March 26, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
Alderman Reilly Introduces Important New Legislation at This Week’s City Council Meeting
Dear Neighbors,  

At Wednesday’s City Council meeting, I introduced O2021-1120, an ordinance which would rezone the James R. Thompson Center from PD270 to DC-16. For some unknown reason, my predecessor downzoned the property in 1981 while the JRTC was still being built, cutting development rights on the property in half. In fact, the current building is currently non-compliant with its zoning. 

This change will return the property to its previous designation – its original underlying zoning classification of DC-16 - and would duplicate downtown zoning standards as neighboring properties. 

I introduced this ordinance in response to a request from Governor JB Pritzker as the State of Illinois seeks to market the property for future sale.  

It’s one of the premier blocks in the entire city of Chicago and the potential for a 2 million-square-foot tower on this site would have a dramatic impact on Chicago’s skyline. It could potentially add a lot more energy and activity to the Loop, at a site that has been underutilized for government functions. 

This site has sat fallow for far too long. It’s costing Illinois taxpayers a lot of money in unnecessary maintenance costs, and it’s depriving Chicago taxpayers of tens of millions of dollars in property tax revenue each year. 

Development of a new skyscraper on the Thompson Center site would bring the site back onto the tax rolls, since the state doesn’t pay property taxes, and could generate $20 million to $25 million in new property tax revenue annually. 

Any future redevelopment proposal for this site will be subject to a robust and transparent community review process prior to consideration by the full City Council. 

The ordinance was introduced at today’s City Council meeting, and was referred to the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards for consideration. The ordinance could be heard by the full City Council as early as its April meeting. 

I also introduced another ordinance regarding the removal of statues and monuments from public places in the City of Chicago. This ordinance simply codifies what most of my colleagues would expect: any decisions by the City of Chicago to remove statues or monuments from public spaces should be done so in consultation with, and approval by, the legislative branch of our city government: the City Council. 

As it stands today, the Commissioner of DCASE has unilateral authority to approve, relocate or remove statues and monuments. I support the current Commissioner and his department’s good work, but do not think any appointed official should have such broad authority on a matter that could have a profound impact on communities across Chicago. 

I applaud the Mayor for appointing the City of Chicago’s “Monument Project Advisory Committee” and look forward to receiving their recommendations in the coming months. 

The Better Government Association has raised concerns related to the transparency of the decision making process. This ordinance should allay those concerns. 

Requiring City Council approval for the removal of statues or monuments in Chicago will require regular Council proceedings (i.e. committee hearings, public comment, etc.) and will thus address BGA’s concerns by providing ample opportunity for public comment and transparency on this matter. 

I recently joined Steve Bertrand and Bob Sirott on WGN Radio to discuss these ordinances and other City Council news. 

I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues to address issues related to statues & monuments in a collaborative and cooperative partnership. 

Sincerely,  

 
Brendan Reilly  
President Pro Tempore  
Alderman, 42nd Ward
Important Announcements and Updates
Upcoming Virtual Community Meeting: RIU Plaza Hotel, 150 East Ontario Street
Thursday, April 8 at 6:30pm
The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) and RIU Chicago, LLC (the Developer) are hosting a Virtual Community Meeting for a proposal at 150 East Ontario Street.  

The proposed project is for the development of a 29-story hotel building 345’ in height containing 388 hotel rooms. The building is designed by Lucien LaGrange Studio and will be known as the RIU Plaza Hotel.  

The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 8 at 6:30pm. The developer will present its plans and answer any questions you may have about the project. Zoom information can be found below:  

Meeting ID: 955 7896 9990 
Passcode: 663612 
CDPH COVID-19 Update: Phase 1c Starts Next Monday, Changes to the Travel Order, and Updated Regulations
Individuals in phase 1c in Chicago’s vaccination plan will be eligible to receive the vaccine starting Monday, March 29. A detailed list of individuals that are eligible can be found here but a brief overview is below:  

Chicagoans age 16-64 with underlying medical conditions  
The following conditions are known to increase or may increase the risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19.  

  • Cancer (current diagnosis)  
  • Cardiac, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disorders (including heart disease, coronary artery disease, and hypertension or high blood pressure)  
  • Chronic respiratory disorders (including cystic fibrosis, moderate to severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema [COPD])  
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines  

All other essential workers  

  • Clergy and religious organizations  
  • Finance  
  • Food and beverage service  
  • Higher education  
  • Legal  
  • Media  
  • Other community- or government-based operations and essential functions  
  • Personal care services and hygiene  
  • Retail  
  • Transportation and logistics  

Supplies will increase over time and all adults will be able to get vaccinated later in 2021. Once a vaccination phase begins, people in that phase are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine indefinitely. 

As a reminder for individuals in Phase 1c trying to schedule an appointment, your first contact should be your health care provider, including your primary care provider, health clinic, or hospital where you have gotten medical care in the past. Over 600 health care providers have signed up with CDPH to distribute vaccine. Providers are also reaching out directly to schedule appointments with their existing patients, prioritizing those who are older with more underlying conditions. 

The City of Chicago has provided vaccines to pharmacies across Chicago. These pharmacies each have their own registration link which can be found below. Please note, the City of Chicago does not endorse any of the listed organizations. This list is provided only as a convenience. See the full disclaimer (LINK).  


Additionally, Chicago has partnered with Zocdoc to streamline Chicagoans’ access to COVID-19 vaccines. You can visit zocdoc.com/vaccine to confirm eligibility, see nearby vaccination locations, show their real-time appointment availability, and receive notifications when new appointments are available. There will be limited supply at first, and more appointment availability will be added as more vaccines become available to providers. 

In response to the changing dynamics of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to support Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City is issuing a Travel Order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 10-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter). 
Yellow list: Iowa, Ohio, Mississippi, New Mexico, Indiana, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Kansas, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Washington, California, Wyoming, Missouri, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Utah, Arizona, Texas, Nebraska, District of Columbia, and Kentucky 

Orange list: New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Florida, Delaware, Georgia, Connecticut, Colorado, North Carolina, Vermont, Alabama, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Alaska, Virginia, New Hampshire, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Michigan, West Virginia, Maryland, and Maine 

Vaccinated persons (returning travelers who live or work in Chicago, or visitors to Chicago) who have travelled domestically are not required to quarantine if they are: 

  • asymptomatic; and 
  • fully vaccinated (i.e., are ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a two-dose COVID- 19 vaccine series or ≥2 weeks following receipt of 1 dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine). 

It is recommended that you bring a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination records while traveling. 

After three months of consistent decline or stability in our COVID-19 health metrics, the City has seen a worrying rise in all metrics over the last few weeks. Positivity rates and total cases have increased significantly and, most alarmingly, Emergency Department visits for COVID-like illness have increased by 38% in the last week alone. 

Due to this alarming increase in health metrics, the City of Chicago today announced updates to the COVID-19 regulations that keep most indoor limits in place while allowing for cautious increases in outdoor spaces that are less conducive to virus spread. The following outdoor capacity changes will take effect immediately (note that most indoor regulations will remain in place): 

  • Bars and Restaurants: Maximum outdoor table size can increase to ten people, with tables set up so that patrons are six feet from patrons at other tables. Indoor table size remains limited to no more than six people. 
  • Social Events (e.g. weddings, potlucks and other community events): Total outdoor capacity can increase to the lesser of 50% or 100 people 
  • Performance Venues, Theaters and Seated Spectator Events: Outdoor venues with capacity greater than or equal to 200 can operate at 25% capacity. Smaller venues can operate at no more than 50% capacity or 50 people. 
  • Outdoor Recreation: Maximum groups of 50; multiple groups permitted 
  • Places of Worship: No outdoor capacity limit provided that six feet of social distancing is maintained between parties 
  • Health and Fitness Centers: Outdoor classes can increase to 100 people 

In each setting, six feet of physical distance must be maintained between different parties, meaning that facilities may need to operate at a lower capacity to achieve six feet between all parties. Additionally, in order to ensure proper enforcement and safety across industries, all patrons will continue to count towards capacity limits, even if they are fully vaccinated or have a recent negative test. 

Please note that there have been two changes to indoor regulations in order to ensure consistency and safety: seating at the bar/counter at restaurants or bars is now limited to four per party, with six feet between parties, and indoor fitness classes can increase to 50 people, provided that the total room capacity remains under the 50% limit and six feet of distancing is maintained between patrons, with face coverings worn at all times.

Additionally, as a reminder, social distancing regulations at bars, restaurants and events have been updated: tables must now be spaced so that patrons are six feet away from patrons at other tables. 

Please visit chicago.gov/reopening for the latest information and a full update on these COVID-19 regulations. 
Street Sweeping Begins Next Week!
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) will resume their seasonal street sweeping schedule, which begins April 1 and lasts through mid-November. DSS' fleet of street sweepers help to keep streets clean and prevent dirt and debris from entering the sewer system - ultimately allowing for better drainage during a rain storm.
 
Residents are asked to be mindful of all temporary and permanent street sweeping parking restriction signage. To ensure curb-to-curb street cleaning, bright orange temporary parking restrictions are posted two days before sweeping service is scheduled to begin on any street. Some streets have permanent signage that specifies a once-per-week period when parking is prohibited for street sweeping.
 
Please take care to read all posted parking restriction signs and be aware that street cleaning signs take precedence over other posted signs on the street. Vehicles that violate street-sweeping restrictions will be issued a citation and possible tow. On street cleaning days, the streets should be kept clear of vehicles from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Chicago Lights Social Service Center Food Pantry for Ward Residents
1 in 7 people may experience food insecurity this year. Chicago Lights Food Pantry helps people get the food they need—from dairy, eggs, and meat to nonperishable items to fresh produce. Each appointment provides a guest with supplemental groceries, making limited resources go farther and healthy, delicious meals a reality.

To determine your eligibility, make an appointment, or to learn about the other services available, please call 312-640-2571 and leave a voicemail. A representative from Chicago Lights will call you back within 24 business hours.
A Message from the Cook County Assessor: Property Tax Exemption Deadline Extended
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi announced today that his office has extended the property tax exemption application deadline for tax year 2020 to Friday, April 9, 2021.

Assessor Kaegi sent notices in February to hundreds of thousands of households notifying them that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois legislature has allowed for the automatic renewal of many exemptions. For most property owners there is no need to reapply. (State law requires an audit of auto-renewed exemptions. Any households selected for audit were mailed forms that allow them to re-verify their exemptions online or by mail.)

The following exemptions will automatically renew for homeowners who received them last year (tax year 2019) and remained eligible this year (tax year 2020). Please Note: Longtime and Returning Veterans Exemptions will not auto renew this year.

  • Homeowner Exemption (annual auto-renewal)
  • Senior Exemption (annual auto-renewal)
  • Senior Freeze Exemption (2020 auto-renewal)
  • Persons with Disabilities Exemption (2020 auto-renewal)                                 
  • Veterans with Disabilities Exemption (2020 auto-renewal)

The Assessor’s Office also recently identified households who may be newly eligible for exemptions (such as homes that recently sold before January 1, 2020) and homes that have not received an exemption in the last two years. Purple booklets containing applications and instructions on how to apply for the Homeowner, Senior, and Senior Freeze Exemptions were mailed to these properties. Homeowners can either complete the paper application(s) or apply online on the Assessor’s website. If a Homeowner already successfully applied online for the exemption before receiving the purple booklet, responding again is not necessary.

With the recent changes and improvements to the exemption application process, the Assessor’s Office will host a Virtual Assistance Day on Thursday, April 1 to provide property owners with personalized exemption assistance. Taxpayers can learn how to ensure they are receiving both current and past year exemptions and information will also be provided to help first time exemption applicants. Homeowners can reserve an appointment here.
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.
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
Alderman Reilly Hosts Community Shred Day
Saturday, April 10 from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Located at Ohio Place Dog Park, 360 West Ohio Street
Alderman Reilly is hosting a Community Shred Day on Saturday, April 10 from 10:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Ohio Place Dog Park located at 360 West Ohio Street.

Households are limited to two boxes and shredding materials will be accepted until the shred trucks are full. The flyer below provides further information about the event.

A representative from Alderman Reilly’s Office will be present to address concerns or questions regarding city-related matters.

We look forward to seeing you at the Community Shred Day!
Chicago Police Department 12th District Spring Renewal
Accepting Donations Now until Monday, March 29
The 12th District Community Policing Office Domestic Violence Subcommittee is collecting items to donate to local women's shelters. Items being collected include:

  • Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
  • Body Wash and Lotion
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Razors
  • Hand Sanitizer and Masks

Donations can be left in the Spring Renewal drop box in the 12th District lobby, located at 1412 South Blue Island.

For more information please contact CPD012 at (312) 746-8306.
Art on theMART Returns Thursday, April 1!
Art on theMART is back this Spring starting April 1! Kicking the season off are two new programs from The Adler Planetarium and Art Institute of Chicago. The program will run nightly at 8:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. In keeping with City of Chicago guidelines, all visitors must practice social distancing and wear a face covering while viewing the projections.

Astrographics will explore ways in which humans conceptualize and visualize their universe, and how that has changed over time. The piece will consist of four movements (Earth, Other Worlds, Stars and Beyond) which will transport the viewer from Earth to other planets and stars, then out to deeper and more speculative realms. Each of these movements features scientific visualizations based on real data showing the scale of the universe.
Claude Monet 'Poppy Field (Giverny)' 1890-91, image courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations

In conjunction with the Art Institute of Chicago’s exhibition Monet and Chicago, Art on theMART illuminates the city’s historic riverfront building with projections of six iconic paintings by famed Impressionist Claude Monet, including Monet’s Water Lilies and Stacks of Wheat, accompanied by the classical music composition “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy.

Art on theMART will also project captivating portraits by contemporary American artist Bisa Butler in alignment with the Art Institute of Chicago’s exhibition Bisa Butler: Portraits.

For more information about Art on theMART and upcoming programming, please click here.
The Great Virtual Chicago Egg Hunt at Maggie Daley Park
Thursday, April 1 at 4:30pm
In partnership with Medieval Times, join the Chicago Park District for a fun filled virtual egg hunt from the comfort of your own home. Participating individuals can pick up Egg Hunt goodie bags between March 26-31 while supplies last. This activity is ideal for ages 1 through 10 years.

Participant must register and can do so here. For more information, those interested can visit the Chicago Park District website.
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.

The 1st District will be hosting the following Zoom meetings this month, please email [email protected] to register.

Beat 114 - April 1 at 6:00pm
Beat 112 - April 6 at 6:00pm
Beat 122 - April 12 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
Power Filming in the Loop
 
Riverwalk
On Friday, March 26 at 8pm to Saturday, March 27 at 2am, Power will be filming a scene on the Chicago Riverwalk near LaSalle Street. In order to park essential vehicles, parking at the following locations will be restricted:
 
  • Both sides of Wacker, from Wells to Clark (3/26 at 10pm to 3/27 at 2am)
  • Both sides of LaSalle, from Hubbard to Lake (3/26 at 10pm to 3/27 at 2am)
  • Both sides of Hubbard, from Wells to Clark (3/26 at 10pm to 3/27 at 2am)
  • Both sides of Kinzie, from Wells to Clark (3/25 at 10pm to 3/27 at 2am)
  • Both sides of Lower St. Clair, from Lower N Water to Lower Illinois (3/25 at 10pm to 3/27 at 2am)
  • South side of Lower North Water, from New to Lower St. Clair (3/25 at 10pm to 3/27 at 2am)
  • South side of Lower Illinois, from Columbus to Lower St. Clair (3/25 at 10pm to 3/27 at 2am
 
100 East Balbo Drive
On Thursday, April 1, from 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Power will be filming a scene for an upcoming TV show at 100 East Balbo Drive. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be restricted at the following locations:
 
  • Both sides of Balbo, from Michigan to Lake Shore Drive
  • Both sides of 8th, from Michigan to State
  • Both sides of 9th, from Michigan to State
  • East side of S. Wabash, from 8th to 11th
 
There will be a full closure of Balbo, from Michigan to Columbus from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additionally, there will be intermittent closures of Balbo, between Michigan and Lake Shore Drive, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

If you have any questions or concerns, pleaser call Brady Breen (Location Manager) at 773-277-8806 or Antonio Arcely (On-site Coordinator) at 773-277-8728.
 
Photo Shoot in the Loop
 
A flooring company will be taking pictures at 175 E Jackson Boulevard on Tuesday, March 30 - Thursday, April 1, from 7am-6pm. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:
 
  • East side of Wells, from Van Buren to 333 S. Wells 
  • West side of Wells, from Jackson to 334 S. Wells
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jennie Frake (Site Manager) at 847-826-5825.

Work in Progress Filming Next Week

455 N. Park Drive
On Monday, March 29 at 11:00 a.m. to Tuesday, March 30 at 2:00 a.m., Work in Progress will be filming a scene for an upcoming TV Show at 455 North Park Drive. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be prohibited on the east side of North Park Drive, from East Illinois Street to 455 North Park Drive during the filming. 
 
311 S. Columbus Drive
On Monday, March 29 at 9:00 a.m. to Thursday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m., Work in Progress will be filming a scene for an upcoming TV Show at 311 South Columbus Drive. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be prohibited on the west side of South Columbus Drive, from Jackson to Congress during the filming.

401 N. Michigan Avenue
On Monday, March 29 and Tuesday, March 30, Work In Progress will be filming a scene for an upcoming TV show at 401 North Michigan Avenue. The circle drive on the east side of North Michigan Avenue north of the Chicago River will be closed to vehicular traffic Monday, March 29 at 12pm to Tuesday, March 30 at 10am.
 
In order to park essential vehicles and equipment, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:
 
  • South side of Illinois, from Michigan to Cityfront Plaza (Monday, March 29 at 10am to Tuesday, March 30 at 12pm)
  • West side of Cityfront Plaza, from Illinois to point 200’ south thereof (Monday, March 29 at 10am to Tuesday, March 30 at 12pm)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Michael Proffitt (Location Manager) at 312-726-2813 or Justin Thaler (Location Manager) at 312-736-2813.

Crane Lift: 66-69 East Illinois Street 

On Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28, from 9am-6pm, there will be a crane lift at 66-69 East Illinois Street. During the lift, East Illinois, between North Rush and Lower Michigan Avenue will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 

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

Bridge Testing in the Loop 
 
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will continue to test and repair bridges in anticipation of the Spring Boat Run. A full schedule and detour routes can be found below.
 
Van Buren Street Bridge: Monday, April 5, from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Detour Westbound Traffic: Van Buren, Franklin, Madison, Clinton, Van Buren 
 
Dearborn Street Bridge: Wednesday, April 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Detour Northbound Traffic: Dearborn, Wacker, State, Kinzie, Dearborn

ADA Ramp Replacement: State and Washington

Starting March 15, Clayco Construction will be replacing the ADA ramps at the northeast corner of State Street and Washington Street. Work hours will be 8am-5pm. Throughout the project, the following will be closed:

  • The sidewalk/curb lane on the east side of State Street, from Washington Street to a point 50’ north thereof
  • The sidewalk/curb lane north side of Washington Street, from State Street to a point 50’ east thereof 

Clayco will use the curb lanes to create protected pedestrian walkways using jersey barricades at this location. The project is expected to be completed by the end of March. 

RCN Infrastructure Relocation

Starting Thursday, March 4, RCN will be relocating 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 beginning of April 2021 (weather dependent). 

CDOT Resurfacing Project in River North

Starting in mid-March 2021, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin resurfacing North Wells Street, from West Chicago Avenue to West Illinois Street. This project includes ADA ramp improvements and curb repairs. 

There will be intermittent traffic lane closures as needed. The project is expected to be finished by June 2021. 

South Water Street Viaduct Replacement

Starting in mid-March 2021, the Chicago Department of Transportation will begin demolition of the South Water Street Viaduct, between Lower Beaubien Court and Stetson Street. Work hours will be 8am-8pm, daily. 

This project is expected to take two years to complete (weather dependent). 

354 North Union Construction

At the beginning of April 2021, the Onni Group will begin 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. 

Crane Lift: 20 South Clark Street

On Friday, April 9 to Sunday, April 11 there will be a crane lift at 20 South Clark Street. Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. During the lift, South Clark Street, between West Monroe Street and West Madison Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, with the exception of the east curb lane. The east curb lane will be used for southbound traffic. 

Throughout the lift, there will be barricades and flaggers on-site.

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).

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.