Building permit issued to Dick’s Last Resort

16-May-08 – A hard-fought building permit has been issued to Dick’s Last Resort to construct a bar/restaurant at Marina City. The permit was issued on Thursday, May 15, according to Bill McCaffrey, a spokesperson for The City of Chicago Department of Buildings. He says the Stop Work Order, posted on February 22, has been lifted.

The Department of Buildings approved all 13 reviews needed by Dick’s to obtain a building permit. The last of the reviews – a planning review – was approved on May 15.

42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly is looking into landmark status for Marina City. Letters are in the mail to residents, seeking input. Jeff Riley, Policy Director for Alderman Reilly, says if residents want landmark status, Alderman Reilly will organize an open discussion.

Officials of Dick’s Last Resort met with Policy Director Riley, not the Alderman himself, during the week of April 21. They discussed noise concerns and that led the discussion to the overhead “garage” doors that will separate the indoor dining area from the outdoor dining area. Although Dick’s would not budge on the design, they did agree to close the doors every day at 8:00 p.m.

According to his policy director, Alderman Reilly “certainly knows and understands the significance of Marina Towers.”

Riley says if residents want to comment on landmark status but do not receive the letter from Alderman Reilly, they may contact his office at 312-642-4242 or by email at office@reillyforchicago.com.

A River East neighbor since 1988, Dick’s is moving due to increased congestion in the area and to be closer to major hotels and convention facilities. Dick’s will occupy space in the southwest corner of the lower concourse level at Marina City.

Two other permit applications are listed on the Department of Buildings web site, one to install a “double face pole sign within property line to read Dick’s Last Resort.” The other, to install a flat one-sided sign.