Reilly ordinance would rebuild Wrigley plaza

12-Sep-12 – 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly has introduced an ordinance that would help the Wrigley Building reconstruct at its own expense its much-travelled plaza next to Michigan Avenue. An ordinance is necessary because the Wrigley plaza is owned by the city and the work would be done by the Chicago Department of Transportation.

At a cost to Wrigley Building owners of $2 million, old concrete would be replaced and other repairs made to the plaza. Granite paving stones with embedded lights would cover the concrete. Another $900,000 would be spent on cosmetic improvements, according to Reilly’s office.

Once renovations were completed, owners BDT Capital Partners and Zeller Realty Group would then pay for ongoing maintenance for 50 years.

(Left) Aerial view of Wrigley Building with plaza and Michigan Avenue in lower frame.

A shortcut for thousands of residents, commuters, and visitors each day, the plaza, says Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is “at the end of its useful life and in need of major rehabilitation.”

Reilly, meanwhile, called the Wrigley Building “historically significant” and “one of the most recognized buildings in our skyline.”

“As the owners are investing in restoring and upgrading this beautiful building,” he told constituents on Wednesday, “it was only fitting that the public plaza be restored and refreshed as well.”

The plaza extends west between the two towers – the building with the clock tower and the northern annex – connecting Michigan Avenue with Wabash Avenue. Renovation work is currently being done in this area but to the exterior of the Wrigley Building. Since April, a construction fence has blocked access to the plaza between the buildings.