The CTA Belmont Overpass Project

Pandemic of 2020

August 2020

Phasing in & out Openings

Let's Begin with ...
Addison and Clark Development:

 Abner's Yard

3527 N Clark Street

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Clark & Addison Project

Bar Louie Tavern 

& Grill 

3545 N Clark

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Clark & Addison Project

along with the Impov theater that was next to it

Risque Cafe

3419 N Clark

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Clark & Addison

before that was

Clark Street Beach

 Red Ivy 

3525 N Clark

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Clark & Addison

It had a bar within a bar called '1914'

once located in the back

its final days in 2016 before

 the wrecking ball

photo - Google Maps

Moe's Cantina 

3535 N Clark

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Clark & Addison

Goose Island 

3523 N Clark

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Clark & Addison

2015

a mechanic shop in 1950

Mullen's on Clark 

3517 N Clark

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Clark & Addison Project

Fiesta Cantina 

3407 N Clark

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Clark & Addison Project

The CTA Belmont Overpass Project:
Houndstooth Saloon
3369 N Clark
Closed due to Area ReDevelopment - Belmont L Overpassphoto - Loopnet

 Houndstooth Saloon (original location at Newport & Clark prior to 2011) offered a Southern-influenced American menu, a selection of 20 draft beers and a signature cocktail list including their own Dixie-inspired drink, the Houndstooth Hunch Punch. The country bar's name was inspired by the University of Alabama's football coach, Paul William "Bear" Bryant, and his trademark houndstooth-print fedora. The bar's interior is also on-theme, with an Alabama crimson color scheme, checkered wallpaper, deer-antler chandeliers and framed photos of Bryant.2009 Google photo at Clark & Newport

Nov 2023

before that according to Chicago Bar Project

Moving in 2024

Johnny O'Hagan's 

3374 N Clark

Closed due to Area ReDevelopment - Belmont L Overpass

El Jardin Cafe

3407 N Clark

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Belmont L Overpass

*the original location is still around as of 2023*

Redmond's Ale House 

3358 N Sheffield

Closed due to Area Re-Development - Belmont Overpass Project 

and

Pandemic 2020

2020

Pandemic Related:

The Irish Oak 

3511 N Clark

Closed due to Pandemic 2020

Dark Horse Tap & Grill 

3443 N Sheffield

Closed due to Pandemic 2020

Dec 2020

and before that ...

Full Shilling Public House

3724 N Clark

Closed due to Pandemic 2020

2023

Other Reasons:

Rockit Burger Bar

3700 N Clark Street

closed due to economic reasons

replaced by 

photo - East Lake View by Matt Nickerson in 2017

Chicago's Barney Stone

3424 N Sheffield Avenue

1970-2021

2019 Google Maps

2021

2016

John Barleycorn 

3524 N Clark

currently a cannibus dispensary

and of 2021

Trace

3714 N Clark Street

closed due to economic reasons

an artist's views

upstairs

2018

Bar Celona 

3474 N Clark

replaced by ... 

The Rabbit Hole Bar & Restaurant

by 2024

before that

Clampdown Steakhouse 

in 2019

and before that

Roost Chicken & Biscuits 

in 2018

known for its live performances

Captain Morgan Club

1060 W Addison

According to Chicago Bar Project

 the bar closed in 2016 

and the space was re-developed in 2023

its replacement

In Addition ...

Exedus II 

3477 N Clark

currently 

Tito's Tacos

by 2017 

Xmas 

at Wrigleyville

2023

From Japan

Wider and Longer

Platform Planned

2024

1113-15 Patterson Avenue

and the narrow alley beyond the Zachary Hotel

the 2024 planned development rendition view

As early as 2007 1115 building was constructed

The Narrow Alley

all the buildings shown were constructed as early as 1894

a 1923 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map

from Addison Street north as of 2019

the docking area

from Patterson Avenue south as of 2019

the apartment building in the middle of the alley listed as 1113 W Patterson Avenue

3627-33 N Sheffield Avenue

to be called Eamus Catuli

A proposed five-story building with 29 units. The proposed building will be masonry in construction and measure 56 ft.-8 in. in height per Chicago Cityscape.

the first rendition below

the second rendition

The owner of the property located at 3627-3633 N. Sheffield Ave. is proposing to develop the three adjacent lots with a new five-story building that will contain twenty-nine (29) residential units.  The proposed building will be masonry in construction and measure 56 ft.-8 in. in height.  The subject property is a Transit Served Location based on its proximity to the Addison St. CTA Station.  The proposed residential building will be supported by eleven (11) off-street parking spaces that will be accessed from the public alley at the rear of the lot.  The subject property is currently zoned RT-4.  A Type 1 zoning change to the B2-3 zoning district will be required to permit the new building. - 44th ward website

a 2023 Google view

excerpt from article

the 3633 building was once the home of the 

Lakeview Baseball Club

2021 photo - Google Maps

photos - LVBC

'The first two digits represent how long since the Cubs won a division title and thus will remain at 00 after they once again seized the NL Central crown. The middle digits signify how many full seasons have passed since the Cubs won the NL pennant, while the final two digits -- which prior to the Cubs' championship in 2016 had expanded to include three digits -- signify the time since a World Series was won.' - CBS News

The Petition 

to Save the Buildings

June 2024

A New Sign 

for Sluggers

2024

Decorative Lighting

and a few other add-ons

and a Sensory Room for Special Needs folks and parking slots for electric cars - first come first serve

Signs Signs Signs

2024

2024

Fans Travel the RedLine

to view both games

2024

Sandberg Honored

in 2024

The Other Statures 

at Wrigley Field

Ernie Banks

photo -  Lou Cella Foursqure

Harry Carey

photo - Wikimedia Commons

Still in storage as of 2024

Ron Santo 

2012 photo by Ron Cogswell

Billy Williams 

2012 photo by Ron Cogswell via Flickr

A Trademark Infringement

Issue

July 2024

by Cook County Report

a Google Map view

'In a dramatic turn of events, the Chicago Cubs has filed a lawsuit against a local business for allegedly infringing on its intellectual property and unjustly enriching itself at the club’s expense. The Chicago Cubs Baseball Club, LLC lodged the complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on June 18, targeting Aidan Dunican and Rooftop by the Firehouse, Inc., which operates under the name Wrigley View Rooftop, 1050 W. Waveland Ave. According to the court filing, Dunican and Wrigley View Rooftop have been selling tickets to view Cubs games from their rooftop facility without an active license since their previous agreement expired. The Cubs allege that despite repeated warnings, the defendants continue to market themselves as an “Official Cubs Partner” and falsely claim endorsement by the Chicago Cubs. This conduct, according to the plaintiff, constitutes misappropriation of property rights, unjust enrichment, and unfair competition. The Chicago Cubs have long invested heavily in their team and stadium. The costs associated with maintaining Wrigley Field and fielding a competitive Major League Baseball team are substantial. The club argues that Dunican and his business are profiting from these investments without bearing any of the associated costs. “Defendants make hundreds of thousands of dollars annually,” states the complaint, “all without incurring the costs required to produce the Cubs’ product.” The lawsuit further details how Wrigley View Rooftop’s use of Cubs’ trademarks and logos in their marketing materials is misleading fans into believing there is an official partnership or endorsement. The Cubs argue this not only harms their brand but also diverts potential revenue away from them. “Fans associate the Cubs’ trademarks with quality,” reads one part of the filing. “Defendants’ unauthorized use of those marks harms that reputation.”

their view - Wrigley View Rooftop 

In terms of relief sought, the Cubs are asking for compensatory damages along with disgorgement of unlawful profits made by Wrigley View Rooftop. They are also seeking statutory damages, treble damages under federal law for willful infringement, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees. Additionally, they request a permanent injunction preventing Dunican and his business from selling tickets to view live games at Wrigley Field or using any Cubs-related intellectual property in their advertising.' - Inside Booster

It's Official

The Ball-hawks
of Waveland

2024

Disabilities 

Still an Issue

2024

No Post Notes

Follow me to my next post called

Special Events at Wrigley Field

Important Note:

These posts are exclusively used for educational purposes. I do not wish to gain monetary profit from this blog nor should anyone else without permission for the original source - thanks!