Cubs urged to rebuild bleachers Alderman cites age of stadium

By Gary Washburn Tribune staff reporter

August 5, 2004

The Cubs should consider a total reconstruction of Wrigley Field's bleachers, not just a remodeling, if the team wins approval to add nearly 2,000 seats, Ald. Thomas Tunney (44th) said Wednesday.

A 2001 engineering report on the stadium, commissioned by the Cubs, found problems of deteriorated concrete in the bleachers area, but Tunney said his suggestion is based on his experience as a businessman.

If a bleachers expansion receives city approval, "they should seriously look ... at the possibility of starting from scratch," said the alderman, whose ward includes the ballpark.

Wrigley is 90 years old and "this is not a small change," he said. "It makes sense from a business perspective, since you are doing that kind of work, do it so it will last for the next 50 years. ... Avoid the hassles of coming back 10 years later and doing it again."

Because Wrigley is an official Chicago landmark, any reconstruction would have to meet city approval and presumably would include preservation of the existing exterior wall.

Asked to comment on Tunney's suggestion, Cubs officials were noncommittal.

"As part of a bleacher expansion, we would want to upgrade existing areas where necessary to protect and preserve our ballpark for years to come," the team said in a statement. "We would rely on architects and structural engineers to advise us on how best to accomplish those goals."

Cubs officials are seeking a bleachers expansion of 1,980 seats, along with a plan for a new building immediately west of the park that would house a parking garage, sports-themed restaurant and stores.

Tunney said that he, the city and the Cubs want to reach an agreement on the proposal by year's end, but he said that the bleachers expansion, in particular, must meet muster.

The Cubs have provided a rendering of how it would look, but more information is needed to ensure that the design is appropriate and that the revamped bleachers would not obstruct the fans' unique view of nearby buildings, the alderman said.

Tunney and city Planning Commissioner Denise Casalino visited Wrigley Tuesday "taking a look at the views from different points in the stadium," as part of their own research, he said.

Cubs officials said they made repairs as a result of the findings in the 2001 engineering report but acknowledged last week that they did not obtain permits for the work.

In a phone call to the team on Wednesday, Buildings Commissioner Stan Kaderbek gave official notice that the team must submit plans for any work that has been done and obtain the permits retroactively.

Kaderbek "indicated to me that he expected they would cooperate," said Jack Beary, a Buildings Department spokesman. "He did not get any indication to the contrary."

The Cubs and Wrigley Field are owned by Tribune Co., which also owns the Chicago Tribune.

Protective netting was installed at Wrigley last week following three recent incidents of falling concrete.

Mayor Richard Daley, who has been critical of the Cubs, Tribune Co. and the Chicago Tribune in connection with problems at the park, told reporters on Wednesday that structural issues are a safety concern and must be remedied.

"They have a responsibility," he said. "You don't want anyone injured or killed. ... I don't care who they are, what company they are, nobody has a right to be as arrogant as they are."

Meanwhile, the aldermaen released figures showing that crime around Wrigley has declined by nearly 6 percent from last year.

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