August 20, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
Alderman Reilly In the News: WGN Interview Regarding Crime and Policing Policies

On Wednesday, August 18, Alderman Reilly joined Anna Davlantes on WGN Radio to discuss the increase in crime throughout the City and Chicago Police Department (CPD) policing policies. Please click here to listen to the interview.

Alderman Reilly is disappointed with the direction of current policing strategies, such as eliminating foot pursuits. The Alderman is urging CPD to conduct a top-down reevaluation of public safety policies.

The Alderman’s biggest concern is the loss of more than 1,100 police officers over the past several years due to attrition. Additionally, CPD leadership has reassigned 900 officers from individual districts to serve on specialized task forces. Utilizing officers unfamiliar with downtown and other neighborhoods, leads to inadequate police coverage and prevents officers from getting to know the community.

These specialized task forces are not under the control of local Commanders who know the area. Alderman Reilly believes the city would be better served by reassigning officers to their home districts where they would report to their respective Commanders. 

Furthermore, Alderman Reilly would like CPD to enforce curfew laws. The retail districts downtown has seen an influx of criminal incidents due to teenagers coming downtown to disturb the peace and commit crime.

During CPD’s Budget Hearing this fall, the Alderman will be pressing Superintendent David Brown for answers regarding the use of ineffective policing strategies and urging him to eliminate those policies. Alderman Reilly believes Chicagoans deserve to feel safe when walking down the street, regardless of the neighborhood.

Alderman Reilly recognizes it is not enough to reevaluate policing strategies, and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Office has a responsibility to prosecute violent crime and seek to remand suspects when accused of capital crimes. Unfortunately, State’s Attorney Foxx’s Office has allowed violent offenders to be released back onto the streets, which poses a danger to others.

Although the Alderman doesn’t have the authority to direct CPD or the State’s Attorney’s Office, he directs the use of his Aldermanic Menu fund and has legislative authority. The Alderman uses the Aldermanic Menu to fund the installation of Police Observation Cameras and License Plate Readers, which enhance public safety. Additionally, Alderman Reilly uses his legislative authority to provide CPD with more tools to address crime and safety issues.

The Alderman is committed to leveraging all available City resources to enhance public safety. Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates. 
Alderman Reilly Dedicates Honorary Street Sign for Jack “Rosey” Rosenberg

Legendary WGN sports producer Jack “Rosey” Rosenberg was recognized by his WGN family, the City of Chicago City Council, and Alderman Reilly with an honorary street designation. The honorary street sign unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 18.

Alderman Reilly secured City Council approval to designate the southeast corner of East Illinois Street and North Cityfront Plaza Drive as “Jack Rosenberg Way,” which is a fitting location because Jack Rosenberg’s longtime friend and colleague, Jack Brickhouse, has an honorary street designation just feet away from this location. 

It was Alderman Reilly’s pleasure to read a City Council Resolution honoring Jack Rosenberg in front of his family, friends, and co-workers at the unveiling ceremony.

Jack Rosenberg touched the hearts of many Chicagoans, and his life was celebrated through heartfelt speeches at the unveiling ceremony.
Left to Right: Dave Eanet, Beth Zweig (Rosey’s daughter), Bob Sirott, Steven Stone, David Rosenberg (Rosey’s Son), and Alderman Reilly
Alderman Reilly to Host Blood Drive
September 11
Alderman Reilly is hosting a Blood Drive on Saturday, September 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at 455 North McClurg Court.

The Alderman’s goal is to collect 30 pints of blood at the event. All of the donations will go to local hospitals to help Chicagoans in need.

Although we welcome walk-ins, we encourage you to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-7TO-GIVE or click here to be directed to Versiti’s website.

We look forward to seeing you at the Blood Drive!
Indoor Mask Mandate in Effect
Effective today, Friday August 20, 2021, masks are required in all indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.
 
Following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and based on Chicago’s current local COVID-19 data, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requiring that everyone age two or older, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in public indoor settings. Masking remains optional in outdoor settings, where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower, though masks are recommended for unvaccinated individuals in crowded outdoor settings.

While masking is now required in indoor settings, masks can be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating/drinking while stationary; personal services that require the removal of face coverings (e.g., facial, shave); and office working spaces in which individual workstations are spaced at least six feet apart. Masks also remain mandatory on public transportation, in healthcare settings, schools, and correctional and congregate settings.

The new public health order does not include capacity limits at public places. No changes are being made to the requirements for social distancing. Businesses are still generally encouraged to support social distancing to the extent possible for customers, especially in indoor settings.


The best protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant continues to be vaccination, including getting both doses if you get a two-dose vaccine. CDPH strongly urges anyone age 12 and older who isn’t yet vaccinated to get vaccinated right away. Chicago residents should call 312-746-4835 or visit chi.gov/covidvax for help getting a vaccine.
OEMC Public Safety Tips
With several large-scale events planned for this weekend, the City of Chicago Public Safety Departments remind residents to report suspicious activity to event security or call 9-1-1 
 
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) reminds the public of large crowds and security measures in place for the City of Chicago Presents the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flying over the lakefront as well as the many festivals and events happening in the city this weekend: Ruido Fest, The Summer Smash Festival, Chicago Bears Preseason game and more.  

OEMC stresses the importance of being aware of surroundings at all times and report suspicious activity to on-site event security or call 9-1-1.   
 
Motorists in the areas where events are happening should be prepared for heavy traffic and possible reroutes. Street closures will be in effect for larger events to ensure public safety. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at events citywide to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit www.transitchicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA. 
U.S. Navy Blue Angels in Chicago August 21-22
There will be new and reimagined air show events in August in place of this year's Chicago Air and Water Show. City of Chicago presents the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be a special solo demonstration by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels along the lakefront on August 21 & 22 from 12–1pm. The best viewing locations along the lakefront are between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue.  

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.
DuSable Memorial Commemoration 2021
The DuSable Park Coalition with Friends of the Parks invite you to participate in their yearly FREE programming to commemorate the legacy Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the first settler of Chicago.
 
Date: Saturday, August 21, 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m. CST
Place: 401 N Michigan Ave

(meet at the Bust of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable)
 
Join them for this fun and inspiring afternoon of activities, while learning more about Chicago's birth at the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
 
Click here to register for this event.

Hire Chicago

BACP is excited to share information about Hire Chicago, a one-of-a-kind hybrid hiring event! Presented by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, World Business Chicago and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Hire Chicago will provide employers the opportunity to find the diverse talent pipeline they need to remain competitive and real opportunities for Chicagoans to pursue their passions through free virtual career exploration, learning, and hiring events.

If you are currently seeking to fill positions at your company, Hire Chicago can connect you to the talent you need. Each week, through the week of Monday, August 30, will focus on one of Chicago’s high-demand, high-growth industries:

  • Week of August 23: Healthcare
  • Week of August 30: Technology

There is no charge to participate, and job seekers can interview with as many employers as they desire. If you are interested in participating in Hire Chicago, please visit HireChicago2021.org to register!
Important Announcements and Updates
Chicago In Tune Festival
August 19 - September 19
It’s finally here! Chicago In Tune (August 19 – September 19) is a new citywide festival celebrating music in the key of Chicago — during the 2021 Year of Chicago Music. This month of music will bring iconic neighborhood venues, presenting organizations and musicians from across the city together to celebrate all music genres and forms — with both large and small, free and ticketed events at clubs, concert halls and beyond.

You’ll find the most comprehensive listing of shows at Do312.com/ChicagoInTune — and event highlights in a festival guide inserted in the August 19 edition of the Chicago Reader.
Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
Movies in the Parks Summer Schedule
(image courtesy of the Chicago Park District)  

The big screen in your backyard, Movies in the Parks returns this summer, bringing Hollywood movies and local films to local parks for the twentieth season. Join us in-person at the parks for classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood and retro childhood favorites, to the best family-friendly box office favorites from recent years. 

The Chicago Park District strives to bring the best possible entertainment and events to your parks, while adhering to and modeling all current, relevant COVID safety and mitigation strategies as recommended or required by local, state and federal guidelines. Below is a schedule of movies that will be shown in or near parks in the 42nd Ward throughout the summer.  

Millennium Park  
201 E. Randolph Street (Jay Pritzker Pavilion)  

  • Tuesday, August 24 at 6:00pm – The Wiz  
  • Tuesday, August 31 at 6:00pm – The Dark Knight  

Navy Pier  
600 E. Grand Avenue (Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park)  

  • Monday, August 23 at 6:30pm – Invictus  
  • Thursday, August 26 at 6:30pm – When Harry Met Sally  
  • Monday, August 30 at 6:30pm – Rocky IV  

Lake Shore Park  
808 N. Lake Shore Drive 

  • Wednesday, September 1 at 8:00pm – The Lion King 

Bartelme (Mary) Park  
115 S. Sangamon Street  

  • Saturday, August 28 at 8:00pm – Clueless  

All movies begin at dusk. If you're unsure when dusk is, visit any weather site to see the time of dusk each day. Call (312) 742-1134 for daily listings and weather-related cancellations. For more information and updates, please visit https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/movies
Grant Park Music Festival
July 2 - August 21
The Grant Park Music Festival is thrilled to present another season of world-class music-making—free of charge—on Chicago's lakefront. In accordance with Phase 5 regulations to safely and fully reopen the city, all Grant Park Music Festival concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion will be restored to full seating capacity this summer. As such, no reservations are required, and seating on the Great Lawn and in the Seating Bowl is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
(photo courtesy of DCASE) 

The 2021 lineup includes Festival favorites, like the Grieg Piano Concerto, the New World Symphony, the William Tell Overture, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun plus plenty of family fun with Carnival of the Animals, Classic Broadway and the annual Independence Day Salute

Outside food or drink, including beer and wine, is welcome at the Pritzker Pavilion for all Festival concerts (excluding the Independence Day Salute, where it is available for purchase at Millennium Park concession tents). 

Seating in the bowl is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and drinks are welcome in the Seating Bowl. Coolers and picnic baskets should be stored under your seat during the concert and cannot block the aisles. 

A full calendar of events can be found here and for more information about the Grant Park Music Festival, please visit their website
Millennium Park Summer Workouts
July 3 - August 28
Millennium Park Summer Workouts will return in-person on the Great Lawn featuring Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, and Zumba. Detailed schedule for Saturday mornings will be as follows:

  • Tai Chi 8:30-9:15am
  • Yoga 9:30-10:15am
  • Pilates 10:30-11:15am
  • Zumba 11:30-12:15pm

These workouts will be hosted every Saturday through August 28. Please click here to view the full schedule.
Free Museum Days this Summer
The 42nd Ward is home to (and near) several world-class museums! Check out the following museums free admission days below.

The Field Museum
Active military personnel and Illinois teachers receive complimentary admission.
  • August 23

Museum of Contemporary Art
  • While suggested fees are posted, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy—no visitors are turned away.

Museum of Science and Industry
  • September 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30

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
220 E. Chicago Ave.
June 1 - October 26, 7am - 2pm

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

Thursdays
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

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 - please contact the District in advance to register for the virtual meeting.

  • No 42nd Ward CAPS 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, CAPS.001District@chicagopolice.org
12th District: 312-746-8396, CAPS.012District@chicagopolice.org
18th District: 312-742-5870, CAPS.018District@chicagopolice.org

To find your district and beat, please click here.
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices

One Chicago Square: Tower Crane Dismantling

On Monday, August 30, Power Construction will begin dismantling the tower crane at One Chicago Square. During the crane removal, State Street, from Superior Street to Chicago Avenue will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The project is expected to take 10 days to complete (weather dependent).

Gold Coast Art Fair

The Gold Coast Art Fair will be held in Butler Field on Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22 from 10am-5pm.

During the event, there will be restricted parking at the following locations:

  • Jackson, from Columbus to LSD
  • Monroe, from Columbus to LSD
  • Columbus, from Jakson to Monroe

St. Clair Water Main Project

By late-August 2021, the Department of Water Management (DWM) and Reliable Contracting & Equipment Company crews will begin to install 1,552 feet of 8-inch new water main in N. St. Clair Street, from E. Superior Street to E. Illinois Street. The old water main dates back to 1880 and needs to be replaced to create a more reliable and efficient system.

Automatic Email Updates

To receive automatic email updates about the progress of the project, please go to BuildingANewChicago.org to register. Simply enter your name, email address. You will be notified as the project enters each new construction phase – from our mobilization of equipment onto the site, to the installation of new pipes, to the final restoration of the street.

What You Need to Know During Construction

  • Traffic: If DWM needs to close or limit traffic during construction for safety reasons, you will always be able to reach your home or business. Outside of working hours, a travel lane will be left open for local traffic only.

  • Parking: DWM will post “No Parking” signs as needed during work hours (generally 7am-4pm). Parking outside of those hours will be allowed, but cars will need to be moved by the start of the next workday. They will try to preserve as much parking space as possible.

  • Service transfers: DWM will give you 24-hour notice when they will have to temporarily interrupt water service to transfer water to the new main and you will need to start flushing your water system. However, in the event of an emergency shutdown during construction, they may not be able to give you prior warning.

Should you have any questions or concerns please call:
  • 24-Hour City Service and Information Line: 311
  • DWM Office of Public Affairs: 312-744-6635

Chicago Triathlon

On Sunday, August 29, Lifetime Fitness will hold the Chicago Triathlon. During the event, the following will be closed to vehicular access:

  • Lower Wacker, from Jackson to LSD  (5:00a.m. to 11:40a.m.)
  • West Wacker, from Franklin to Lake Shore Drive (6:30a.m. to 11:30a.m.)
  • Columbus, from Balbo to Roosevelt (8/27 at 1pm to 8/29 at 7pm)
  • NB Randolph exit ramp off LSD to Dusable Harbor Parking Lot (8/28 at 11am to 8/29 at 1pm)
  • Southbound lanes Lake Shore Drive, from Randolph to Hollywood (8/29 at 5am to 2pm)

There will be amplified sound from 8am to 2pm. A certified sound technician will be in-place for the duration of live sound, monitoring decibel levels, and adjusting as necessary. The speakers will be on Columbus, between Balbo and Roosevelt facing east, away from residential buildings. 


Lower Lake Shore Drive Concrete Work
On Monday, August 23, from 9:30am to 5:00pm, all northbound traffic lanes on Lower Lake Shore Drive will be closed for concrete work. At 5:00pm on August 23, one northbound lane on Lower Lake Shore Drive will be opened to traffic and the other two lanes will remain closed for three weeks.

Boom Lift

On Wednesday, August 25, from 8pm to 10pm, there will be a boom lift at 160 North LaSalle Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • 100' of sidewalk in front of 160 N LaSalle Street
  • 100' of curb/traffic in front of 160 N. LaSalle Street

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


Jane Byrne Interchange Overnight Work

Overhead sign structure work on SB 90/94 near Madison is scheduled for Saturday night. This is expected to produce moderate noise. All activities are weather dependent and are subject to change.

Crane Lift: 1 East Superior Street

On Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22 from 8am-6pm, there will be a crane lift at 1 East Superior Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk on the east side of State, from Superior to a point 100' south thereof
  • Curb/northbound traffic lane on State, from Superior to a point 100' south thereof
  • Median on State, from Superior to a point 100' south thereof
  • Curb lane on the west side of State, from Superior to a point 100' south thereof

Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Northbound traffic will be pushed to the southbound lane, and southbound traffic will be pushed to the curb lane on the west side of State Street. 

The will have flaggers and barricades in-place throughout the lift.

Fifth Third Bike the Drive 2021

On Sunday, September 5, from 5am to 1pm, the Fifth Third Bike the Drive 2021 will be held on Lake Shore Drive. 

During the event, Lake Shore Drive, from  Bryn Mawr to 57th Street will be closed. Bikers will occupy all of the NB/SB lanes with vehicle access retained at I-55. The start and finish is at Jackson and Lake Shore Drive. Lake Shore Drive will reopen at 11am. 

Peoples Gas Modernization Project: Gold Coast

Peoples Gas will began Phase 1 of their Gas Main Modernization Project in the Gold Coast. Work hours are 8am-5pm, Monday - Friday. Phase 1 of their project has the following parts:

  1. Install new main on Lake Shore Drive, from Michigan to a point 1,200' east thereof. This portion of Phase 1 would start in August and last 25 days. 
  2. Install 200' of new main in the intersection of Oak & Michigan. This includes crossing the eastern pedestrian tunnel. This portion of Phase 1 should start in mid-September and last 10 days.
  3. Install 450' of new main on the west side of Lake Shore Drive, from Oak to Cedar. This includes crossing the northern pedestrian tunnel. Work should begin in early October and last 17 days. 

Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates regarding this project.

LG Construction: 751 N. Hudson and 451 W Chicago 

In mid-August, LG Construction will break ground at 751 N. Hudson Avenue and 451 W. Chicago Avenue, which are adjacent parcels. Work hours will be 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
 
Throughout the project, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk/curb lane/traffic lane of the east side of Hudson, from Chicago to the first alley south thereof
  • Sidewalk/curb lane/traffic lane on the west side of Sedgwick, from Chicago to the first alley south thereof
  • Sidewalk/curb lane on the south side of Chicago, from Hudson to Sedgwick

There will be a protected pedestrian walkway in the curb lane on the south side of Chicago Avenue, from Hudson Avenue to Sedgwick Street.

This project is expected to take 18 months to complete (weather dependent). 

Filming in the Ward This Week

Chicago PD

Chicago PD will be filming a bank robbery and police chase scene with simulated gunfire at 328 South Jefferson on Monday, August 23 and Tuesday, August 24. During both days, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, there will be a full street closure on Van Buren, from Desplaines to Clinton and on Jefferson from Tilden to Jackson. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • Both sides of Jefferson from Tilden to Jackson
  • Both sides of Van Buren from Clinton to Des Plaines
  • Both sides of Des Plaines from Tilden to Adams

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Patrick Muldoon (Location Manager) at 773-277-8044 or Curtis Lehmkuhl (On-site Coordinator) at 312-725-9754.

Surina & Mel

Surina & Mel will be filming at 100 W. Kinzie on Sunday, August 22. This is a comedy show filming exteriors on Kinzie Street. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • Both side of Columbus, from Jackson to Congress (base camp)
  • Both sides of Kinzie, from LaSalle to Dearborn (August 22 from 8am to 9pm)
  • Both sides of Wells, from Kinzie to Illinois  (August 22 from 8am to 9pm)

If you have any question or concerns, please contact Christopher Scott (Location Manager) at 773.983.0190.

Chicago Med

On Tuesday, August 24, Chicago Med will be filming an intimate conversation on the BP Bridge in Millennium Park. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be restricted at the following locations:

  • South side of East Randolph, from North Stetson to North Field (Monday, August 23 at 3:00pm to Tuesday, August 24 at 3:00om)
  • South side of Lower Lower East Randolph, from Lower Loser North Stetson to Lower Lower North Columbus (Monday, August 23 at 3:00pm to Tuesday, August 24 at 3:00om)
  • East side of North Columbus, from North Randolph to 200 North Columbus (Monday, August 23 at 3:00pm to Tuesday, August 24 at 3:00om)

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Edward Eberwine III (Location Manager) at 312-841-7695 or Bobby Demakis (On-site Coordinator) at 224-588–2037.


Delahoyde Projects

On Tuesday, August 24, Delahoyde Projects will be filming exterior shots at 200 South Columbus Drive. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be prohibited at the following location:

  • 136-190 S Columbus Dr, west side of the street only (from 8am - 6pm)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Katie Johnston-Smith (Producer) at (412) 480-6575.
 
42nd Ward Resurfacing Repairs
 
The Chicago Department of Transportation will be resurfacing the following streets in July and August (weather dependent):
 
  • Westshore Drive, from South Water Street to Benton Place (7/26- 8/23)
  • Benton Place, from Field Boulevard to Westshore Drive (7/26 - 8/23)
  • Randolph Street, from Field Boulevard to Harbor Drive (7/26 - 8/23)
  • Rush Street, from Chestnut Street to Pearson Street (7/29 - 8/27)
  • Ontario Street, from Wabash Avenue to Michigan Avenue (7/29 - 8/27)
  • Rush Street, from Hubbard Street to Kinzie Street (7/29 - 8/27)
 
Wacker Drive Repainting Project
 
In late-July, the Chicago Department of Transportation began repainting Lower/Middle Wacker Drive, from North Field Boulevard to Lake Shore Drive. Work hours will be 8am-8pm, 6-days a week. 
 
CDOT will be sandblasting/repainting 80' sections of Wacker Drive at a time. The sandblasting/repainting area will be contained and exhaust fans will be in-place to remove dust and fumes.
 
Traffic will be maintained in both directions at all times, and access to parking garages will not be blocked. 
 
This project is expected to be completed mid-December 2021. 

ComEd Vault Roof Replacement

ComEd is replacing a sidewalk vault roof at 344 West Erie Street. Work hours will be 8am-3pm, 5-days a week. 
 
Throughout the work, the sidewalk and curb lane on the north side of West Erie, from North Orleans to the first alley west thereof will be closed. 
 
There will be barricades, detour signs, and flaggers on-site throughout the project. All work is expected to be completed by mid-August (weather dependent).  

Vaulted Sidewalk Fill-in: 600 W. Jackson

Starting at the beginning of August, 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 August. 

Vaulted Sidewalk Repair: 20 N. Wacker Drive
 
The vaulted sidewalk at 20 North Wacker Drive is being repaired. Throughout the work, the sidewalk on the west side of Wacker, from Washington to a point 100' south thereof will be closed. Construction fencing will be used to enclose the sidewalk and detour signs will be in-place.
 
Pedestrians will be directed to the east side of North Wacker at West Washington and West Madison. 
 
The project is expected to be completed in late September 2021.

354 North Union Construction

The Onni Group is constructing 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. 

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. 

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 in mid-August 2021 (weather dependent). 

430 N. Michigan Lobby Renovation
 
Starting in mid-September, GNP Realty Partners will be renovating the lobby at 430 N. Michigan Avenue. Throughout the project, there will be a 40’ urban canopy on the sidewalk in front of the building. In order to place the canopy on the sidewalk, the planter bed and City Information Panel (CIP) at this location will be temporarily removed. Both the planter bed and CIP will be reinstalled upon completion of the project. 
 
The project is expected to be completed in mid-December. 

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). 

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 August 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 Dearborn
  • 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
  • Both sides of Erie, from Kingsbury to Larrabee
  • West side of Larrabee, from Erie to Huron


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.