UPDATE: Wrigley Renovations Head to City Council After Changes

By Andy Ambrosius

The Chicago Cubs, Wrigley rooftop owners and mayor’s office have reached a deal that pushed the team’s proposed $500 million development plan through to City Council.

The Chicago Zoning Committee unanimously voted Tuesday evening in favor of the project, paving the way. City Council could vote to approve the plan on Wednesday. 

Sources close to the negotiations first told Crain’s Chicago Business Tuesday morning that the groups discussed various arrangements Monday night, avoiding a battle in court and potentially clearing the way for City Council to take action this week. 

Then on Tuesday afternoon, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel confirmed what sources speculated about the process, saying the pedestrian bridge would be deferred indefinitely. The balcony was also deferred, and there will continue to be talks about the entrance to the hotel.

"Alderman Tunney and I agree that in addition to the portico over Patterson, which the Cubs agreed to defer last week, that the proposed bridge over Clark Street will also be deferred indefinitely," Emanuel said in a statement. 

Additionally, we agree that further discussion is necessary on the location of the entrance to the Hotel.  While Alderman Tunney, Tom Ricketts and I have agreed that only the two outfield signs they have secured will be authorized for the duration of their agreement. 

"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," the mayor continued. 

"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."

The result of Tuesday's negotiations make it seem as though Wednesday’s Wrigley Field rally paid off. At the protest, neighbors demanded the pedestrian bridge over Clark Street between the proposed hotel and office building be eliminated. 

They also asked the hotel’s entrance be moved from Patterson Avenue to Clark Street, and the hotel’s rooftop bar be eliminated.

Tunney followed Emanuel's statement with one of his own, saying with Tuesday's changes, he can approve the proposal.

"My sworn obligation is to act in the best interest of my entire Ward which includes not only the Cubs, but also the residents and small businesses that surround Wrigley Field," Tunney said. 

"I feel that I have done that and am proud of what we all have accomplished working together understanding that compromise is a part of all negotiations. Through months of negotiations and discussions, with the changes noted, I can now support this planned development."