Cubs unveil mallpark renovation for Wrigley

By Kent McDill Daily Herald Sports Writer

Posted Saturday, June 19, 2004

If the Cubs get their way, the Wrigley Field area will take on the appearance of a ball-mall.

The Cubs on Friday filed a development plan with the city of Chicago to add a multi-purpose building on Clark Street that would include an open-air pedestrian parkway just west of Wrigley Field.

The new building would replace the former doughnut shop and the current do-it-yourself car wash that sits on the west side of Wrigley. It would include batting cages and indoor pitching practice facilities as well as a themed restaurant.

The plan also calls for improving the façade around the park on Sheffield and Waveland Avenues, widening sidewalks on Clark Street and including landscaped sidewalks around the the entire park.

"These plans reflect significant feedback from our community, the city and our local aldermen over the past three years and will help ensure Wrigley Field keeps its place as one of the signature ballparks in America,'' Cubs president Andy MacPhail said in a news release. "The improvements will also help us continue to pursue success on the field by generating revenue we will invest in our team."

The Cubs would completely finance all of the improvements.

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