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.

1 minute read

April 21, 2017, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chicago

Mathew Dicker / Shutterstock

"For better or for worse, Wrigleyville is changing rapidly as Wrigley Field undergoes a continuing makeover, and a seven-story hotel and a huge mixed-used development are constructed next to the ballpark," according to an article by John Greenfield.

Overall, Greenfield sees a mixed-bag of planning decisions, as evaluated relative to the area's already existing walkability and transit-friendly bonafides. Greenfield takes a longer look at one positive change in particular: the addition of a plaza and lawn on the west side of the stadium—the site of a former surface parking lot.

"Although there were originally plans to replace the lot with a parking garage, four years ago the Ricketts family, which purchased the Cubs and ballpark in 2009, proposed the much wiser option of a community gathering place," writes Greenfield. "The space will host a farmers market and outdoor movies during the summer, and a skating rink during the winter."

Tuesday, April 11, 2017 in Chi.Streetsblog

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