WRIGLEYVILLE — Two weeks before "batter up," Wrigley Field is doubling down on construction work to be ready for Opening Day.
Two of this year's major projects — the plaza and the Chicago Cubs office building — will not be finished in time for April 11's home opener against the Cincinnati Reds.
SCROLL DOWN FOR RENDERINGS OF WRIGLEY FIELD'S FUTURE LOOK
The Cubs have repeatedly promised the historic Wrigley Field marquee will return for Opening Day to its position above the Clark and Addison entrance, which was still covered as of Friday. The ballpark's steel facade was replaced piece by piece over the winter, and the marquee was removed for restoration.
Reporter Ariel Cheung details the latest on the Wrigley renovations.
As of Friday, the Wrigley Field marquee has not been returned to its spot over Clark and Addison. Cubs officials said it will be in place by Opening Day. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
An expansive underground clubhouse should be ready for Opening Day. The clubhouse — a remedy for "baseball's worst clubhouse" — features a batting cage, amphitheater and yoga studio and sits directly below the plaza.
Fans should be able to walk on the plaza in April, although it won't be ready for actual use until the fall, likely after the Cubs' 2016 season, officials said. The club continues to hash out details of the plaza's plan of operation — such as when it can sell alcohol — as well.
The renovations at Wrigley Field are expected to take five years, with 2016 wrapping up the second offseason of construction. But after delays last year, officials warned it could take an extra year to complete.
Construction will continue on the Wrigley Field plaza during the Cubs season. Officials expect it to be ready for use in the fall. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
Like last year, the Cubs will continue work on the 1060 Project on non-game days. In 2015, work on the Budweiser Bleachers lasted into July, largely due to cold-weather delays in the offseason.
Meanwhile, with demolition of the Wrigley Field McDonald's complete, construction will begin soon on a hotel across from the Friendly Confines — the second of three major projects at the intersection. The long-planned Addison & Clark project will also begin demolition in the next two months.
Two weeks out from Opening Day and construction materials are strewn around Wrigley Field. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
The Cubs office building will be completed in January at the north end of the ballpark. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
The Wrigley Field facade was slowly replaced during the Cubs offseason. Construction on the plaza will continue this summer. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
Fenced barricades line both sides of Clark Street north of Addison, where renovations at Wrigley Field and the demolition of McDonald's across the street have kept the corner bustling during the Cubs offseason. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
When all is said and done, here's what you should expect to see in Wrigleyville. All renderings courtesy of the Chicago Cubs:
The second year of construction at Wrigley Field included major work on the plaza and office building that will have first floor retail and dining.
The second year of construction at Wrigley Field includes major work on the plaza and office building that will have first floor retail and dining.
Cub fans can expect to find better concessions as part of the Wrigley Field overhaul.
Fans will see changes across Wrigley Field as part of a $500 million renovation package.
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