LAKEVIEW — The Chicago Cubs will begin construction on their $575 million Wrigley Field renovation project Monday.
The goal is to debut a bleacher expansion, five outfield signs and two video boards by Opening Day 2015, said Julian Green, a spokesman for the team. Construction crews also will lay the foundation for a 30,000-square-foot underground players clubhouse, slated to debut in 2016.
"Construction will begin in earnest on Monday with the demolition of the left- and right-field bleachers," Green said. "In addition, we will begin a large excavation of the red and purple lots" that run along Clark Street.
The Cub's renovation plans — which also include more seating and commissary upgrades — were unanimously approved by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks in July. The Wrigleyville Rooftop Association filed a lawsuit against the city in August, but the Cubs are moving forward with plans.
Starting Friday, portions of Waveland and Sheffield avenues next to Wrigley Field will be closed to the public. These streets won't reopen until March.
Green said the Cubs are working with the city to create a traffic plan for residents who live on streets that intersect Waveland and Sheffield.
Waveland Avenue still will have a lane of westbound traffic open during construction, Green said, to accommodate fire trucks and ambulances for the fire station at 1052 W. Waveland Ave.
Sidewalks closest to the park on Clark, Sheffield and Waveland will be closed. The sidewalks on the opposite side of each street will remain open for pedestrians and CTA bus stops. Addison Street shouldn't be affected; Green said he anticipates two-way traffic and no sidewalk obstructions.
"Our plan is to have the bleacher expansion [completed] by Opening Day 2015," Green said. "That would include the installation of seven new outfield signs, including the left-field video board, as well as a smaller video board in right field."
In addition, construction crews will spend this winter working underground near the red and purple parking lots, which sit next to the field at Clark and Waveland.
Waveland and Sheffield avenues will reopen on Opening Day 2015.
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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