CHICAGO —It's safe to say Chicago lost a lot in 2014 — not just an iconic hot dog spot.
But now that we've drowned in our sorrows of yesteryear it's time to look toward the future and what 2015 will bring the great city.
Here's a look at what's heading to the city after the champagne toasts:
The 606 and Bloomingdale Trail
The chilly winter, which led to the city's nickname as "Chiberia," may have pushed the $65-million project's completion back to June 2015, but it hasn't stopped the buzz circling the trail. In April, the mayor cheered as crews moved a 100-ton bridge that once stood over Ashland Avenue to its new home on Western as part of the trail.
Uniqlo Lands in the Gold Coast
Opening in fall 2015, Uniqlo will offer its hallmark chic basics with simple, clean lines and understated color schemes at its new Gold Coast boutique at 830 N. Michigan Ave. The store will be the second largest Uniqlo store in the nation other than its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Bom Bolla
The same guys who brought you Pops for Champagne will debut a new Spanish-themed restaurant specializing in sparkling Cava wines to Wicker Park. Bom Bolla plans to open in a renovated 1880s-era building at 1501 N. Milwaukee Ave. in 2015.
Aurelio's South Loop
Aurelio's opening at Michigan and Roosevelt was delayed by road construction, but you shouldn't be waiting much longer for the famed thin crust pies from the South Side. According to the family pizza place's owner, Joe Aurelio, the restaurant should be serving in the new South Loop spot as soon as January.
Morgan Park Sports Center
Athletes of all shapes and sizes will enjoy the new Morgan Park Sports Center slated to open at 11505 S. Western Ave. The 64,000-square-foot building will include an indoor ice rink as well as a gymnastics center suitable for everyone from preschool students to club-level gymnasts.
Bridgeport's Heliport
Back in April, the City Council approved a $12.5 million plan for Chicago Helicopter Express, a tour company, to build a heliport on the South Branch of the Chicago River at 24th and Halsted Streets. The plan, which should be completed in 2015, includes installing 14 pads for launching and landing the company's tour and charter helicopters, along with the creation of a hangar, observation deck and riverside water taxi dock.
Chinatown's New Library
Chinatown's new 16,000-square-foot library is slated to open in May 2015 in the 2100 block of South Wentworth Avenue. It is costing an estimated $18 million to build. "You'll be seeing what in my view [is] the face of the new Chicago Public Library in our neighborhoods,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in May.
A Renovated Wrigley Field
In 2014, the Friendly Confines celebrated its 100th birthday with the start of a makeover. The $575 million renovation project will bring an expanded bleacher section, more outfield signs and two video boards in 2015. The Cubs also added manager Joe Maddon and an influx of talent including former Oakland A's ace Jon Lester, giving fans even more reason to check out those new bleachers.
The Cubs and Wrigley Field are 95 percent owned by a trust established for the benefit of the family of Joe Ricketts, owner and CEO of DNAinfo.com. Joe Ricketts has no direct involvement in the management of the iconic team.
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