Chicago Department of Public Health Statement on Updated Mask Guidance

May 21, 2021

Alderman Reilly Reports

Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Illinois, and recognizing how safe and effective the COVID-19 vaccines are, the City of Chicago will no longer require masks for fully vaccinated people in most settings. As a reminder, fully vaccinated means two weeks after your second vaccine dose if you got Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after your single dose if you got Johnson and Johnson.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you need to continue to wear your mask in all indoor settings. At this point, 48 percent of all Chicagoans (and 60 percent of Chicago adults) have gotten a first dose of vaccine, but only 38 percent of all Chicagoans (and 47 percent of Chicago adults) are fully vaccinated. Many of our communities that have been the hardest-hit by COVID-19 have even lower vaccination rates. Children age 12-15 just became eligible for vaccination last week and none of them are fully vaccinated.

In addition, Chicago will align with federal and state guidance and will require everyone to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in health care settings, schools, correctional/congregate settings, and on public transportation. City of Chicago buildings will continue to require masks for all who are entering, at least until COVID-19 capacity restrictions are lifted.

The City of Chicago strongly advises businesses to verify that individuals are fully vaccinated in order to follow the new mask guidance. However, we know that many businesses and other settings may not have the capacity to check people’s vaccination status. Therefore, we continue to strongly advise—though not require—masking policies for all indoor settings in Chicago until COVID-19 capacity restrictions are lifted and we enter phase five. This advisory applies to any setting that does not have the capacity to check vaccination status and/or where employees, clients, or attendees are not all known to be vaccinated. We ask businesses and other settings to post a sign on the door letting the public know their current masking policy so the public can choose whether or not to enter.

In addition, current distancing and capacity requirements as laid out in the Chicago Bridge Phase remain in place, except for businesses that check vaccination status in order to take advantage of the Vaccine Exemption. The Vaccine Exemption has three components:

Fully vaccinated individuals do not count towards COVID-19 capacity limits across all industries (six feet of social distancing still maintained between parties).
Bars, restaurants and other establishments that allow onsite consumption of food or alcohol can increase table or party size above the limit of ten if all patrons age 16+ at that table or within that party are fully vaccinated.
Late Hour Liquor Licensees can operate without hour restrictions if only fully vaccinated patrons are permitted to enter. While all bars and restaurants are allowed to stay open under standard hours in the Chicago Bridge Phase, this will allow Late Hour establishments to stay open until 4:00 am Monday through Saturday morning and 5:00 am on Sunday morning if all patrons are fully vaccinated.

Masks, social distancing, and handwashing have been our best tools, and we continue to encourage these safety measures to protect all Chicagoans.

And now we have an even more effective tool—safe and effective vaccines--and we urge many more Chicagoans to complete their vaccination. Getting vaccinated is by far the most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19. It’s safe, it’s effective, it’s completely free, and it’s widely available. So please, get vaccinated.

Finally, please be kind and conscientious of your fellow Chicagoans. Regardless of mandates, we expect many Chicagoans to continue to wear masks in public spaces for a variety of reasons, even if they are vaccinated or as mandates and advisories fade.

Important Announcements and Updates

The City of Chicago's Emergency Rental Assistance Program Opens Monday, May 24

The application period for the Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will open for tenants and landlords beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 24, 2021 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

ERAP will provide grants of up to 12 months of unpaid rent and three months of future rent for eligible tenants and landlords. To be eligible, tenants must:

Live in Chicago
Have suffered a hardship due to COVID-19, such as job loss, reduced hours, or illness within the household
Be at risk of housing instability
Have earned less than the maximum household income (shown below) during 2020 or at the time of application

Landlords can apply for assistance on behalf of a tenant. Landlords may also register their properties using the online application and be notified if a tenant has started the application process for rental assistance.

Tenants and landlords can find a list of documents to complete an application here. Frequently asked questions regarding the program, eligibility, and review process can be found here.

If you have any other questions or if you are unsure about anything regarding your application, please refer to the list of organizations standing by to help at Chicago.gov/RentHelp. On May 24, a call center will also open to help applicants and the phone number will be posted here.

COVID-19 Updates: United Center Vaccination Site Closing Soon, Ages 12+ Walk-In Appointments Available and More

Since opening in early March, nearly 287,000 doses were administered at the FEMA United Center vaccination site. Following its great success, the site will be shutting down in the near future:

Walk-In appointments available until Monday, May 24
Drive-Thru appointments available until Thursday, June 24

All other City of Chicago-operated sites accept walk-ins. Appointments are preferred but not required. Appointments can be booked through the City’s call center at (312) 746.4835 or through Zocdoc.

Chicagoans ages 12-18 are able to receive vaccination at all City of Chicago sites offering Pfizer vaccine. Individuals under the age of 18 seeking vaccination need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Vaccination locations sometimes have unused, extra doses of COVID vaccine they must either use or throw out. Providers may alert Chicagoans to the availability of unused doses through various methods:

Phone calls and/or texts to individuals on a clinic waitlist. Check with your provider about signing up to be alerted if there are leftover vaccine doses.
Dr. B. is a standby list for COVID vaccine doses that are about to expire. Dr. B verifies providers before allowing them to use their alerting service. Sign up to be on a stand-by list for alerts from Dr. B about providers in Chicago with unused doses.
CDPH intermittently posts end of day appointments at mass vaccination sites on zocdoc.com.

If you have been vaccinated but lost your vaccination card, individuals can request a copy of their vaccination records from the provider who vaccinated them. Individuals can also request a copy of their vaccination records from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) by emailing covid19vaccine@cityofchicago.org.

The Emergency Travel Order is still in effect and includes seven states shown below:

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) or
be fully vaccinated, as defined as two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or two weeks after one dose of a single-dose vaccine and not have symptoms.

For more information about the Emergency Travel Order, please click here.

OEMC and Marine Public Safety Officials Share Tips to Enjoy Boating Season and Water Activities Safely this Summer

With boating season and summer activities beginning in Chicago, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), the Chicago Fire, Police Departments and Park District, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police are reminding residents and visitors out and about on Chicago’s Lakefront and River to prevent water rescues and emergencies by adhering to boating rules and keep safety in mind on beaches and pools. Chicago beaches open for the season on Friday, May 28.

During National Water Safety Month and National Safe Boating Week May 22-28 and to kick off the boating and beach season, marine safety participants provided a water rescue demonstration at North Avenue Beach Boat House today where the Chicago Fire Department Air Sea Rescue Unit, the Chicago Police Marine and Helicopter Unit, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police (IDNR) and the Chicago Park District conducted a simulated water rescue and displayed waterfront emergency response (pictured above - image courtesy of Chicago Police Department).

Lakefront/Beach Safety Tips

Wear a Life Jacket! Not only having a life jacket but wearing it properly is the first defense against drownings. Life jackets come in numerous sizes and types designed for different activities. The life jacket you wear to the pool may not be suitable for kayaking on a river as well. Always check the manufacturer tag for any weight maximums and usage designation as well as the United States Coast Guard Life Jacket requirements.
Boaters should be mindful of break wall locations at all times; When water levels rise high enough to cover the walls, boaters may be at risk of serious injury and vessel damage.
Boating Under the Influence is just as deadly as drinking and driving! It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. The Coast Guard also enforces a federal law that prohibits BUI. This law pertains to ALL boats including canoes and rowboats.
Pole Markers - Be aware of your location along the lakefront should an emergency arise. Signs are posted on light poles in locations along the Chicago Lakefront, Grant Park streets and south Lake Shore Drive where addresses may not be available.
Learn to Swim - learning to swim can be fun and easy, no matter your age. Check out local swim programs at schools, community centers, and the Park District. Go to the Chicago Park District website for further details on Swimming Lessons offered in your area.
Never swim alone or at night! - Swimming alone or in the dark is extremely dangerous and can end in tragedy. Even when at personal pools and spas, swimming without a buddy is never safe and should not be done.
Swim Near Lifeguards - Swimming at a Lifeguard protected pool or beach is essential to safety. Lifeguards are trained in numerous rescue skills, CPR, AED usage, and much more. Listen to their rules and instructions as they are there for your safety and enjoyment. Never rely on lifeguards as “babysitters” for children in the water, if your child is in the water, you should be too.
Report Suspicious Activity - Protecting our beaches and pools is a public effort and reporting any unwanted or suspicious activity to first responders immediately can help save lives. If you ever see something unusual or are ever unsure, please call 9-1-1 right away.
Rip Currents - Learn how to escape a rip current
Relax, swim to shore but don’t swim against current
If you can’t escape, float or tread water.
Lakefront Paths - Heed the warnings and obey signage or officials on path closures
Do NOT navigate around barricades or closures – they are there for your safety to avoid risks of falls or being swept into the water, requiring rescue.
During thunderstorms, being near bodies of water such as the lakefront paths or Riverwalk can pose threats of flooding and being swept into currents, especially with high lake levels.
Heed any warnings to avoid the lakefront and Riverwalk when these are issued.

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Navy Pier Plans to Fully Reopen by Memorial Day Weekend

Navy Pier moved to the next phase of its reopening plans on Thursday, May 20, restoring public access to indoor spaces and continuing the gradual reopening of select businesses—with the goal of being fully open by Memorial Day Weekend. The Pier will also launch its annual slate of free summer arts and cultural programs over the holiday weekend with ample public health and safety measures in place.

As part of the second phase, the following will be open and accessible to the public: Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion, Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion, Polk Bros Park, North and South Docks, Pier Park (including all rides and attractions), East End Plaza, tour boats and cruises, the new Sable hotel, some retail shops and select restaurants and parking garages. More businesses will gradually come online over the coming week as the Pier looks to resume full operations by Memorial Day Weekend.

Starting Friday, May 28, hours of operation will transition to the following extended summer hours through Labor Day: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday (hours may vary per establishment).

For more information about the Pier's upcoming events and public health and safety measures, please click here.

Eurostar Hotel License Second Discipline Hearing on Wednesday, May 26

The City of Chicago Law Department recently filed a public nuisance disciplinary case against Eurostar Magnificent Mile Hotel, located at 660 North State Street, the details of which were reported in Reilly Reports on April 16, 2020.

Please click here to review the list of charges, which relate to specific incidents of public nuisance and noncompliance with COVID guidelines. These charges will be resolved via the Mayor’s License Discipline Commission (MLDC) at a “virtual” hearing.

The Rules and other information about the MLDC hearings being conducted on the Cisco Webex platform are available on BACP’s website here. If you wish to stay up to date on the matter, please use the information below to virtually access the meeting on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 9:30 AM.

Join by Video

Meeting Number: 187 915 6506

Passcode: 1234

Join by Phone: (312) 535-8110

Access Code: 187 915 6506

Please continue to report any issues requiring immediate Police attention in real-time by calling 9-1-1.

Pitch In for the Parks is Back!

Starting Tomorrow, May 22

Pitch In for the Parks is back for 2021! Join the Chicago Parks Foundation's citywide volunteer effort this season to help keep our city's parks clean and green. Last year, more than 2,000 volunteers stepped up for 350+ park clean-ups.

The Chicago Parks Foundation provides complimentary trash pick-up supplies for small groups to safely, independently host clean-up events at any of Chicago’s 600+ parks!

It's free, family-friendly, and anyone can host a clean-up group or join an event on CPF's calendar.

Kicking off at participating parks tomorrow, May 22, then continuing citywide June through October. Registration is open now!

Spring Boat Run Schedule

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

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has completed testing each bridge and will lift the movable bridges over the south and main branches of the Chicago River, allowing boats to safely and easily move into summer docking locations up and down the shoreline.

During boat runs, the bridges are raised sequentially, typically one at a time. Each bridge lift takes an average of eight to 12 minutes. Because of construction work on the Lake Shore Drive Bridge, the lift could take up to 45 minutes.

The spring 2021 bridge lift schedule is as follows:

Saturday, May 22, 8 a.m
Wednesday, May 26, 9:30 a.m.
**No Lift on Saturday, May 29*
Wednesday, June 2, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 5, 8 a.m.
Wednesday, June 9, 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, June 12, 8 a.m.
Wednesday, June 16, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 19, 8 a.m.
Wednesday, June 23, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 26, 8 a.m.
Wednesday, June 30, 9:30 a.m.

It typically takes about four hours for the boats to reach the lake and lift the 27 bridges. Please plan accordingly when getting around on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

CDOT Expands “Learn to Ride” Program Offering Free Bike-Riding Classes for Adults

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that in response to the growing interest in bicycle riding, it is expanding its “Learn to Ride” educational program for adults by adding more opportunities through an advanced level course, and also launching a new feature that will help adults “Learn to Commute.” This year’s first “Learn to Ride” class will be held June 1, and the public can sign up now for free classes taught by CDOT’s Streets Are For Everybody (SAFE) Ambassadors that are scheduled at three locations through the end of August.

All “Learn to Ride” classes are taught by CDOT’s SAFE Ambassadors, who are biking and safety experts, using bikes provided by CDOT’s Divvy bike share program. The classes are designed to help adults who have never ridden a bike, or haven’t ridden recently, to feel safe and comfortable riding a Divvy or any bike.

The two-hour class allows pre-registered participants to learn how to position themselves when riding in the bike lane, how to plan the safest routes before going on a ride, signaling and more. The course is designed to provide a better understanding of how to use a bike to get around Chicago.

Following are the dates, times and locations of the 2021 “Learn to Ride” classes:

Divvy Station at the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Avenue)

Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

June 1,8,15,22,29
July 6,13,20,27
August 3,10,17,24,31

Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon

June 12,26
July 10,24
August 7,21

Divvy Station next to the Greater West Town Training Partnership (500 N. Sacramento Boulevard)

Thursdays, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

June 3,10,17,24
July 1,8,15,22,29
August 5,12,19,26

Douglass (Anna and Frederick) Park (1401 S. Sacramento Drive)

Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon

June 5,19
July 3,17,31
August 14,28

For individuals 16 and older, who have successfully completed a “Learn to Ride” class and are looking to build confidence riding on the streets of Chicago, CDOT will be offering “Advanced Learn to Ride” classes at Seward Park, located at 375 W. Elm Street on the following dates from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.:

June 12,26
July 10,24
August 7,2

Free use of a Divvy bike is offered to participants, although they can also use their own bikes for all courses. Reservations are required and granted on a first-come, first-served basis for all courses. There are three ways to make a reservation:

complete this Google registration form;
send an email to sturner@samschwartz.com;
or leave a voicemail at 312-736-2534

To ensure the safety of all, CDC guidelines will be adhered to. SAFE instructors will be wearing face masks and practicing social distancing. Participants will be strongly encouraged to wear a mask and hand sanitizer will be available.

Adult participants who have pre-registered for the two-hour classes will receive a free helmet, subject to availability. The classes are also open to children with a guardian if space is available, however, children under 16 are required to bring their own bike. Interested participants under 5 feet 3 inches are strongly encouraged to bring their own bike, as Divvy bikes are most comfortable for riders 5’3” and taller.

For more information about the SAFE Ambassadors and details about “Learn to Ride,” click here.

Police Alerts and Community Notices

18th District Community Alert - Motor Vehicle Theft

CAPS Personal Safety Tips

Upcoming Events

ComEd 7th Annual Switch on Summer Event

Saturday, May 22

Get ready for ComEd’s 7th annual Switch on Summer, which celebrates the start of summer with the turning on of Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain! The virtual event will take place on Saturday, May 22 and for the first time in over a year, a ComEd sweepstakes winner will once again revive Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain with the flip of a switch – it could be you!

Enter today for your chance to flip the switch during ComEd’s annual Switch on Summer celebration and bring Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain to life for the 2021 summer season! All entries for the Switch on Summer Sweepstakes must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 16.

To enter the sweepstakes and learn more about Switch on Summer, please click here for more information.

BOMA Hosting Vaccine Clinic Throughout May

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Chicago will be hosting vaccine clinics at various downtown office buildings throughout the month of May. Walgreens will be administering these vaccines and are offering Pfizer, which requires a second dose. The shots are free and will be available for all eligible residents, including those 12 and older.

The shots will be administered Monday through Friday from 3:00-5:00pm starting May 17 to May 27 at the following locations:

Merchandise Mart

115 S. LaSalle Street

540 W. Madison Street

401 N. Michigan Avenue

150 N. Riverside Plaza

110 N. Wacker Drive

300 S. Riverside Plaza

500 W. Monroe Street

To schedule your vaccine appointment for BOMA's onsite events, follow these simple steps:

Register to schedule your appointment
Enter your email address and click first time registration
Complete your profile
Book a time for your appointment
After booking, you will receive an email confirming your appointment(s) and vaccination site location
To save time on the day of your appointment, complete the day-of vaccination assessment prior to arriving for your appointment.
To log into your patient portal and schedule / manage your appointment, please go to vaccine.walgreens.com.

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:

Wednesdays

Green City Market

1817 N. Clark St.

May 5–October 27, 7am–1pm

Thursdays

Daley Plaza City Market

50 W. Washington St.

May 27–September 30, 7am–2pm

South Loop Prairie District

1936 S. Michigan Ave.

June 17–September 30, 4–8 pm

Saturdays

Green City Market

1817 N. Clark St.

May 1–October 30, 7am–1pm

Division Street City Market

100 W. Division St.

May 15–October 30, 7am–12pm

Green City West Loop

115 S. Sangamon St.

June 5–October 30, 8am–1pm

Chicago Police Department Mental Health Awareness Webinars

Wednesday, May 26 at 4:00pm

Please join the 18th District Community Office (CAPS) and Hope for the Day on May 26 to discuss the ongoing concerns that face our community regarding mental health.

Learn tools for early recognition and intervention to disrupt the highest risk factors for mental health crisis and suicide in our communities.

The webinars will be held via Zoom, to join use Meeting ID: 821 0322 0328.

Please call the 18th District CAPS Office at (312) 742-5778 for any questions.

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 18th District will be hosting the following Zoom meetings this month, please email CAPS.018district@chicagopolice.org to register.

Beat 1831- May 25 at 5:00pm
Beat 1832 - May 25 at 6:00pm
Beat 1833 - May 27 at 5:00pm
Beat 1834 - May 27 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

Helicopter Lift: 307 N. Michigan Avenue

On Saturday, May 22, from 9am-11am, there will be a helicopter lift at 307 N. Michigan Avenue. During the lift, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian access:

Michigan, from Lake to Wacker
East South Water, from Wabash to Lower Stetson

There will be barricades, police officers, and detour signs in-place throughout the helicopter lift.

Crane Lift: 520 West Huron Street

On Monday, May 24, from 9am-5pm, there will be a crane lift at 520 West Huron Street. During the lift, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

Sidewalk on the north side of Huron, from Larrabee to a point 200' east thereof
Curb/traffic lane on the north side of Huron, from Larrabee to a point 200' east thereof
East and westbound traffic will be pushed to the curb lane on the south side of West Huron Street.

There will be barricades in-place and flaggers will be directing traffic.

Brown Line Repair Work

The Chicago Transit Authority will be repairing the Brown Line Elevated Track on North Franklin Street. While work is occurring, Franklin, between West Hubbard and West Illinois will be closed to vehicular traffic. Work will be conducted on Saturday, May 29 and Sunday May 30.

All work is subject to weather delays.

Tower Crane Jump: 300 N Michigan

On Friday, May 28 to Sunday, May 30, there will be a crane jump at 300 North Michigan Avenue. During the jump, the following will be closed:

curb lane/sidewalk on the west side of Michigan, from a point 90' north of Wacker Place to a point 50' north thereof

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

Crane Lift: 220 South State Street

On Saturday, June 5, from 8am-5pm, there will be a crane lift at 220 South State Street. During the lift the following will be closed:

Sidewalk on the west side of State, from Adams to Quincy
Curb Lane on the west side of State, from Adams to Quincy
Both southbound traffic lanes, from Adams to Jackson
One northbound traffic lane on State, from Quincy to Adams

Southbound traffic will be detoured from State Street to West Adams, to South Clark, to West Jackson, to South State. One northbound lane of traffic will remain open on State, between Quincy and Adams during the lift.

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

Filming in the Loop

Power Force

On Friday, May 28 at 11pm to Saturday, May 29 at 6am, Power Force will be filming scenes for an upcoming TV show at 600 South Columbus Drive. During the filming, the following will be closed to vehicular access:

Columbus Drive, from Ida B. Wells to Jackson Boulevard
Ida B. Wells, from Congress Plaza to Ida B. Wells

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brian Fairley (location manager) at 773-277-0346 or Billie Holiday (on-site coordinator) at 312-806-0783.

Ripple Effects

On Saturday, June 20, from 5am-4pm, Ripple Effects will be filming a scene for an upcoming TV show at North Wells and West Lake. During the filming, the following will be closed to vehicular traffic:

West Lake, from Post Place to LaSalle Street
North Wells, from West Wacker to West Randolph

On Saturday, June 27, from 6am-5pm, Ripple Effects will be filming scenes for an upcoming TV show in the Loop. During the filming, the following will be closed intermittently:

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

IJKL Construction Update

At the beginning of May, Lendlease Construction began Phase 1 of building Cascade’s turn-around behind the barricades and fencing at 455 East Waterside Drive. Barricades and fencing will remain in-place throughout this phase of the project. There will be no impact to traffic lanes on East Waterside Drive.

Demolition: 113 East Oak Street

At the end of May, Atlas will begin demolition of 113 East Oak Street. During the first week of the project, work hours will be 8am to 8pm. Work hours for the remainder of the demolition will be 8am to 5pm. Throughout the project, the following will be closed:

50’ of the sidewalk in front of 113 East Oak Street (the sidewalk will reopen each night after work is completed)
100’ of the curb lane in front of 113 East Oak Street (the sidewalk will reopen each night after work is completed

The demolition is expected to be completed by mid-July (weather dependent).

Crane Lift: Galter Pavilion

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

Thursday, June 17 to Sunday, June 20

During this time, the following will be closed:

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

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

MCI Infrastructure Relocation in Streeterville

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

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

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

Vaulted Sidewalk Fill-in: 600 W. Jackson

Starting at the beginning of May, 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 mid-June.

Vaulted Sidewalk Fill-in: 8 East Randolph

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

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

Lower Harbor Service Drive Restoration

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

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

RCN Infrastructure Relocation

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

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

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

South Water Street Viaduct Replacement

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

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

This project is expected to be completed in July 2021 (weather dependent).

354 North Union Construction

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

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

Renovations at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street

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

On Monday, April 19, canopies will be installed at the following locations:

South side of Randolph, from Michigan to a point 50' west thereof
West side of Michigan, from Randolph to a point 75' south thereof

The project is expected to be completed February 2022.

Construction: 609 West Randolph Street

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

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

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

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

Aon Plaza Renovations

Renovations on the Aon Plaza located at 200 East Randolph Street began in December 2020. Throughout the project, the sidewalk on Upper East Randolph Street in front of the plaza, and on Lower East Randolph Street, will be reduced to 6’.

The project is expected to be completed by August 2021 (weather dependent).

Construction: 61 West Erie Street

In November 2020, LG Construction began construction of a five-story, 28 unit apartment building at 61 West Erie Street. A small crane will be placed in the traffic lane in front of 61 W. Erie Street from Monday, March 15 to Tuesday, March 16. The crane will be removed while work is not occurring and the traffic lane will reopen.

Throughout the construction process, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

100' of sidewalk and curb lane in front of 61 W. Erie Street
The alley adjacent to the west side of 61 W. Erie Street

There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers in place for the duration of the project.

Façade Work: 160 North LaSalle Street

Bowa Construction began work in October 2020 to perform façade and cladding work at 160 North LaSalle Street. During the work, there will be scaffolding on the east, north, and south sides of the building.

All work is expected to be completed in June 2021.

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown

Until further notice, overnight parking will be restricted on the following streets during the weekend:

Both sides of Oak, between Michigan and Clark
South side of Oak, between LaSalle and Wells
Both sides of Chicago, between Michigan and Wells
Both sides of Ohio, between Michigan and Wells
Both sides of Hubbard, between Michigan and Wells
North side of Illinois, between Dearborn and Clark
Both sides of Illinois, between Wabash and Dearborn
Both sides of Rush, between Grand and Ohio
Both sides of Rush, between Erie and Oak
Both sides of Wabash, between the Chicago River and Grand
Both sides of State, between Kinzie and Oak
Both sides of Erie, from Rush to Wells
Both sides of Huron from Rush to Wabash
Both sides of New Street, from Illinois to North Water
Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Monroe to Balbo
North side of Wacker Drive, from Wabash to Michigan
North side of Wacker Drive, from Franklin to Columbus
Both sides of Wacker Drive, from State to Wabash
Both sides of Stetson, from Randolph to Wacker
Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Randolph to Wacker
Both sides of Beaubien Court, from Randolph to Lake
Both sides of Randolph, from Harbor to Michigan
Both sides of Ohio, from Michigan to Fairbanks

As always, please make sure to read all posted signage before parking your vehicle downtown.

One Chicago Square-1 W Chicago Pedestrian and Traffic Impacts

Although fencing is already in place for the sidewalk closure, pedestrians still have access to the sidewalk, but should exercise caution when walking by the construction site.

The Curb Lanes along Chicago, State, Superior, and Dearborn will remain a No Parking/Tow Zone throughout the project, to allow for demolition, and then the protected pedestrian walkway.

The sidewalk along the east side of Dearborn, from Superior to Chicago, has been closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians will be rerouted to the west side of Dearborn.

Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports as additional construction updates and closures will be announced.