Cubs Get Green Light for Some Wrigley Renovations, Not Outfield Signs

The Chicago Landmarks Commission voted unanimously Thursday in favor of multiple parts of the Chicago Cubs plan to renovate Wrigley Field, but movement on the two outfield signs were left off the table—for now.

The Cubs received the green light to push back the outfield walls onto the public right-of-way, and expand the bar area where the Captain Morgan Club currently sits, among other things, according to the Chicago Tribune. More detailed renderings of what that southeast corner will soon look like were released Wednesday.

The Landmarks Commission also approved the team’s master plan for 45,000 square feet of “new or existing” signs at Wrigley Field, but the controversial 6,000-square-foot Jumbotron in left field and 1,000-square-foot sign in right were pushed back. The Chicago Sun Times says those will be decided on July 11.

Delays in the outfield signage comes after a letter written by Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) addressed to the Cubs was leaked and obtained by Chicago Business Journal on Wednesday. In it Tunney wrote he could not support the team’s $500 million ballpark and Wrigleyville renovation without major changes, specifically to the outfield signs.

Tunney wrote he wanted the Jumbotron to be reduced to 3,500-square-feet, the right-field sign to be reduced to 600-square-feet, the pedestrian bridge over Clark Street to be removed, the hotel’s outdoor patio to be relocated off Patterson Street and the hotel lobby to be relocated to either Addison or Clark street.

After Thursday's meeting, however, Tunney released a statement addressing the landmark-related issues, deciding not to comment on the signs because they were not discussed at by the commission. 

"I am supportive of the application before you today with one exception: the expansion of the walls onto the public-right-of-way," Tunney said. "That means two things: the introduction of public subsidy into the proposal and allowing for an increase in their interior scope thereby facilitating more signage. This is an important outstanding issue for my constituency. I will continue my dialogue with Mayor Emanuel to resolve how and when this approval will occur." 

The hearing with the Landmarks Commission is the first of many the Cubs will need to attend before City Council approves the changes.