June 11, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
42nd Ward Development Updates: 601 W. Monroe, 1045 N. Rush and New State & Lake CTA Station
601 West Monroe Street

On February 19, 2021, Alderman Reilly announced a new development proposal located at 601 West Monroe Street. Based on community feedback, Alderman Reilly directed Pacific Reach Properties to further collaborate with Neighbors of West Loop (NOWL), Francis Xavier Warde (FXW) school and Old St. Patrick’s (OSP) church.  

As a result, the Developer has agreed to provide a 3,000 square foot dog park adjacent to Heritage Green Park (proposed rendering shown below) and revised the site plan to provide a setback of 4’ at the ground floor glazing along Desplaines to increase the width of the sidewalk in those areas from approximately 15’-5” to 19’-5”. 
In addition, the Developer has also agreed to numerous commitments during construction, described here. Click the following links to review the updated 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.  

1045 North Rush Street

On February 5, 2021, Alderman Reilly announced a new development proposal located at 1045 North Rush Street.The details of the development proposal remains unchanged.  

The applicant's request has uncovered an inconsistency in the zoning map for the parcel located at 1045-1047 North Rush Street. Although the majority of the lot is zoned DX-7, the rear 384 sf (circled in the map below), is zoned DR-3, which prohibits the same commercial/business uses that have occupied the premises for decades.  
The Department of Planning and Development requires that in order to apply for a Lakefront Protection Zone Application, the subject parcel must be a single zoning lot, not split-zoned as is the current condition of the property. The developer will be filing a rezoning application for that rear 384sf later this month. Since only property owners within the required public notice area receive information about this upcoming application, click the following links to review the notice letter and application. 

State & Lake CTA Station

Earlier this week, the City unveiled the preliminary design concepts for a rebuilt State/Lake ‘L’ station, the latest marquee project in the modernization of the nation’s second-largest transit agency. 
The new State/Lake CTA station will replace the more than 100-year-old existing structure with a modern, fully accessible rail hub with wider platforms and a host of customer amenities, built to 21st Century design standards. It includes wide balconies open to the public facing north and south that create scenic overlooks of State Street, including an up-close view of the landmark Chicago Theater. The bold architectural design is in keeping with recent signature stations, such as the 95th Street Terminal, the Washington/Wabash station, and the Damen Green Line station, which will begin construction later this year. 

The current State/Lake station was originally built in 1895, as part of the original Loop elevated, and in 2019 was the second-busiest station on the Loop ‘L’, with more than 3.7 million annual entries. The station serves five of the CTA’s eight rail lines. The new design features a blend of old and new, retaining original design elements such as salvaged posts and railings that frame the vending and Customer Assistance kiosks. 
The design and construction process are being led by CDOT on behalf of the CTA. The station design, by TranSystems/ Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), features platforms that are double the current width to better accommodate customers. It also includes a full-coverage glass canopy to protect customers from rain and snow, as well as a walkway connecting the inner and outer platforms. 

The project will also add four elevators located at each corner of State and Lake — there are currently none — to make the
station fully accessible, marking a big step in the CTA’s All Stations Accessibility Plan, a blueprint to make all CTA train stations accessible. The new station will also improve connectivity between the elevated lines of the downtown Loop and the underground Red Line on State Street. 

To date, the project has been awarded $11 million in engineering and design funding and $119 million in construction funding through the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program. The total estimated project cost is approximately $180 million, and the City of Chicago is seeking additional funding from various potential sources. Once the design process is complete and full funding is obtained, it will take about three years to complete construction of the new station.  
CDOT is currently going through the federal NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process which is required in order to be eligible for federal funding. The process includes extensive outreach and consultation with stakeholders, including owners of adjacent properties and Alderman Reilly.  

“I am thrilled the popular State and Lake Elevated Station will be upgraded with bigger, spacious platform and a beautiful glass canopy, all while preserving historic attributes of the original station.
As a key component of the third largest public transportation system in the nation, the State and Lake station is incredibly important to our downtown residents and visitors. I look forward to the completion of this project and improvement of this historic transit station.” - Alderman Brendan Reilly  

For more updates on developments in the 42nd Ward, stay tuned to Reilly Reports. 
Important Announcements and Updates
City of Chicago Enters Phase V of Reopening: What You Need to Know
Today, June 11, the City of Chicago and State of Illinois have entered Phase V of reopening. This means for the first time since March 15, 2020 businesses can operate without capacity limits, mask mandates, social distancing, etc. Please note, many businesses and other settings will choose to keep certain regulations in place for the safety of their customers and employees, e.g. requiring masks, and the City supports any business that makes this choice. 

Alderman Reilly recently joined Steve Bertrand on WGN Radio to discuss Chicago's reopening plans.

The City is currently at a 1.4% positivity, the lowest it has been since the start of the pandemic. COVID-19 cases in Chicago continue to decline, fewer than 100 (79) new cases per day (shown below). 
At least 53.1% of Chicagoans have received the one dose of the vaccine and 45.6% have been fully vaccinated (completed a vaccine series). Zip codes within the 42nd Ward show residents are way above the average vaccination rate in the City (shown below). If you have not been vaccinated yet and would like more information about upcoming events and locations, please click here. 
For businesses, Phase 5 means the lifting of most mandatory COVID-19 regulations, including capacity limits, mask mandates and social distancing. Specific business activities that had been prohibited, such as saunas, self-serve buffets and indoor playgrounds can now fully reopen. Businesses are still generally encouraged to support social distancing to the extent possible for unvaccinated customers, especially in indoor settings. 

Existing hour limitations will remain in place until June 26, when the statewide emergency health order expires. This means that alcohol sales from establishments with a Package Goods License must still end at 11:00 pm until June 26. Additionally, establishments with a Late Hour Liquor License need to have fully vaccinated customers only during late night operations.  

Please note that bars or restaurants with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity License can operate under their normal hours - the vaccine-only requirement is in place only during late-night operations at businesses with a Late Hour License until June 26 (between 2:00 am and 4:00 am on Monday through Saturday mornings and between 3:00 am and 5:00 am on Sunday morning). This will help us keep our momentum going by ensuring that everyone is fully vaccinated in late-night locations where people are closely congregating. 

For additional guidance as it relates to Phase 5, please visit chicago.gov/reopening and see this Phase 5 Guidance Document. BACP will be holding a webinar on Monday, June 14 at 2:00 pm to provide an overview of this guidance. Register and learn more here. 

Masks are still required in certain settings: 

  • Public transportation (including taxis and ride-hail services)  
  • Health care facilities  
  • Congregate settings (correctional, shelters)  
  • Schools (individuals in schools, day care settings, educational institutions will follow guidance issued by ISBE, IDCFS, IDPH)  

Many Chicagoans will also continue to wear masks, even if they are fully vaccinated—businesses and other settings should be supportive of customers and employees that continue wearing a face covering. Non-vaccinated individuals should still wear masks when they are indoors and unable to social distance (e.g. businesses encouraged to post signage). 
Open Chicago Night at the Museums – Tonight Only!
For one night only, select Chicago museums will be open late for visitors under the Mayor’s Open Chicago initiative as the city moves to Phase 5 today, June 11. 
The move to fully reopen the city makes Chicago the largest city in the United States to reopen thanks to Chicago’s diligence in following health and safety guidelines, wearing masks, getting vaccinated, and the dedication of our frontline and essential workers throughout the whole of the pandemic. 

Chicago’s iconic and historical museums will join the celebration of the city’s reopening with extended hours, for tonight only, and will continue normal hours from June 12. 

Museums with extended hours are listed below:  

The Field Museum (1400 S Lake Shore Drive)  
The iconic Field Museum, which features nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Right now, patrons can visit the Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall exhibit which highlights the world-renowned research Dr. Goodall did that gave the world a deeper understanding of chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. They will remain open on Friday, June 11 until 9 PM.  

The John G. Shedd Aquarium (1200 S Lake Shore Drive)  
The Shedd Aquarium, home to over 32,000 animals will be open until 9 PM on Friday to celebrate Open Chicago. Whether you visit the Polar Play Zone, stroll over to the Abbott Oceanarium, or say hello to the giant pacific octopus with an average arm span of 14 feet, there will be plenty to do Friday night.   

DuSable Museum (740 E 56th Place)  
DuSable Museum, the nation’s oldest African American history museum will be open until 10 PM this Friday for their DuSummer outdoor entertainment series. The DuSummer series features Plaza performances from Jazz, House, Rhythm Latin and African, and Stepping Day through June and July. The museum officially opens on June 19th to celebrate Juneteeth Day and the 60th anniversary of the DuSable Museum.  

Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S Lake Shore Drive)  
The Museum of Science and Industry is home to over 2,000 exhibits, displayed in 75 major halls making it one of the largest science museums in the world. MSI will remain open until 10 PM so guests can visit their iconic new exhibit, Marvel: Universe of Heroes, the largest exhibition celebrating the Marvel Universe.  

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (3015 W Division Street)  
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is the only national museum focused on Puerto Rican arts and culture. The museum currently has an exhibit on Samuel Lind’s Portales, which brings together several avenues of exploration within Samuel Lind’s 50-year career, some of which have not been exhibited together before. NMPRAC will be open until 10 PM on Friday.  

Won’t be able to make it to the museums tonight? The museums will resume normal hours on the weekend at full capacity. 
Chicago Park District Phase 5 Mask Policy
Indoor
As the health and well-being of children in their parks is their highest priority and with most of the children in their programs not eligible to receive the vaccine, the Chicago Park District will continue to require that face coverings be worn by everyone who enters their spaces.

Outdoor
The Chicago Park District encourages everyone to follow the recommendations of public health officials from the Chicago Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and continue to wear a face covering in crowded outdoor settings or in instances where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Further updates can be found here.
Spring Boat Run Schedule
The City of Chicago began the first of its annual spring sailboat runs, with the raising of 27 bridges from S. Ashland Ave. to Lake Shore Drive. The annual boat runs allow recreational sailboats to move from boat storage yards to harbors in Lake Michigan. Chicago’s harbors opened officially on May 1. 

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has completed testing each bridge and will lift the movable bridges over the south and main branches of the Chicago River, allowing boats to safely and easily move into summer docking locations up and down the shoreline.  
During boat runs, the bridges are raised sequentially, typically one at a time. Each bridge lift takes an average of eight to 12 minutes. Because of construction work on the Lake Shore Drive Bridge, the lift could take up to 45 minutes.  

The spring 2021 bridge lift schedule is as follows: 
  • Saturday, June 12, 8 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, June 16, 9:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, June 19, 8 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, June 23, 9:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, June 26, 8 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, June 30, 9:30 a.m. 
It typically takes about four hours for the boats to reach the lake and lift the 27 bridges. Please plan accordingly when getting around on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Cook County Assessor’s Office Re-Opens for In-Person Appointments
The Cook County Assessor’s Office announces the resumption of in-person visits by the public to its downtown and branch offices, in accordance with Cook County’s reopening plan on Monday, June 14, 2021. All in-person visits are by appointment only and will require a mask, physical distancing, and a health screening. These requirements apply to the downtown location as well as the Markham and Skokie branch offices.

Please see the various ways to interact with their office below.


Although the office is open to the public, taxpayers are still encouraged to explore the many online services offered. Homeowners can apply for missing exemptions and file assessment appeals entirely online.

For other property tax related topics such as questions about ownership of property, foreclosures, or liens contact the Cook County Clerk’s Office. For information on how to pay your property tax bill, obtain a copy of your tax bill, or duplicate or overpayment contact the Cook County Treasurer’s Office.
Volunteer to be a Mentor Coach with America Needs You (ANY)
Deadline to Apply is June 30!
Join America Needs You (ANY) in bridging the gap between college access and career readiness for low-income, first-generation college students in Chicagoland. Volunteers not only make a meaningful impact in a student’s life, but benefit from robust professional development and networking with hundreds of early-to-mid career professionals.

Share your expertise as a one-time Career Coach at our workshops, or become a Mentor Coach and develop a strong one-on-one mentoring relationship with a student, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. Sign-up here! Please email leah.schneck@americaneedsyou.org with any questions.
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
City of Chicago Vaccination Events
Chicago Fire Ticket Giveaway on Saturday, June 12
Attention soccer fans! On Saturday, June 12 from 2-4pm the City of Chicago is co-hosting a vaccination event with the Chicago Fire team. Complimentary Fire tickets will be given to those who get vaccinated and there will be a meet and greet with player Stanislav Ivanov! 
They will be offering the Pfizer vaccine (for those 12 and older) and the J&J vaccine (for those 18 and older). Those under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian present. For more information, please call (312) 746-4835 or email coronavirus@chicago.gov.
Lollapalooza Pass Giveaway on Saturday, June 26
The City of Chicago is giving away 1,200 single-day Lollapalooza passes which have been donated by the organizers for vaccinated Chicagoans. Passes will be distributed to those who make a special appointment at select City vaccination sites, as well as those who are already vaccinated. The four-day music festival will be held July 29 to August 1 in Grant Park. 

On Saturday, June 26, four City of Chicago vaccination sites will be transformed into a Lollapalooza experience – each featuring DJs spinning music and custom Lollapalooza-branded giveaways. Each site will offer passes to a different day of the music festival (available for pick up on July 10):

  • Wilbur Wright College: Passes for Thursday, July 29
  • Richard J. Daley College: Passes for Friday, July 30
  • Kennedy King College: Passes for Saturday, July 31
  • Malcolm X College: Passes for Sunday, August 1

Appointments are required and are available here. Please note, only CONFIRMED appointments will be accepted on-site – registrants should ensure that their appointment has moved from pending to confirmed. Each site will administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Appointments are only available for Chicagoans age 18 and up.

Individuals who are already fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are also eligible for passes. A link to passes will be released Sunday, June 27 on CDPH’s social media channels and on its website.

All Lollapalooza passes will be available for pickup on Saturday, July 10, at a special Protect Chicago Music Series concert event at the House of Blues, featuring a Lollapalooza artist. Attendees must bring their CDC vaccination card as proof of vaccination and matching photo ID to pick up their passes.
Chicago Public Library Inaugural Juneteenth Reading Circle
Thursday, June 17
Celebrate Juneteenth with Chicago Public Library (CPL) as they host a city-wide Juneteenth Reading Circle. Participants will discuss Chicago author Richard Wright’s novel The Man Who Lived Underground, and the significance of its release in April 2021, nearly 80 years after it was written. The discussion will also focus on themes around the relationship between police and the communities they serve. Wright is known for his writings on race in the mid-20th century, particularly the memoir Black Boy and the novel Native Son.

The Man Who Lived Underground tells the story of Fred Daniels, a Black man who is picked up by the police after a brutal double murder and tortured until he confesses to a crime he did not commit. After signing a confession, he escapes from custody and flees into the city's sewer system.

This Reading Circle conversation will be facilitated by Ms. Sylvia Ewing, Director of Strategic Communication, Marketing and Outreach at Elevate. Ms. Ewing will be accompanied by a host of prominent scholars from various Chicago Institutions, with a special guest appearance from John Kulka, the Editorial Director of this novel, from the nonprofit publisher, Library of America.

The book talk panelists are Dr. Adam Green, Professor of History, University of Chicago; Ms. Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director, American Library Association; Dr. Garrard McClendon, Associate Professor, Chicago State University; Dr. Mary Pattillo, Harold Washington Professor of Sociology and African American Studies; Northwestern University; and Mr. Juan Perea, Professor, Loyola School of Law.

The Juneteenth Reading Circle is a spinoff from a monthly program at the Woodson Regional Library on the South Side. The Carter G. Woodson Reading Circle on Social Justice debuted in September of 2020 in order to create a forum for education and growth around social justice matters primarily pertaining to race and disparities, held monthly, on every 3rd Tuesday. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the June 19, 1865 ending of slavery in the United States.

This event will take place on CPL's YouTube channel and Facebook page. Can't make it to the live stream? CPL will archive the video on YouTube and Facebook to watch later as well. 
2021 Chicago City Markets

Chicago City Markets sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products and rare finds – at Chicago’s longest running farmers market on Daley Plaza, the historic Maxwell Street Market and a dozen more community markets in neighborhoods across Chicago.

These markets are typically open from May to October. Below is more information about participating markets in or near the 42nd Ward:
Tuesdays
SOAR Farmers Market at MCA Plaza
220 E. Chicago Ave.
June 1 - October, 7am - 2pm

Wednesdays
1817 N. Clark St.
May 5–October 27, 7am–1pm

Thursdays
Daley Plaza City Market
50 W. Washington St.
May 27–September 30, 7am–2pm

1936 S. Michigan Ave.
June 17–September 30, 4–8 pm
Saturdays
1817 N. Clark St.
May 1–October 30, 7am–1pm

Division Street City Market
100 W. Division St.
May 15–October 30, 7am–12pm

115 S. Sangamon St.
June 5–October 30, 8am–1pm
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.

The 1st District will be hosting the following Zoom meetings this month, please email CAPS.001District@chicagopolice.org to register.

  • Beat 122 - June 14 at 6:00pm

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
Filming in the Ward This Week

Power Force: River Drive, between McClurg Court and New Street
On Monday, June 14, from 6am-5pm, Power Force Productions will be filming on River Drive, between McClurg Court and New Street. There will not be special effects used during this filming.

During the filming, the following streets will be closed:

  • River Drive, from McClurg to New Street
  • New, between North Water and River
  • McClurg, from North Water to River

Parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • Both sides of East River Dr (from New to McClurg)
  • Both sides of New St (from Illinois to East River)
  • Both sides of N McClurg Ct (from Illinois to East River)
  • Both sides of Lower North Water (McClurg to New)
  • South side of Illinois (Columbus to Park)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Will Higgens (Location Manager) at 773-277-8806 or Jon Klemke (On-site Manager) at 773-277-8728.
 
4400: 200-300 Block of East Randolph Street
CBS Studios will be filming inside 201 E. Randolph on Monday, June 14 to Thursday, June 17. All filming is occurring inside. 

In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be prohibited on the southside of East Randolph, from 201 East Randolph Street to 340 East Randolph Street (Sunday, June 13th at 8pm thru Friday, June 18th at 8am).

Ripple Effects: Loop
Ripple Effects will be filming a driving scene in the Loop on Sunday, June 13 from 8am-11pm. They are using a process trailer with squad car lead and making a loop from Lake, to Wabash, to Van Buren, to Wells, and back to Lake - all under the train tracks. There will be intermittent traffic closures at intersections as needed. 

In order to park essential vehicle, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • East side of LaSalle, from Randolph to Washington 
  • South side of Randolph, from Clark to LaSalle

If you have any questions, please contact Stefan Nikolov (Location Manager) at 773-616-0007 or Stuart Berberich (On-site Manager) at 312-86-1983.
 
On Saturday, June 20, from 5am-4pm, Ripple Effects will be filming a scene at North Wells and West Lake. During the filming, the following will be closed to vehicular traffic:
 
  • West Lake, from Post Place to LaSalle Street
  • North Wells, from West Wacker to West Randolph
 
On Saturday, June 27, from 6am-5pm, Ripple Effects will be filming scenes in the Loop. During the filming, the following will be closed intermittently:

  • Southbound Michigan Avenue, from Illinois to Wacker Drive (6am-9am)
  • Wabash, from Wacker Drive to 401 N Wabash (9am-5pm)

LGTV Productions: 632 North Dearborn Street
On Tuesday, June 15 to Thursday, June 17, LGTV productions will be filming inside 632 N. Dearborn Street. During the filming, parking will be restricted at the following locations:

  • Both sides of Lower St Clair, from Lower N Water to Lower Illinois (Tuesday, June 15 from 2:00am until Wednesday, June 16 at 11:59pm)
  • North side of Lower North Water, from New to Lower St Clair (Tuesday, June 15 from 2:00am until Wednesday, June 16 at 11:59pm)
  • South side of Lower Illinois, from Columbus to Lower St Clair (Tuesday, June 15 from 2:00am until Wednesday, June 16 at 11:59pm)
  • South side of Ohio, from Wells to LaSalle (Tuesday, June 15 at 2:00am until Thursday, June 17 at 11:00pm)
  • East side of Dearborn, from Ontario to Erie (Tuesday, June 15 from 2:00am until Wednesday, June 16 at 11:59pm)
  • Both sides of Dearborn, from Erie to Huron (Tuesday, June 15 from 2:00am until Wednesday, June 16 at 11:59pm)
  • Both sides of Erie, from Clark to State (Tuesday, June 15 from 2:00am until Wednesday, June 16 at 11:59pm)
  • West side of Dearborn, from Ontario to Erie (Monday, June 14 from 6:00am until Thursday, June 17 at 4:00pm)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Will Higgens (Location Manager) at 773-277-8806 or Jon Klemke (On-site Manager) at 773-277-8728.

Crane Lift: 87 E Harrison Street

On Thursday, June 17 from 9am-5pm, there will be a crane lift at 87 East Harrison Street. During the lift, East Harrison Street, from South Michigan Avenue to a point 200’ west thereof will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 

There will be barricades, detour signs, and flaggers in-place throughout the lift.

Crane Lift: Galter Pavilion

Northwestern Hospital will conduct crane lifts at Galter Pavilion during the following dates:

  • Thursday, June 17 to Sunday, June 20

During this time, the following will be closed:

  • curb lane and sidewalk on the south side of Huron, from St. Clair to the first driveway west thereof (approximately 200') 

They will have barricades and flaggers in-place throughout the lifts. 

IJKL Construction Update

At the beginning of May, Lendlease Construction began Phase 1 of building Cascade’s turn-around behind the barricades and fencing at 455 East Waterside Drive. Barricades and fencing will remain in-place throughout this phase of the project. There will be no impact to traffic lanes on East Waterside Drive.  
 
Demolition: 113 East Oak Street
 
At the end of May, Atlas will begin demolition of 113 East Oak Street. During the first week of the project, work hours will be 8am to 8pm. Work hours for the remainder of the demolition will be 8am to 5pm. Throughout the project, the following will be closed:
 
  • 50’ of the sidewalk in front of 113 East Oak Street (the sidewalk will reopen each night after work is completed)
  • 100’ of the curb lane in front of 113 East Oak Street (the sidewalk will reopen each night after work is completed
 
The demolition is expected to be completed by mid-July (weather dependent). 

MCI Infrastructure Relocation in Streeterville

In early April MCI began relocating conduits on the west side of St. Clair Street, between East Superior and East Huron. Work hours will be 8am-5pm.

The project includes infrastructure trenching in the street. Throughout the project, St. Clair Street, from East Superior to East Huron will be reduced to one lane of traffic. MCI will have traffic control on St. Clair Street at East Huron and East Superior.  

This project is expected to be completed at the end of June 2021 (weather dependent). 

Vaulted Sidewalk Fill-in: 600 W. Jackson
Starting at the beginning of July, the vaulted sidewalks adjacent to 600 W. Jackson will be filled and the sidewalks repaired. During the work, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk/curb lane on the west side of Jefferson, from Jackson to Adams
  • Sidewalk/curb lane on the north side of Jackson, from Jefferson to the first alley west thereof

There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers on-side throughout the project. All work is expected to be finished by the end of July. 

Vaulted Sidewalk Fill-in: 8 East Randolph

In early May, the vaulted sidewalk adjacent to 8 East Randolph Street began to be filled and the sidewalk repaired. During the work, the sidewalk on the east side of State Street, between Randolph Street and Benton Place will be closed to pedestrian traffic.  

The contractor will construct a protected pathway for pedestrians, using jersey barricades, in the curb lane on the east side of State Street, between Randolph Street and Benton Place. All work is expected to be completed by mid-September. 

Lower Harbor Service Drive Restoration

In early April, Lendlease began resurfacing Lower Harbor Service Drive, between Harbor Drive and Lake Shore Drive. At the beginning of the project, the covered pedestrian walkway will be dismantled. 

During the project, access to 195 N Harbor’s parking garage will be maintained. Lendlease will have traffic control on-site throughout the project. Work is expedited to be completed by mid-July (weather dependent).

RCN Infrastructure Relocation

In early March, RCN began to relocate conduits on St. Clair Street, from Erie Street to Illinois Street. Work hours will be 8am-5pm.

The project includes infrastructure trenching in the street and on the sidewalk. There will be intermittent lane and sidewalk closures throughout the project. RCN will have barricades, traffic control, and detour signs in place during the project. Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the project. 

This project is expected to be completed at the end of June 2021 (weather dependent). 

South Water Street Viaduct Replacement

In March 2021, the Chicago Department of Transportation began demolition of the South Water Street Viaduct, between Lower Beaubien Court and Stetson Street. Work hours are 8am-8pm, daily. 

As of May 10, vehicular and pedestrian access will be prohibited on the Upper and Lower levels of South Water Street, between Lower Beaubien Court and North Stetson Street. There will be barricades and detour signs in-place throughout the duration of the project. 

This project is expected to be completed in July 2022 (weather dependent). 

354 North Union Construction

At the beginning of April, the Onni Group began construction of a 33 story residential building with 373 units. Work hours will be 8am-8pm, daily. 

Parking will be prohibited on North Union, from West Kinzie to the cul-de-sac west thereof throughout the project. All construction equipment and vehicles will be staged on the Onni Group’s property. This project will take approximately two years to complete. 

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. 

On Monday, April 19, canopies will be installed at the following locations:
  • South side of Randolph, from Michigan to a point 50' west thereof
  • West side of Michigan, from Randolph to a point 75' south thereof

The project is expected to be completed February 2022. 

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).

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, March 15 to Tuesday, March 16. 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.