February 26, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
CDPH COVID-19 Update: New Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals, Emergency Travel Order Changes, and the Latest Data
Based on new CDC guidance and data on vaccine effectiveness, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 quarantine requirements have been updated to include exceptions for vaccinated persons meeting specific criteria. Vaccinated persons must continue to adhere to all recommended protective measures, including, but not limited to, wearing a mask and other job-specific PPE, maintaining physical distance, practicing hand hygiene, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and isolating when symptomatic. 

Vaccinated persons who are a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria: 

  • Are 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 one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine). 
  • Have remained asymptomatic since their last contact with the infected person; and 
  • Are not inpatients or residents in a health care setting. 

Fully vaccinated persons who are not required to quarantine should be instructed to monitor their health for 14 days after their last contact with the infected person. If they experience symptoms, they must self-isolate pending clinical evaluation and SARS-CoV-2 testing. Vaccinated persons must also continue to adhere to all recommended protective measures, including, but not limited to, wearing a mask (and utilizing job-specific PPE), maintaining physical distance, practicing hand hygiene, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.  

Fully vaccinated inpatients and residents in healthcare settings (e.g., long-term care facilities) should continue to quarantine following an exposure.  

Healthcare facilities should continue to use appropriate transmission-based precautions when caring for exposed inpatients or outpatients, regardless of vaccination status. Healthcare facilities should take into account recent CDC guidance when updating policies and procedures related to healthcare worker exposure, and may choose to impose more stringent requirements related to staff exposure and quarantine/testing. 

Non-healthcare congregate settings such as shelters, jails, and prisons may utilize these new recommendations for fully vaccinated persons, provided that exposed individuals that are not quarantined rigorously adhere to all protective measures, as noted above. 

The Emergency Travel Order is still in effect and applies to returning Chicago residents and out-of-state visitors arriving in Chicago. 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). 
Yellow States: Hawaii, Puerto Rico, North Dakota, Washington D.C., Indiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Texas, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, Maryland, Wisconsin, Nevada, Arkansas, Washington, Michigan, Maine, Missouri, and Oregon 

Orange States: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming 

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). 

As of February 25, the City’s positivity rate is 3.0% and averaging about 261 cases per day. Earlier this week, Chicago hit a new vaccine milestone vaccinating 1 in 10 Chicago residents have received the first dose.  
Today, the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine is being presented to the FDA for emergency use authorization (EUA). Earlier Johnson & Johnson / Janssen announced that it has found its vaccine candidate is 72% effective in the US and 66% effective overall at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19, 28 days after vaccination. The topline safety and efficacy data are based on 43,783 participants accruing 468 symptomatic cases of COVID-19. If approved for EUA, the vaccine could arrive in Chicago in the coming weeks.  

The City of Chicago is not receiving enough vaccine to expand phase 1b eligibility. There are 713,000 Chicagoans (363,000 seniors 65+ and 350,000 essential workers) currently in phase 1b. However, CDPH have only received 218,250 first doses since we began phase 1b on January 25, 2021. That is only enough vaccine to administer a first dose to 31% of Chicagoans eligible in phase 1b. 

The 713,000 figure does not include people already eligible from phase 1a who are now deciding to be vaccinated or non-Chicago residents who work and are vaccinated in Chicago. 

If Chicago expanded eligibility, it would add hundreds of thousands of more people seeking vaccine in Chicago, without increasing the amount of available vaccine. This would mean those currently eligible, including seniors, frontline essential workers and those in our most heavily COVID-burdened communities, would have an even harder time getting a vaccine. 

CDPH is working to get as many people vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible. At this time, the City simply does not receive enough vaccine doses to expand eligibility beyond our current categories, which include 1b (seniors 65+ and frontline essential workers) plus those still eligible from 1a (healthcare workers and long-term care workers and residents). Chicago residents under the age of 65 with at-risk medical conditions will become eligible for vaccination in phase 1c. 1c is expected to begin March 29. 

The Biden Administration, Governor JB Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth announced the planned opening of a mass vaccination site at the United Center. This means more vaccine and vaccination appointments – especially for seniors.

The Federally-run site will open March 10. The first appointments will be prioritized for seniors during an early registration process. Any remaining available appointments will go to Illinoisans eligible under state guidelines. The City anticipates registration opening approximately one week before the site opens, with more specifics to come next week.

The United Center site will be able to administer up to 6,000 doses per day in Chicago. This is ADDITIONAL vaccine and not taken out of the City’s allotment.

Equity continues to be the Chicago vaccine distribution plan. While this new site will increase the speed at which Chicagoans can be vaccinated – equity will not be sacrificed. We will continue to prioritize those living in at highest risk settings and communities, seniors 65+, and frontline essential workers through Protect Chicago Plus, City-run sites, and Chicagoan vaccine providers.

In the coming days specifics on the senior early-registration process and general registration will be made available. In the meantime, wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance.Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports for more information about COVID-19 in Chicago.  
Important Announcements and Updates
Alderman Reilly’s Office Closed on Monday, March 1 in Observance of Casimir Pulaski Day
Alderman Reilly's Office will be closed in observance of Casimir Pulaski Day on Monday, March 1. 

All public libraries and non-essential City departments will also be closed. Emergency, fire, and police departments will remain on-duty during this time. If you are in need of City service, please contact 3-1-1 or dial 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency. 
42nd Ward Development Proposal – 601 West Monroe
Pacific Reach Properties proposes to construct a new development at 601 West Monroe Street. The site is currently a surface parking lot, adjacent to Heritage Green Park. The proposed Planned Development includes two towers, 47 (535 feet) and 40 (465 feet) stories respectively.  

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

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

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

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

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

As part of Alderman Reilly’s transparent community process for new developments, your comments and observations are welcome on this project. Please forward any feedback to development@ward42chicago.com. 
Chicago Park District Announces Plans to Reopen Lakefront, Playgrounds and Aquatics Programming
As snow removal and clean up from recent storms continue along the lakefront, Chicago Park District crews will begin opening public access points to parkland east of Lake Shore Drive. Lakefront parks will be open during normal operating hours. Regulations on lakefront parking will also be lifted. Parking fees will be required and enforced. Masks are mandatory. Large gatherings are strictly prohibited and social distancing must be observed at all times. 

While the city has opened the Lakefront parks, swimming is not permitted at any of Chicago's beaches until further notice.
During the upcoming weeks, the Chicago Park District will also unlock gates and prepare all 500+ outdoor playgrounds and nature play spaces to reopen, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for children, ages 12 and under. Families and caregivers are urged to practice safety guidance, including wearing a mask, social distancing and cleaning hands frequently. These high traffic areas are not sanitized but can be enjoyed safely by following the guidance on the signage installed at each location. 

During its Spring programming session, the Chicago Park District will reopen its indoor swimming pools to offer limited aquatics programming. Spring registration begins Monday, March 8th. Programs run April 5th through June 13th. Spaces for each program will be limited to observe social distancing. The District will follow swimming pool guidance from the State of Illinois. 

For park specific COVID-19 updates, visit Chicago Park District website.  
Attention Businesses: Apply for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program
As a reminder, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, and may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations. PPP allows certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan with the same general loan terms as their First Draw PPP Loan. The SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses.

To build on the success of the PPP, the SBA has announced several reforms to further target the PPP to the smallest businesses and those that have been left behind in previous relief efforts:
  • Instituting a 14-day period, starting at 8:00 a.m. CST on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 until 4:00 p.m. CST on Friday, March 9, 2021, during which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for relief through the Program.
  • Helping sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals receive more financial support. These types of businesses, which include home repair contractors, beauticians, and small independent retailers, make up a significant majority of all businesses.
  • Eliminating an exclusionary restriction that prevents small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions from obtaining relief through the Program.
  • Eliminating an exclusionary restriction that prevents small business owners who are delinquent on their federal student loans from obtaining relief through the Program. 
  • Ensuring access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) to apply for relief. 

These reforms ensure that small businesses can access much needed PPP funds to persevere through the pandemic, recover, and build back better. These efforts are meant to reach minority-owned and very small businesses that may have previously missed out on accessing loans to help weather the coronavirus pandemic.

The Paycheck Protection Program remains open for First and Second Draw PPP loans until March 31, 2021.

As a reminder, businesses apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans through a bank, credit union, CDFI or other lenders. Use the SBA Lender-Match tool to get matched to potential PPP & other lenders offering SBA-backed funding.

While BACP does not manage the Paycheck Protection Program, we will be sharing information regularly in order to make sure that all Chicago businesses have access to these essential funds.

To learn more about the PPP, please visit these links:
Residential Reminder: New Threshold for Automated Speed Enforcement Goes Into Effect March 1, 2021
In response to an alarming increase in vehicle speeding and traffic fatalities, the City will enforce the legal limit for issuing speeding violations in Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Children’s Safety Zones, such as schools when they are in session and children are present and in parks during hours when they are open.

On January 15, a 44-day warning period will begin where owners of cars caught speeding between 6-10 mph over the speed limit will receive a warning by mail. The issuing of tickets to vehicles driving 6-10 MPH over the speed limit in ASE zones during hours of enforcement will start March 1. Fines are $35 for vehicles traveling 6-10 MPH over the speed limit and will remain $100 for vehicles driving at 11 miles or more over the speed limit.
A Message from the Cook County Treasurer: Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program Deadline Approaching
The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral program is a tax-relief program that works like a loan. It allows qualified seniors to defer a maximum of $5,000 per tax year (this includes 1st and 2nd installments) on their primary home. The loan from the State of Illinois is paid when the property is sold, or upon the death of the participant.

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

Completed applications can be mailed to:

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

If you have questions about this program, please visit cookcountytreasurer.com and select “Contact Us by Email” or call (312) 443-5100.
Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation to Begin Clearing Streets of "Dibs"
The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) announced that given the melting snow and extensive snow removal efforts that have taken place over the past weeks, crews will begin clearing objects used by residents to hold shoveled parking spaces, also known as “Dibs,” beginning Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Crews will pick up any unclaimed items along their daily garbage collection routes, with special attention given to address all 3-1-1 complaints.  

Residents are encouraged to remove their chairs, cones and other objects, particularly items they want to keep, to avoid being thrown away.  

In addition to the Department's street clearing efforts, crews continue daily work to collect garbage and recycling. Garbage collection remains delayed across the city due to the heavy snowfall experienced over the last week. DSS crews worked extended hours last week (including Saturday) and will continue to work extended hours throughout this week. Residents are advised to treat response times as they would during a holiday week and keep their carts out and ready for pick up.  

To find out your daily garbage collection route or to report a concern about debris on your block, call 3-1-1 or visit 311.chicago.gov.
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.
Snow Removal – Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice!
Alderman Reilly would like to remind residents and business owners to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Clearing sidewalks is the law, and it's our responsibility to each other during the winter. Many people rely on walking and transit as their primary way to get around. Without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is especially difficult for people with disabilities, seniors, and children to walk. 
Please remember that per Chicago Municipal Code 10-8-180, "every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground."  

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

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

Who is eligible for free tax help?

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

What information to bring to a tax site?

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

The tax filing deadline is Thursday, April 15! For more information, visit www.taxprepchicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment.
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
One Earth Film Festival
March 5-14, 2021
If you love movies and you care about your health, your community and our magnificent planet we call home, join the tenth anniversary season of the One Earth Film Festival, which takes place from March 5–14, 2021.

This year’s festival theme is “10 Years of Inspiring Change,” and you’re invited to watch more than 25 outstanding short and feature-length films that shine a light on the most important issues of our time. Learn solutions and actions addressing climate, environmental justice, conservation, waste and more. Watch online from the comfort of your own home, and participate in filmmaker and expert Q&As. Be moved. Be amazed. Be ready to create change.  

Most film watch parties are free and advanced registration is highly recommended. Visit oneearthfilmfest.org for a festival schedule and to reserve your tickets.
Live from the Library!
Weekdays at 10:00am
Watch story times with Chicagoans you know and love at Live from the Library! See a new reader at 10 a.m. every weekday, or browse past story times on Facebook Live. Guest readers include Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Tweedy, as well as Chicago Public Library (CPL) children's librarians.

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

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

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

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

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

Lendlease Construction will be installing façade panels for Cascade Park at the IJKL site. Lower Harbor Service Drive will be closed from 8am-5pm during the following dates:

  • Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28
  • Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7
  • Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14
  • Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21
 
All dates are weather dependent. 

ADA Ramp Replacement: State and Washington

Starting Monday, March 1, 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 mid-March. 

300 North Michigan Tower Crane Height Extension

Linn-Mathes will be increasing the height of their tower crane at 300 North Michigan Avenue on Friday, March 5 - Sunday, March 7. During the tower crane extension, the following will be closed:

  • Curb lane/sidewalk on the westside of Michigan Avenue, from a point 90’ north of Wacker Place to a point 50’ north thereof

There will be flaggers at the southwest corner of Michigan Avenue/Wacker Drive and the northwest corner of Michigan Avenue/Wacker Place to direct pedestrians. 

Power Force Productions Filming

Power Force Productions will be filming scenes for an upcoming TV show on Wednesday, March 3 and Thursday, March 4 in Streeterville and the Loop. The following street closures will be in place:

  • McClurg, from North Water to River Drive (Wednesday, March 3 from 2pm to 7pm)
  • River Drive from New Street to McClurg Court (Wednesday, March 3 from 2pm to 7pm)
  • New Street, from North Water to River Drive (Wednesday, March 3 from 2pm to 7pm)
  • Upper Wacker Drive, from Columbus Drive to Lake Shore Drive (Wednesday, March 3 from 8pm to 11:59pm)
  • Columbus Drive, from Wacker Drive, to Monroe Street (Wednesday, March 3 from 8pm to 11:59pm)
  • Upper Wacker Drive, from Michigan Avenue to Wells Street (Thursday, March 4 from 12am to 6am)

The scenes being filmed involve actors either driving a vehicle or sitting in a car. There will not be special effects associated with this filming. 

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. 

"Work In Progress" Filming in the Loop

Scenes for “Work In Progress” will be filmed inside 161 North Clark Street on Saturday, February 27 from 4am -7pm. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

  • East side of Clark, from Randolph to Lake
  • Both sides of Clark, from Lake to Wacker
  • South side of Wacker, from Clark to Dearborn
  • North side of Randolph, from Clark to Dearborn

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

Helicopter Lift: 250 South Wacker Drive

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

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

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

Wells Street Bridge Closure
 
On Saturday, February 27, at 11:59pm to Sunday, February 28, at 6:00 a.m., the Chicago Department of Transportation will be conducting maintenance on the Wells Street Bridge. Due to the nature of repairs (center lock and heel lock repairs), the Bridge is required to be raised while work is occurring. 

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

Renovations at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street

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

The project is expected to be completed February 2022. 

Canopy Renovation: 120 East Delaware Place

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

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

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

Conduit Installation: 120 North LaSalle Street

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

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

All work is expected to be completed by Friday, March 5 (weather dependent). 

Crane Lift: 15 East Oak Street

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

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

Cold Water Pipe Installation: 320 South Canal Street

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Demolition: 16-22 West Erie Street

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

Upper Wacker Drive Traffic Reconfiguration

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

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

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

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

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

Aon Plaza Renovations

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

Construction: 61 West Erie Street

In November 2020, LG Construction began construction of a five-story, 28 unit apartment building at 61 West Erie Street. A small crane will be placed in the traffic lane in front of 61 W. Erie Street until Monday, March 1.

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.