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Cubs Parking Lot Construction to Start in July

By Erica Demarest | June 4, 2014 8:36am | Updated on June 23, 2014 7:40am
 The team presented a construction timeline Tuesday, with most projects starting July or fall 2014. File photo.
The team presented a construction timeline Tuesday, with most projects starting July or fall 2014. File photo.
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DNAinfo/Quinn Ford

LAKEVIEW — Construction projects in Cubs parking lots near Wrigley Field could start as early as July, according to a projected timeline from the team.

The Cubs have already filed for a demolition permit for the Brown lot, located at 1140 W. Eddy St., according to Kam Buckner, who handles government and neighborhood relations for the team.

The plan is to add 100 new spaces to the game-day lot, which will be completed by opening day 2015.

During construction, Buckner said, fans will be directed to the Green lot at 1126 W. Grace St.

Over the last few months, the team has repaved the Green lot and added new lighting. That construction should wrap in July, just before the Brown lot project starts.

 The Cubs and the city reached an agreement on $500 million in renovations and neighborhood improvements.
Cubs announce new Wrigley renovations
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When Buckner presented the timeline at an East Lake View Neighbors meeting Tuesday night, residents complained the Green lot was already too crowded. They said it causes congestion on Grace and Racine as hundreds of cars funnel in each game day.

"I've got pictures of the cars lined all the way back to my place," said one man who lives on Racine. "I cannot get in or out of my place. That's a problem."

As the team starts construction on all of its Wrigleyville lots in coming months, Cubs staff will also be directed to the Green lot on non-game days.

Buckner said the team was working with the office of Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and offering free remote game-day parking that should ease some of the traffic.

Since April, fans have been able to park in a North Center lot and take shuttles to games on nights and weekends. Buckner said the lot hit its peak on May 18 when 538 cars parked there. Typically, there's about 350 vehicles.

In other construction:

• Digging starts in July at the Red and Purple lots, known as the "triangle parcel" across from the McDonald's on Clark Street.

"We're going to do a lot of work underground there to get ready for the full-stadium renovation," Buckner said. Plans currently include an underground 30,000-square-foot player clubhouse.

• Construction at the Gold lot on Clifton and Waveland begins this fall. This petite lot is typically used by staff, who will be directed to the Green lot.

The adjacent Blue lot, which runs the length of Seminary Avenue, will be used to stage construction equipment, Buckner said. Some parking in the lot will be accessible through the start of next season.

 

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