“Three century-old buildings across from Wrigley Field — that once offered rooftop seats to view the stadium — could soon be demolished to make way for a five-story apartment building.
“Despite neighbors’ efforts to preserve the properties, the City Council’s Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards approved plans to rezone the trio of buildings at 3627, 3631 and 3633 N. Sheffield Ave. so the ownership group can build a 29-unit apartment building.
“One of the buildings is best known for the Eamus Catuli sign, which is supposed to mean ‘Let’s go, Cubs’ in Latin. The sign, atop 3633 N. Sheffield Ave., has hung beyond Wrigley Field’s right-field wall for more than 20 years.
“The buildings, like others surrounding the ballpark, used to offer rooftop seats looking into Wrigley. A massive video board added to the stadium in 2015 blocked the buildings’ views, so there are no viable commercial uses, Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th) said. Currently, two of the buildings have outdated seats, and one has a billboard sign.
“Nearby, the Cubs-owning Ricketts family have installed signs on two of their properties, one for paint-maker Benjamin Moore at 3623 N. Sheffield Ave and a Coca-Cola sign at 1040 W. Waveland Ave.
“The owner of the Sheffield Avenue properties, Wrigley Baseball Group LLC, plans to build a 29-unit property with six affordable apartments as well as two rooftop pickleball courts and a roof deck. The company agreed to no rooftop seats or other commercial uses, according to Lawson.
“It will also have 11 parking spaces and 21 bike spaces, if approved. The project heads to the City Council for a final vote.
“A Change.org petition by longtime Lake View resident Lisa Sorenson is seeking to preserve the buildings, calling for other residents to help ‘save the spirit of Wrigleyville.’ It garnered more than 2,400 signatures ahead of the Tuesday’s Zoning Committee meeting.
“Sorenson told committee members that the buildings should be landmarked, not demolished.
“‘Every single person I encountered had no idea of this project,’ she said. ‘What … I want you all to do is to consider this rezone and the historic relevance of these buildings.’
“Preservation Chicago expressed its disappointment in the planned demolition of the buildings. The organization’s director of development and policy, Patrick Grossi, said Preservation Chicago rarely opposes zoning amendments. But in this instance, the organization encourages a design that maintains the buildings’ historic exteriors and maintains the ‘Wrigley experience’ and ambiance surrounding the nation’s second-oldest ballpark. (Miller, Chicago Sun-Times, 6/25/24)
Read the full story at the Chicago Sun-Times
- Historic buildings across from Wrigley Field closer to demolition despite neighbors’ protests; The owners plan to demolish three century-old buildings to make way for new apartments with rooftop pickleball courts and parking, Abby Miller, Chicago Sun-Times, 6/25/24
- Neighbors vow to fight teardown of vintage Wrigleyville buildings despite zoning panel OK, Dennis Rodkin, Crain’s Chicago Business, 6/26/24
- Bleacher-blocked Wrigley rooftop buildings on track to be torn down, Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6/26/24
- Famous Wrigley Field Rooftops Will Be Torn Down After City Signs Off; City Council on Wednesday approved the rezoning of three iconic properties on Sheffield Avenue — including the Eamus Catuli and Torco buildings — to make way for a single 29-unit apartment building, Patrick Filbin, Block Club Chicago, 7/17/24
- Petition to Preserve the Three Iconic Wrigley Field Buildings!