February 19, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
42nd Ward Development News – New Residential Proposal at 601 West Monroe Street and Update on 525 South Wabash Avenue
601 West Monroe Street

Pacific Reach Properties proposes to construct a new development at 601 West Monroe Street. The site is currently a surface parking lot, adjacent to Heritage Green Park. The proposed Planned Development includes two towers, 47 and 40 stories respectively.  

As proposed, the east tower contains approximately 537 apartments, 23,405 square feet of retail space, and 397 parking spaces; the west tower consists of approximately 516 apartments, 6,904 square feet of retail space, and an additional 33 parking spaces within the garage.  

The west tower becomes the backdrop to the 50,000 square foot public park, Heritage Green Park. Alderman Reilly encouraged the developer to add over 30,000 square feet of retail adjacent to the Park and Monroe, Jefferson and Desplaines streets to encourage pedestrian activity along the entire building perimeter. The first and second floors of the west building directly adjacent to the park will be planned for a food and beverage tenant; this active use will provide additional security to this important neighborhood amenity. 
The project, designed by SCB, can be seen below; contemporary towers that are linked through their dynamic and opposing arrangement with a shared expression of a vertical element inspired by the Chicago River.  
(left) 2018 Proposal Rejected by Alderman Reilly
(right) Current 2021 Proposal
The Developer has been working on this proposal since 2018, and has incorporated a number of changes in their design, programing, and massing, with Alderman Reilly’s feedback. Notable improvements include:  

  • Hotel program eliminated in favor of additional multi-family units (1,053 total units) 
  • Tower height reduced from 54 stories/43 stories to 47 stories/40 stories 
  • Reduced podium height by 1 level 
  • Reduced overall parking count from 449 spaces to 430 total spaces 
  • Parking and loading access removed from Desplaines Street and moved to Jefferson Street to reduce impact on local traffic 
  • Addition of 385 bicycle spaces 
  • Increased retail from 11,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet  
  • Building to provide 24-hour staffing of front desks, security cameras monitoring the exterior, and additional outdoor lighting to further establish a safe environment within Heritage Green 
  • Activation of space near and improved visibility of Heritage Green Park:  
  • Added residential units in the podium  
  • Increased retail space to second floor and added outdoor seating 
  • Revised podium parking garage cladding to enhance the appearance of the base 

Click the following links to review the presentation deck as well as the Traffic Study, for additional details on this proposal. 

The project is seeking a floor area ratio (FAR) bonus which will contribute $5,500,000 to the City’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. To accomplish this proposal, the Development team will be required to present their plans for approval to the Chicago Plan Commission, Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards and City Council. 

As part of Alderman Reilly’s transparent community process for new developments, your comments and observations are welcome on this project. Please forward any feedback to development@ward42chicago.com. 

525 South Wabash Avenue  

Earlier this week, Eterra Plus LLC decided to withdraw their proposal from the Chicago Plan Commission agenda. The Applicant’s proposal to rezone the property from DX-12 (Downtown Mixed-Use District) to a Residential-Business Planned Development will be revised and shared with the community when more details become available. 

Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for more information. 
Important Announcements and Updates
City of Chicago Expands Indoor Dining Service
Earlier this week, the City of Chicago increased capacity of indoor service at bars, restaurants and event venues to the lesser of 40% capacity or 50 people per room or floor. This increase is due to the significant progress that Chicago continues to make in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and is based on the framework for reopening that Chicago announced last week. 

In order to ensure that the reopening does not endanger the progress made in recent weeks and months, all other existing regulations for businesses remain in place for now and are listed below:  

Restaurants, Bars and Events  
  • Indoor capacity restricted to the lesser of 40% or 50 people per room or floor  
  • Food must be available at all times in order to offer indoor service. This means that bars, taverns or breweries without a food license can operate indoors as long as they partner with a food establishment so that food is available to patrons at all times (e.g., making menus available and allowing delivery, allowing patrons to order from third-party delivery services).  
  • Outdoor service is allowed without capacity restrictions, which includes tables located within eight feet of walls that are at least 50% open, tents with at least 50% of their walls open, and single-party structures such as igloos or greenhouses  
  • Maximum of six patrons at indoor or outdoor tables  
  • Tables must be six feet apart  
  • Patrons can sit at bars, with six feet of social distancing between parties  
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times, except when patrons are seated and actively eating or drinking  
  • Patrons must be seated whenever they are eating or drinking  
  • Reservations are encouraged  
  • The sale of alcohol must end at 11pm, including alcohol sold for on-site consumption, delivery or carry out  
  • Establishments must close for on-site service at 12am  

Health and Fitness Centers  
  • 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space  
  • Group classes of 15 or fewer can resume under the 40% capacity restriction  
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times  

Indoor Recreation  
  • 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space  
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times  

Movie Theaters and Performance Venues  
  • 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space  
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times  

Retail Stores  
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies can operate at 50% capacity, all other stores at 40% capacity  
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times  
  • Alcohol sales from establishments with a Package Goods license must end at 9pm  

Museums  
  • Can operate indoors at 25% capacity  
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times  

Personal Services  
  • 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space  
  • Face coverings can be removed only for services that require their removal  

Places of Worship  
  • 40% capacity, with no more than 50 people in any one space  
  • Special events capped at no more than 40% capacity or 50 people, while following indoor dining regulations  
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times  

This cautious expansion of indoor service is possible due to Chicago recording fewer than 400 new COVID-19 cases per day, based on the seven-day rolling average, for each of the last three days. This means that all four metrics that Chicago is using to determine when and how to cautiously reopen have now moved into the “Moderate-Risk” level for at least three days, allowing for this expansion of indoor dining. The following metrics are being used to determine the process for continuing to ease COVID-19 regulations:  

  • COVID cases diagnosed per day: currently averaging 344, in the “Moderate-Risk” level  
  • COVID test positivity: currently averaging 3.6%, in the “Low-Risk” level  
  • Emergency Departments visits for COVID-like illness: currently averaging 62 per day, in the “Moderate-Risk” level  
  • ICU beds occupied by COVID patients: currently averaging 117, in the “Moderate-Risk” level  

Residents can track the City’s progress on the reopening metrics on the COVID Dashboard, and updated COVID-19 regulations can be found at chicago.gov/reopening. 
Does Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Have Money for You?
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and Alderman Reilly want you to know that most people are surprised to learn that the state might have their missing money or unclaimed property – and they don’t even know it. 

How much money? More than $3.5 billion. You can see if your name is among the thousands who have missing money by clicking here. Search your name, a relative’s name, the name of a business or the name of a non-profit. 

Why might the treasurer have your money? Sometimes, a letter or check is mailed to the wrong address. Examples of unclaimed property include unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts and unused rebate cards. The State Treasurer is legally required to return the property to the rightful owner no matter how long it takes. 

An estimated one-in-four people in Illinois have unclaimed property. Because unclaimed property is surrendered to the treasurer’s office twice each year, you should check the database twice each year; for example, on your birthday and six months later. Go to illinoistreasurer.gov and learn more. Treasurer Frerichs and Alderman Reilly are ready to help you! 
A Message from the Cook County Treasurer: Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program Deadline Approaching
The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral program is a tax-relief program that works like a loan. It allows qualified seniors to defer a maximum of $5,000 per tax year (this includes 1st and 2nd installments) on their primary home. The loan from the State of Illinois is paid when the property is sold, or upon the death of the participant.

A list of qualifications and application information can be found online. Applications must be submitted by March 1, there are no time extensions. If you change your mind, the program is flexible. A homeowner may withdraw, keep the loan, pay off the loan and/or re-enter the following year.

Completed applications can be mailed to:

Cook County Treasurer
Attn: Senior Deferral Department
118 N. Clark Street – Room 112
Chicago, IL 60602

If you have questions about this program, please visit cookcountytreasurer.com and select “Contact Us by Email” or call (312) 443-5100.
Attention River North Residents: Brown Line Track Repairs this Weekend
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is performing maintenance on the Brown Line Elevated Track over North Franklin Street, between Hubbard Street and Grand Avenue. Work will occur from 8am-3:30pm during the weekdays and from 8am-7pm on the weekends.  

North Franklin, between Grand Avenue and Hubbard Street will be closed (during the hours listed above) to vehicular traffic from Monday, February 15 to Friday, February 26. 
 
Throughout the project, the following will be closed intermittently: 
 
  • Curb lanes and parking 
  • Alley access 
  • Sidewalks  
 
All work is expected to be completed at the end of March 2021 (weather dependent).
Wear A Mask! Protect Yourself and Others
Earlier this week the CDC published updated guidance on mask usage. Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has. 
DO
Choose a mask with a nose wire  

  • A nose wire is a metal strip along the top of the mask. 
  • Nose wires prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. 
  • Bend the nose wire over your nose to fit close to your face. 
Use a mask fitter or brace  

  • Use a mask fitter or brace over a disposable mask or a cloth mask to prevent air from leaking around the edges of the mask. 
  • A mask should fit snugly against the sides of your face and not have gaps.
Check that it fits snugly over your nose, mouth, and chin  

  • Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask. 
  • Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask.
  • If the mask has a good fit, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath. 
Add layers of material  

  • Use a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric. 
  • Wear one disposable mask underneath a cloth mask (the second mask should push the edges of the inner mask against your face). 
DO NOT
Combine two disposable masks  

  • Disposable masks are not designed to fit tightly and wearing more than one will not improve fit. 
Combine a KN95 mask with any other mask 

  • Only use one KN95 mask at a time.
  • KN95 masks are a type of filtering facepiece respirator that are commonly made in China and similar to N95 masks commonly used in the United States.  
  • BE AWARE: About 60% of KN95 masks in the United States are counterfeit (fake) and DO NOT meet NIOSH requirements.
Finally, the CDC recommends you do NOT touch the mask when wearing it. If you have to often touch/adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit you properly, and you may need to find a different mask or make adjustments.

As a reminder during these cold winter months, scarves, ski masks, etc. are not substitutes for masks. More information about mask guidance can be found on the CDC's website.
Attention Seniors: A Message from the Chicago Department of Finance
2021 renewals for the Senior Citizen Sewer Rebate were mailed this month. As a reminder to seniors, the Office of the City Clerk no longer functions as the intake office for receipt of eligible first-time applicants and renewals. Instead, the Department of Finance's Utility Billing & Customer Service Division processes the applications.

Senior citizens who own and occupy their own residence, but who are not eligible for the Senior Citizen Sewer Charge Exemption due to property type, can apply for the Senior Citizen Sewer Rebate. This provides an annual $50 rebate in lieu of the exemption.

To be eligible for the sewer charge annual rebate:

  • You must be 65 years of age, or older, as of January 1 for the year you are applying.
  • You must be the sole owner, or owner in joint tenancy, or tenancy in common of the property.
  • You must occupy the property as your principal place of residence.
  • You must own a townhouse, condominium unit, or cooperative apartment that shares a common water bill.

If you meet all the above criteria and wish to apply, you must submit a Senior Sewer Application. The form must be completed in its entirety and submitted with all supporting documentation. For seniors filings renewals, the yearly renewal form requires the claimant to provide a copy of their government issued identification and a recent property tax bill for verification purposes.

Senior citizens with questions concerning the Sewer Rebate program should be directed to 312-744-4426 or utilitybill@cityofchicago.org.
Snow Removal Reminder – Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice!
Alderman Reilly would like to remind residents and business owners to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Clearing sidewalks is the law, and it's our responsibility to each other during the winter. Many people rely on walking and transit as their primary way to get around. Without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is especially difficult for people with disabilities, seniors, and children to walk. 
Please remember that per Chicago Municipal Code 10-8-180, "every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground."  

Individuals who do not comply can face fines up to $500 per day of violation and businesses can be fined up to $1,000 per day. To report locations that do not clear their sidewalk dial 3-1-1 to make a "Snow - Uncleared Sidewalk" request or call Alderman Reilly's office so we can alert the property owner of their responsibility.  

Make your neighborhood safe for everyone to get around this winter. Help the City of Chicago provide a great pedestrian environment and take responsibility for your sidewalk by clearing snow and ice!
2021 Tax Prep Chicago
The City of Chicago will offer free, confidential tax help from January 25 through mid-April in partnership with Ladder Up. Trained volunteer tax preparers can assist you in completing and electronically filing Federal and Illinois tax returns for tax year 2021 and, in some cases, for prior years. Also find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and other tax credits!

Who is eligible for free tax help?

  • Families earning up to $57,000 annually
  • Individuals earning up to $30,000 annually

What information to bring to a tax site?

  • Personal Information
  • Year-end Income Statements
  • Expenses and Credits

The tax filing deadline is Thursday, April 15! For more information, visit www.taxprepchicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment.
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
Chicago Volunteer Expo
February 21, 2021 from 10:00am - 4:00pm
At the ninth annual Chicago Volunteer Expo, you can connect with non-profit organizations from all over the city to learn how you can get involved! Whether your passion is the environment, the arts, or social justice, find out what you can do to make a difference.

You will have the opportunity to meet representatives from over 70 organizations from all across the city. Learn how you can lend your skills and passion to support their missions. The event will be split into 2-hour time blocks, plenty of time to meet with organizations! Take a peek at the list of exhibiting organizations before the Expo and create your “must meet” list. Exhibitors will be in their own virtual breakout rooms. Participants can go in and out of breakout rooms to chat with organizations.

The 2021 Chicago Volunteer Expo will be hosted on Zoom, so pre-registration is required. Participants will receive the information for logging into the event via email prior to the event. You must register to receive the Zoom link.

For questions and concerns, interested individuals can click here for more information.
Money Mondays with Melissa
February 22 at 12:00pm
Youth Investments and Finance
Join Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and a panel of leading Chicago financial experts as they discuss the importance of exposing youth to the world of finance. Please click here to register!

Residents can click here for an archive of past Money Mondays webinars. For more information about the City Treasurer's Office, please click here.
Chicago Park District Black History Month Knowledge Bowl
February 26, 2021 at 4:00pm
While the manner in which Chicago Parks celebrates Black History Month is different this year, their efforts to offer opportunities to celebrate this important month remain the same. Residents can learn more about the many Chicago parks named in honor of African Americans and participate in special online events here.

Winner of the Knowledge Bowl will receive a prize! Residents can register here. For more information about the Chicago Park District, please visit their website.
Celebrate Black History Month with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
All February Long!
This month, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra celebrates the creativity and artistry of Black musicians from the past and present, inviting all to discover voices who have enriched the world. Including the music of composers Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges; Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson; George Walker; Jessie Montgomery; Tyshawn Sorey; Courtney Bryan, and many more.
Live from the Library!
Weekdays at 10:00am
Watch story times with Chicagoans you know and love at Live from the Library! See a new reader at 10 a.m. every weekday, or browse past story times on Facebook Live. Guest readers include Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Tweedy, as well as Chicago Public Library (CPL) children's librarians.

Individuals can watch past and live videos each weekday on CPL's Facebook page.
42nd Ward CAPS Meetings
CAPS meetings offer city residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which help the police to monitor crime issues.

Attention Residents: New in 2021, each beat will be hosting its own meeting, departing from the sector model. They will also be virtual (via Zoom) until further notice. There are no upcoming beat meetings next week.

Please make sure to confirm the details for upcoming meetings with your Police District's CAPS office. 

1st District: 312-745-4290
12th District: 312-746-8396
18th District: 312-742-5870

To find your district and beat, please click here.
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
"Chicago Fire" Filming in the Loop

On Sunday, February 21, from 5am-5pm, the following streets will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic to film a scene for "Chicago Fire":

  • East Lake, between North Wabash and North Michigan
  • North Garland, between East Benton and Lower East South Water

Parking will be prohibited at the following locations during the filming:

  • Both sides of Wabash Avenue, from Wacker Place to Benton Place (3am-6pm) 
  • South side of Wacker Place, from Wabash Avenue to Michigan Avenue (3am-6pm) 
  • Both sides of Lake Street, from Wabash Avenue to Beaubien Court (3am-6pm) 
  • North side of Randolph Street, from Wabash Avenue to Michigan Avenue (3am-6pm) 
  • Both sides of Middle South Water, from Middle Michigan Avenue to Middle Stetson (3am-6pm) 
  • Both sides of Middle Stetson, from Middle South Water to Middle Lake Street (3am-6pm)

The scene involves an active car crash, stuntmen, and special effects. Pyrotechnics will not be used. 

Barricades and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers will be in place. Residents will not be prevented access to their building’s parking garage. 

Safety Panel Delivery in the Loop

Beginning Monday, February 22 and ending Tuesday, February 23, there will be intermittent closures of the northernmost traffic lane on East Wacker Place, from North Michigan Avenue to a point 100’ west thereof. 

There will be flaggers in-place throughout the intermittent closures to assist with traffic control.

Filming in River North: 632 North Dearborn

On Tuesday, February 23, LGTV will be filming scenes for an upcoming TV show at TAO, located 632 North Dearborn Street. All filming will be conducted inside of the building.

In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be restricted at the following locations:

  • West side of Dearborn, from Ontario to Erie (Monday, February 22 at 6am to Wednesday, February 24 at 11:59pm)
  • East side of State, from Kinzie to the Chicago River (Monday, February 22 at 8pm to Tuesday, February 23 at 11:59pm)
  • Both sides of Kinzie, from State to Wabash (Monday, February 22 at 8pm to Tuesday, February 23 at 11:59pm)
  • Both sides of Wabash, from Kinzie to Hubbard (Monday, February 22 at 8pm to Tuesday, February 23 at 11:59pm)
  • Both sides of Dearborn, from Ontario to Huron (Tuesday, February 23, from 5am to 11:59pm)
  • Both sides of Erie, from Clark to Dearborn (Tuesday, February 23, from 5am to 11:59pm)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brady Breen (Location Manager) at 773-277-8806 or Antonia Arcely (On-site Coordinator) at 773-277-8728.

"Work In Progress" Filming in the Loop

Scenes for “Work In Progress” will be filmed inside 161 North Clark Street from Wednesday, February 24 to Wednesday, February 24. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • East side of Clark, from Randolph to Wacker (Tuesday, February 23 at 1am to Wednesday, February 24 at 7pm)
  • North side of Randolph, from Clark to Dearborn (Tuesday, February 23 at 1am to Wednesday, February 24 at 7pm)
  • South side of Wacker, from Clark to Dearborn (Tuesday, February 23 at 1am to Wednesday, February 24 at 7pm)
  • North side of Randolph, from Clark to a point 200’ east thereof (Thursday, February 23 from 7am to 7pm)

If you have any questions, please contact Michael Proffitt (Location Manager) at 312-736-2813 or Justin Thaler (Location Manager) at 312-736-2813.

Tower Crane Installation in the West Loop

Starting Wednesday, February 24, Skender Construction will begin installing a tower crane at 609 W. Randolph Street. During the installation, West Randolph, between North Jefferson and North Desplaines will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The installation is expected to be completed by Friday, February 26 (weather dependent). At that time, West Randolph, between North Jefferson and North Desplaines will be reopened. 

Crane Lift: 633 N. Michigan Avenue

On Wednesday, February 24 from 5am-12pm, there will be a crane lift at 633 North Michigan Avenue. During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk on the north side of East Ontario, from North Michigan to a point 200' east thereof
  • Curb lane on the north side of East Ontario, from North Michigan to a point 200' east thereof
  • Northernmost traffic lane on East Ontario, from North Michigan to a point 200' east thereof

There will be flaggers and barricades in place throughout the lift.

Helicopter Lift: 250 South Wacker Drive

On Saturday, February 27, from 9am-11am, there will be a helicopter lift at 250 South Wacker Drive. During the lift, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

  • South Wacker, from West Van Buren to West Adams
  • West Jackson, from South Franklin to South Canal

There will be barricades and police officers on-site throughout the lift.

Wells Street Bridge Closure
 
On Saturday, February 27, from 12am-6am, the Chicago Department of Transportation will be conducting maintenance on the Wells Street Bridge. Due to the nature of repairs (center lock and heel lock repairs), the Bridge is required to be raised while work is occurring. 

Southbound traffic will be detoured from North Wells, to West Kinzie, to North LaSalle, to West Wacker, to North Wells. 

Renovations at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street

On February 15, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) began renovating the Grand Army of the Republic Rotunda and Hall at the Cultural Center, located at 78 East Washington Street. Throughout the project, DCASE will be using the Cultural Centers loading zone at 129 North Garland Court as storage for the project and to place their construction dumpster. 

The project is expected to be completed February 2022. 

Canopy Renovation: 120 East Delaware Place

Earlier this month, Monoceros Corporation (MC) began renovating the Four Seasons’ canopy located at 120 E. Delaware Place. During the renovation process, the following will be closed:

  • 100' of sidewalk in front of 120 E Delaware
  • 100' of curb cut in front of 120 E. Delaware
  • 100' of northernmost traffic lane in front of 120 E. Delaware

MC will construct a protected pedestrian pathway, using jersey barriers, in the curb cut in front of 120 E. Delaware. All work is expected to be completed at the beginning of April 2021 (weather dependent).

Conduit Installation: 120 North LaSalle Street

Earlier this month, HBK Engineering began installing a new conduit at 120 North LaSalle Street. Work hours will be 8am-5pm, daily. 

While work is occurring, southbound LaSalle will be reduced to one lane in front of 120 North LaSalle Street. A metal plate will be placed over the infrastructure trenching during the overnight hours to allow for two southbound lanes of traffic. 

All work is expected to be completed by Friday, February 26 (weather dependent). 

MCI Duct Relocation in Streeterville

On February 8, MCI began to relocate duct infrastructure currently located on the west side of North St. Clair, between East Superior and East Huron. During the work, the following will be closed:

  • Curb lane on the west side of North St. Clair between East Superior and East Huron
  • Southbound traffic lane on North St. Clair, from East Superior to East Huron
  • Curb lane on the east side of North St. Clair between East Superior and East Huron

Traffic will be maintained in both directions at all times. Southbound traffic will be pushed to the northbound lane and northbound traffic will be pushed to the curb lane on the east side of North St. Clair.

All work is expected to be completed by Monday, February 22 (weather dependent). 

Crane Lift: 15 East Oak Street

On Friday, March 12, from 9am-5pm, there will be a crane lift at 15 East Oak Street. During the lift, Rush Street, between Oak Street and Walton Street will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 

There will be barricades and flaggers on-site throughout the lift. In case of inclement weather or delay, the crane lift will be moved to Saturday, March 13, from 9am-5pm.  

Cold Water Pipe Installation: 320 South Canal Street

Starting the week on January 25, Enwave will be installing cold water pipes at 320 South Canal Street, during the overnight hours (8pm-4am). This project is expected to last two weeks. 

At the beginning of February, Enwave will be connecting the cold water pipes at 320 South Canal Street to its cold water plant system. This requires infrastructure trenching to occur. While work is occurring, the southbound traffic lane on South Canal Street, from West Van Buren Street to a point 200’ south thereof will be closed to vehicular traffic. 

All work is expected to be completed at the beginning of March (weather dependent). 

New Construction: 609 West Randolph Street
 
Construction of a 15-story commercial building at 609 West Randolph Street began in mid-January. Throughout the duration of the project, the following will be closed:

  • Curb/Traffic lane and sidewalk on south side of West Randolph, from North Jefferson to 621 West Randolph

There will be a canopy with a concrete crash wall and plywood enclosure for pedestrian use in the closed traffic lane on West Randolph, from North Jefferson to 621 West Randolph.

There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers in place for the duration of the project. This project is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2022 (weather dependent).

Demolition: 16-22 West Erie Street

In January, Atlas Demolition began demolition of 16-22 West Erie Street. Earlier this month, Atlas began to install a pedestrian canopy on the sidewalk in front of 16-22 West Erie Street and exterior demolition will begin immediately thereafter. The project is expected to be completed by mid-March (weather dependent).

Upper Wacker Drive Traffic Reconfiguration

Now that the majority of construction at St. Regis Chicago (formerly Vista Tower) located at 363 East Wacker Drive is completed and residents occupy the building, the traffic pattern on Upper Wacker Drive, between North Columbus Drive and Lake Shore Drive has returned to the pre-construction traffic configuration.  

On Thursday, January 21 at 2:00 p.m., McHugh Construction completed the following traffic pattern changes: 

  • The south side of Upper Wacker Drive, between North Columbus Drive and the turnaround in front of St. Regis Chicago will return to a one-way eastbound thoroughfare. The turnaround will connect motorists to a one-way westbound stretch of Upper Wacker Drive.  
  • The “No Left Turn” restriction for westbound motorists at Upper Wacker Drive and Columbus will be removed. Motorists traveling westbound on Upper Wacker Drive will be able to turn southbound onto North Columbus Drive. Westbound motorists are prohibited from making a u-turn at Upper Wacker Drive and Columbus onto Lower Wacker Drive.  

While McHugh Construction is completing the installation of concrete fill-ins and brick pavers, portions of the street and sidewalk on Upper Wacker Drive in front of St. Regis Chicago will be closed and fenced off. A lane of traffic will be open at all times. This work is expected to be completed by the end of February (weather dependent).  

For more information or to speak with the General Contractor for the project, please contact McHugh Construction Company's Senior Project Manager, Joe Kuna at jkuna@mchughconstruction.com. 

Aon Plaza Renovations

Renovations on the Aon Plaza located at 200 East Randolph Street began in December 2020. Throughout the project, the sidewalk on Upper East Randolph Street in front of the plaza, and on Lower East Randolph Street, will be reduced to 6’. 
 
The project is expected to be completed by August 2021 (weather dependent). 

Construction: 61 West Erie Street

In November 2020, LG Construction began construction of a five-story, 28 unit apartment building at 61 West Erie Street. A small crane will be placed in the traffic lane in front of 61 W. Erie Street from Monday, February 22 to Friday, February 27. The crane will be removed while work is not occurring and the traffic lane will reopen.

Throughout the construction process, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

  • 100' of sidewalk and curb lane in front of 61 W. Erie Street
  • The alley adjacent to the west side of 61 W. Erie Street

There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers in place for the duration of the project.

Façade Work: 160 North LaSalle Street

Bowa Construction began work in October 2020 to perform façade and cladding work at 160 North LaSalle Street. During the work, there will be scaffolding on the east, north, and south sides of the building. 

All work is expected to be completed in June 2021.

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown

Until further notice, overnight parking will be restricted on the following streets during the weekend:  

  • Both sides of Oak, between Michigan and Clark 
  • South side of Oak, between LaSalle and Wells 
  • Both sides of Chicago, between Michigan and Wells 
  • Both sides of Ohio, between Michigan and Wells 
  • Both sides of Hubbard, between Michigan and Wells 
  • North side of Illinois, between Dearborn and Clark 
  • Both sides of Illinois, between Wabash and Dearborn 
  • Both sides of Rush, between Grand and Ohio 
  • Both sides of Rush, between Erie and Oak 
  • Both sides of Wabash, between the Chicago River and Grand 
  • Both sides of State, between Kinzie and Oak 
  • Both sides of Erie, from Rush to Wells 
  • Both sides of Huron from Rush to Wabash 
  • Both sides of New Street, from Illinois to North Water
  • Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Monroe to Balbo 
  • North side of Wacker Drive, from Wabash to Michigan
  • North side of Wacker Drive, from Franklin to Columbus 
  • Both sides of Wacker Drive, from State to Wabash 
  • Both sides of Stetson, from Randolph to Wacker 
  • Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Randolph to Wacker 
  • Both sides of Beaubien Court, from Randolph to Lake 
  • Both sides of Randolph, from Harbor to Michigan 
  • Both sides of Ohio, from Michigan to Fairbanks

As always, please make sure to read all posted signage before parking your vehicle downtown. 

One Chicago Square-1 W Chicago Pedestrian and Traffic Impacts

Although fencing is already in place for the sidewalk closure, pedestrians still have access to the sidewalk, but should exercise caution when walking by the construction site. 
 
The Curb Lanes along Chicago, State, Superior, and Dearborn will remain a No Parking/Tow Zone throughout the project, to allow for demolition, and then the protected pedestrian walkway.

The sidewalk along the east side of Dearborn, from Superior to Chicago, has been closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians will be rerouted to the west side of Dearborn. 
 
Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports as additional construction updates and closures will be announced.