A Chicago Tribune article reveals some of the behind-the-scenes moves made by the Chicago Cubs to control more of the commercial interests in a neighborhood already famously devoted to its team.
According to an article by Jared S. Hopkins and Ameet Sachdev, Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts "has taken the Boston blueprint far beyond the historic stadium — past Wrigley's bricks and ivy, in fact, and into the nearby streets where the Cubs want to control more of the local economy that feeds off the baseball team."
"His purchase of three rooftop businesses last month is the latest sign that he is gaining control not just of the future of Wrigley but portions of Wrigleyville itself."
"From winning approval to close portions of streets during game days to hosting concerts, the team has begun to transform the rhythm and character of the Lakeview neighborhood. Ricketts' plans to increase business opportunities beyond the stadium already include an open-air plaza, a nearby hotel and street fairs similar to the ones the Red Sox host."
As the plan plays out slowly and below the level of hoopla the team's recent renovation of Wrigley Field elicited, local rooftop business owner Mark Schlenker is quoted in the article describing the team's accomplishments in consolidating control of the neighborhood: "They do have a longer plan — the Disney World of baseball….This is a very brilliantly run campaign to slowly get what they want. I give them credit."
FULL STORY: Cubs owner transforming Wrigley Field, Lakeview to rake in more money
New Development Continues in Wrigleyville
New mixed-use projects bring residential units, retail, and entertainment venues to the neighborhood surrounding Chicago's Wrigley Field as stadium-adjacent development grows in popularity.
Dynamic Parking Prices Lack Political Will, Local Support Near Wrigley Field
Setting the example for the rest of city was too tough a pill to swallow for businesses located near Wrigley Field.
New Public Space Outside Wrigley Field Just Another Win for Chicago
Chicago Cubs fans looking to bask in the glory of the team's first World Series victory since 1908 will find a new public plaza and lawn next to the stadium. The plaza will be open to the public on non-baseball days too.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
‘Displaced By Design:’ Report Spotlights Gentrification in Black Neighborhoods
A new report finds that roughly 15 percent of U.S. neighborhoods have been impacted by housing cost increases and displacement.
Nevada and Utah Groups Oppose Public Land Sell-Off Plan
A set of last-minute amendments to the budget reconciliation bill open up over half a million acres of federally managed land to sales.
More Than a Park: A Safe Haven for Generations in LA’s Chinatown
Alpine Recreation Center serves as a vital cultural and community hub in Los Angeles' Chinatown, offering a safe, welcoming space for generations of Chinese American residents to gather, connect, and thrive amidst rapid urban change.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Clovis
City of Moorpark
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions