September 24, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
Alderman Reilly On The Chicago Way

On Thursday September 23, 2021, Alderman Reilly joined Chicago Tribune columnist, John Kass, and WGN Radio’s Jeff Carlin on their podcast, The Chicago Way. They discussed Mayor Lightfoot’s 2022 Budget Address, the recent spike in crime Downtown, and the upcoming Ward Remap process (Alderman Reilly’s comments begin at 5:30).


Public Safety Webinar
On Tuesday September 21, 2021, Alderman Reilly and the River North Residents Association (RNRA) co-hosted a Public Safety Webinar, and 750 local residents registered to watch the event. . Please click here to watch the recording of the Webinar. 
 
During the Webinar, 18th District Commander Jon Hein and Deputy Chief Michael Barz answered pre-submitted questions and highlighted their plan to enhance public safety in the 18th District. 
 
Alderman Reilly would like to thank RNRA, Commander Hein, Deputy Chief Barz, and everyone else who participated in the Webinar. 
 
Please remember to call 9-1-1 in real-time if you witness illegal activity. Additionally, please attend your local CAPS meetings. CAPS meetings offer city residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat cops who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which helps the police to monitor crime issues. 
 

2022 City Budget Hearings
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot presented her 2022 Budget Address earlier this week. The Mayor's remarks and a video of her presentation are available here

42nd Ward constituents who wish to share suggestions on addressing the City's fiscal challenges, revenue-generating ideas, or comments on the proposed 2022 budget, can submit written feedback via email to [email protected] or call us at (312) 744-3062. Alderman Reilly reads every letter and email - examining your ideas carefully and considering the possibility of implementation. 

Alderman Reilly invites you to join him at the 2022 City Budget Hearings, continuing Monday, September 27, to see the process in action. Budget hearings are open to the public and begin at 9:00am each day (subject to change). 

The complete 2022 budget hearing and meeting schedule can be viewed on the City Clerk's website. Additionally, citizens can now live stream hearings, thanks to Alderman Reilly's Resolution requiring City Council Committee meetings be broadcast online. To watch a live stream of these meetings, click here.


Meet Me on the Mile This Sunday
On Sunday, September 26, the Magnificent Mile Association will host it's second Meet Me on the Mile special event. Admission to the event is free to the public. Please click here to read an agenda of event activities.

During the event, Michigan Avenue, from Illinois Street to Wacker Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic.
Alderman Reilly to Host Covid-19 and Flu Vaccination Clinic October 13

Alderman Reilly is hosting a Covid-19 and Flu Vaccination Clinic on Wednesday, October 13, from 10am-2pm. Booster doses will be offered to individuals who self-identify as moderately-severely immunocompromised. Before receiving a booster dose, residents must show proof of prior vaccination .

The event will be held at the Chicago Temple located at 77 West Washington Street. Although walk-ins are welcome, please click here if you would like to schedule an appointment.
 
We look forward to seeing you at the Vaccination Clinic. 

Alerts and Community Notices
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.

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 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 Street Closures and Construction Notices
Crane Lift: Willis Tower

On Friday, September 24, from 10pm to 2am, there will be a crane lift at Willis Tower. During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • Curb lane and sidewalk on the north side of Jackson, from Wacker to Franklin

Traffic will still be able to travel eastbound in the south traffic lane. There will be flaggers and barricades in-place throughout the lift. 

ComEd Transformer Installation

On Monday, September 27 at 9pm to Tuesday, September 28 at 2am, ComEd will be installing a transformer at 463 East Ohio Street. During the project, East Ohio Street, from Inner Lake Shore Drive to North McClurg Court will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Crane Lift: 420 East Superior

On Tuesday, October 5, from 7pm to 10pm, there will be a crane lift at 420 E. Superior Street.

During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • 200' of sidewalk in front of 420 East Superior
  • 200' Curb/traffic lane in front of 420 East Superior

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


Jane Byrne Interchange Update

  • Ramp Closing: Madison Street entrance ramp to southbound I-90/94 to close Saturday, September 18th
  • Exit Relocation: Southbound I-90/94 exit to westbound I-290, Taylor Street, and Ida B. Wells relocating
  • Click here for more details

Filming in the Ward This Week

The Big Leap

On Monday, September 27, The Big Leap will be filming inside Tao located at 632 North Dearborn Street. During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • North side of Ontario, from Dearborn to the first alley west thereof (Monday, September 27 from 4AM until 7AM)
  • North side of Ontario, from Dearborn to the first alley west thereof (Tuesday, September 28 from 4AM until 7AM)
  • Both sides of Superior, from LaSalle to Clark (Monday, September 27 from 5AM until 8PM)
  • Both sides of Dearborn, Ontario to Huron (Sunday, September 26 from 8PM until 11PM on Monday, September 27)
  • Both sides of Erie, from Clark to State (Sunday, September 26 from 8PM until 11PM on Monday, September 27)

There will be intermittent traffic closures at the following locations:

  • Dearborn, between Ontario & Erie (8PM-11PM on Monday, 9/27)
  • LaSalle from half a block north to half a block south (10AM-3PM on Monday, 9/27)

Additionally, there will be a full closure of Superior, between LaSalle and Clark (10AM-3PM on Monday, 9/27).

If you have any questions, please contact Brady Breen (Location Manager) at 773-492-2582.

Time Travelers Wife

The Time Traveler's Wife will be filming at the Art Institute (inside and on the sidewalk) and at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • South side of Randolph Street, from Columbus Drive to Field Blvd (Wednesday September 29 at 5AM to Monday October at 11:59PM)
  • Both Sides of Columbus Drive, from Randolph Street to Lake Service Street (Thursday, September 30 at 3:00AM - 11:59PM)
  • South Side of Monroe Street, from Michigan Ave to Columbus Drive (Wednesday, September 29 at 12PM to Thursday, September 30 at 11:59PM)
  • South Side of Adams St from Wabash Ave to Michigan Ave (Wednesday, September 29 at 12PM to Thursday, September 30 at 11:59PM

If you have any questions, please contact Maria C. Roxas (Location Manager) at 312-282-0283.

Commercial Filming

On Tuesday, September 28, a commercial will be filmed inside 123 North Upper Wacker Drive. During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • East side of N Upper Wacker Drive, from W Randolph Street to West Court Place
  • South side of West Randolph Street from North Upper Wacker Drive to North Franklin Street

St. Clair Water Main Project

On Tuesday, September 27 2021, the Department of Water Management (DWM) and Reliable Contracting & Equipment Company crews began installing 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.

To receive automatic email updates and be notified as the project enters each new construction phase please visit BuildingANewChicago.org.

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 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

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 

LG Construction has broke 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). 


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-September (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 September. 

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. 

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 at the end of September 2021 (weather dependent). 

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 September 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.