April 16, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
My deepest and sincere condolences go to Adam Toledo’s parents and family. 

As Chicagoans express their grief and anger over the coming days, I want to echo the Toledo family’s plea for nonviolence and ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 
City of Chicago Files Public Nuisance Case Against Eurostar Hotel, 660 North State Street
A number of residents have contacted Alderman Reilly’s office with concerns regarding the Eurostar Magnificent Mile Hotel, located at 660 North State Street.  

Alderman Reilly began discussing these concerns about downtown hotels with the Illinois Hotel Lodging Association (IHLA), the Department of Business Affairs (BACP), and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) in July, 2020. As some residents may know, several downtown hotels have reduced their rates to an all-time low because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These low rates, coupled with the limited hours and capacity of downtown entertainment venues, have transformed hotels into convenient alternatives to bars and restaurants.  

Eurostar Hotel was identified as a “hotspot” location based on numerous reports our office received of large gatherings, guests throwing bottles from balconies, lighting fires on balconies, and not enforcing proper safety protocols or other COVID-19 restrictions. Most alarming was a recent media report that a CPD traffic stop in River North led to the arrests of 6 individuals for handgun possession; these individuals were all guests of the Eurostar Hotel.  

Because of the deleterious impact the business has had on the River North community, Alderman Reilly formally requested that the BACP and CPD conduct task force investigations of the Eurostar Hotel. 

Between March, 2020 and March, 2021, the BACP conducted 11 task force inspections at the hotel, and issued numerous citations for violations of Chicago Municipal Code and COVID-19 guidance.  

Based on BACP’s inspection results, and the Hotel’s continued disregard for public safety, the Law Department filed a public nuisance case against the Eurostar Hotel. 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, April 28, 2021 at 9:30 AM. 

Join by Video (Webex Link)
Meeting Number: 187 840 0346 
Passcode: 1234 
Join by Phone: (312) 535-8110 
Access Code: 187 840 0346 

Please continue to report any issues requiring immediate Police attention in real-time by calling 9-1-1. 
Important Announcements and Updates
Alderman Reilly and Commissioner Degnen to Host Electronics Recycling Event Next Saturday, April 24!
Located at 360 E. North Water Street (between New and McClurg)
Alderman Reilly and Commissioner Degnen are hosting an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, April 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at 360 East North Water Street (North side of North Water Street, between New Street and McClurg Court). Acceptable electronics include:

  • cables and computers
  • DVD and VCR players
  • microwaves and small appliances
  • TV's and satellite dishes
  • printers and fax machines

Representatives from Alderman Reilly and Commissioner Degnen’s Offices will be present to address concerns or questions regarding city or county related matters.

We look forward to seeing you at the Electronics Recycling Event!
CDPH Update: All Chicagoans 16 and Older Eligible for Vaccines Starting Monday, April 19 and Pausing Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations 
On Monday, April 19, all Chicagoans, age 16 and older, will be eligible to receive a COVID vaccine. As a reminder, the best way to get vaccinated is by calling your doctor, health clinic, community health center, or hospital where you receive primary healthcare services. If you do not have a healthcare provider, go to Zocdoc (the City’s vaccine appointment tool) or Chicago.gov/VaccineFinder to find a vaccine provider nearby. 

As cases continue to rise, CDPH encourages all Chicagoans to receive the vaccine as soon as they are eligible and able. The City has been making significant progress in its vaccination efforts and the data below shows the percentages of Chicago residents who have received all doses required to be considered fully vaccinated over time. This means that they have had both doses of a two-dose vaccine or a single dose of a one-dose vaccine. 
Vaccine safety is always the Chicago Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) top priority. In accordance with a recommendation from the CDC and FDA, the City of Chicago has paused administering the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine as of April 13 while federal health officials complete a review. 

This was done out of an abundance of caution due to six cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the United States, out of over 6.8 million doses given. Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare. CDPH is not aware of any cases locally. 

A key reason for the pause is to ensure that doctors know to use the correct treatment for this type of blood clot. The treatment of this specific type of blood clot is different from the treatment that might typically be used. Usually, an anticoagulant drug called heparin is used to treat blood clots. In this type of blood clot, using heparin may be dangerous, and alternative treatments need to be given. 

All indications are that this is incredibly rare, in this instance around 1 in a million. This pause shows our vaccine safety surveillance system is working. 

FAQs 

Q: Why is CDPH pausing use of J&J vaccine? 
Federal agencies are investigating very rare reports of a severe type of blood clot with low platelets that occurred in 6 individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine, among nearly 7 million people who have received J&J across the U.S. We are not aware of any local cases. 

Q: I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, what should I do? 
We understand that this news may cause concern. Millions of people have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with no serious side effects. Serious reactions are extremely rare. 

  • For people who got the vaccine more than a month ago, the risk is very low at this time. 
  • For people who recently got the vaccine—within the last few weeks—they should be aware of any symptoms. 
  • If you have received the vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath, contact your healthcare provider and seek medical treatment. 

Q: Are Pfizer and Moderna vaccines also impacted? 
The adverse incidents being investigated do not affect Pfizer or Moderna vaccines in any way. More than 180 million doses have been administered and we are not seeing these events with the other two vaccines. 

People who have vaccine appointments with the other two vaccines should continue with their appointment. Vaccination remains critical to protect Chicagoans from COVID-19. 

Q: How does this impact vaccine operations in Chicago? 
The following programs previously using J&J vaccine are now resuming with the following changes: 

  • Chicago State University – switched to Pfizer vaccine for all appointments as of April 14. People who previously had J&J appointments can keep the appointment but will receive Pfizer instead, along with being scheduled for a second dose. 
  • United Center - will continue to offer Pfizer, and not switch to J&J as planned. Appointment scheduling resumed today, April 16 and appointments will begin on Tuesday, April 20. 
  • Walgreens Faith Month- will use the Pfizer vaccine this weekend.  
  • Protect Chicago Homebound Program - switched to Pfizer vaccine and appointments resumed today, April 16.  
  • O’Hare Airport POD - this site will not reopen. Anyone with a previously scheduled appointment will be invited for vaccination at Wright College or United Center. Additional special events will be scheduled for MDW and ORD employees. 
  • Chicago Federation of Labor Site - changed to Pfizer and Moderna, but will be limited to 1,200 doses per week. Appointments will resume Monday, April 19. 
  • CDPH/CTA Vaccination Bus - will remain paused for now.  
  • Illinois Restaurant Association Event - on hold until the week of April 26. Vaccine type to be determined at that time. 

All other vaccination sites in Chicago that use Pfizer or Moderna vaccine will operate as normal.

Q: How many people in Chicago will be impacted by this J&J vaccine pause? 
In total, CDPH was scheduled to distribute approximately 13,000 doses of J&J vaccine this week.  

Q: How can I learn more? 
The CDC and FDA held a public briefing at 10 am CT on April 13 (you can watch it here). Dr. Allison Arwady, Commissioner of the CDPH also discussed J & J on her weekly Facebook Live and at a press conference on April 13. 

Q: What does the CDC and FDA review entail? 
CDC convened a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on April 14 to further review these cases and their potential significance. FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases. Until that process is complete (7 to 10 days), they recommend a pause in the use of J&J vaccine out of an abundance of caution. 

How many doses of J&J have been administered locally? 
Approximately 42,500 doses have been administered in the city of Chicago (including to residents and nonresidents). Approximately 47,700 Chicagoans have received a J&J vaccine (included doses administered both in and outside the city limits). 

How many J&J vaccines have been administered nationally? 
As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. 

For more information about COVID-19 in Chicago and the City's vaccination plan, please visit CDPH's website.
Spring Boat Runs Start Tomorrow, April 17
The City of Chicago will begin the first of its annual spring sail boat runs for tomorrow, Saturday, April 17, with the raising of 27 bridges from S. Ashland Ave. to Lake Shore Drive. The annual boat runs allow recreational sail boats to move from boat storage yards to harbors in Lake Michigan. Chicago’s harbors will open 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, April 17, 8 a.m.  
  • Wednesday, April 21, 9:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, April 24, 8 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, April 28, 9:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, May l, 8 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, May 5, 9:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, May 8, 8 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, May 12, 9:30 a.m. 
  • Saturday, May 15, 8 a.m. 
  • Wednesday, May 19, 9:30 a.m. 
  • 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.
Loop Neighborhood Notice: Alderman King (4th) and DPD Hosting Community Meeting for Development Proposals at Plymouth Court and Van Buren Street
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Ald. Sophia King (4th) will co-host a town hall meeting to review development proposals for City-owned land at the northeast corner of Plymouth Court and Van Buren Street in The Loop.  

The 16,000-square-foot site was subject to a DPD Request for Proposals (RFP) issued in 2020 through the C40 Reinventing Cities competition. Four teams (below) are actively bidding to redevelop the property with a mix of uses. 


The City’s pending selection of a winner is expected to be Chicago’s first net-zero carbon high-rise, a highly efficient building that operates on carbon-free renewable energy. Due to the site’s nearby public transportation options, each project is proposing zero parking. Each is also maximizing its proximity to adjacent Pritzker Park through coordinated site planning and funding for physical improvements. 

The public meeting to review the four proposals will be held via Zoom from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 3. To register for the webinar, please click here. A public survey is also available through Sunday, May 16, to help stakeholders provide input on each proposed project. 

The winning proposal is expected to be selected this spring. A formal review and approval process will follow, including public hearings for potential zoning changes and the sale terms for the property. 

While this proposal is in the 4th Ward, this location is just one block south of the 42nd Ward boundary. Alderman Reilly encourages nearby 42nd Ward neighbors to learn more about the proposals and share their feedback.  

42nd Ward residents and members of the public are welcome to email questions for the meeting ahead of time to [email protected] and [email protected].  
OEMC Reminds Residents April is National 9-1-1 Education Month
The National 9-1-1 Education Month program encourages everyone to learn how callers can help 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers provide the appropriate resources to Chicagoans and visitors in emergency situations.  

Often callers are in distress, which may cause frustration with the information-gathering being done by 9-1-1 personnel. It’s important to know before an urgent situation occurs how to provide the important information need to save lives.  

Tips for Calling 9-1-1  

Sign up for SMART911 at www.SMART911.com or via the mobile app: Why is this helpful?  
  • Save Time - Smart911 is a free, voluntary and secure service that allows individuals and families to provide personal, medical, or situational information when they call 9-1-1 to help first responders rapidly assist in the case of an emergency. The Smart911 profile you create is displayed to the call taker when you call 9-1-1 from the registered phone number.  
  • Help with Location - Because most 9-1-1 calls are made from cell phones today and by providing home address in the profile, the call taker can possibly better verify the location of the incident when time is of the essence.  
  • Prepare First Responder - In COVID-19 times, by including vaccination data and other household information, the first responders can know vital information prior to arrival.  
  • Get Resources Needed - Medical details and conditions such as allergies, medicines, mental health situations and autism can be provided which can help to get the resources needed. Residents can also sign up for a safety profile in ANY language and indicate that they or someone in the household has difficulty communicating in English. 9-1-1 will know to connect them with an interpreter ASAP in an emergency.  
  • Save Your Pet - Do you share your home with pets? This information can assist firefighters in their search to bring everyone, including your pets, to safety.  

Know your location: Did you know that cell phones do not give exact locations?  
  • Cell phones ping off the nearest cell tower from where you are calling from and that’s why it’s important to provide call-takers with your exact location.   
  • It’s helpful to give landmarks, such as buildings, parks or cross streets, etc. to identify where you are since the call taker may not automatically know your location.  

Call first, then Text: Although an initial text to 9-1-1 is not yet available in Chicago, the 9-1-1 system can receive voice communications and then enter text conversation BUT only when your call is answered by a call taker first.   

Try to stay calm, listen carefully: Do your best to remain calm, give as much information as you can and follow all instructions. In an emergency, seconds matter, so being knowledgeable and prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to expect when you call 9-1-1 can help reduce fear and feelings of helplessness in an emergency. 

Know how to give information: Give detailed description of situation/offenders, etc. including sex, age, height, weight, clothing, tattoos, scars/marks, hair, face, or complexion. Describe vehicles such as make, color, plate number or direction of escape.  

Teach kids about 9-1-1: Educate children about calling 9-1-1 including: listening to instructions, knowing their address and floor/apartment number, any medical conditions of those in the home, and understanding that they should not hang up until the call taker tells them. Also, teach kids about the seriousness of prank calling 9-1-1.   

Did you know?  

  • Any person reporting a crime – who is not a victim - may inform the call-taker that he/she wishes to remain anonymous. 
  • You can send a follow-up picture to 9-1-1 from your cell phone AFTER you call 9-1-1 for an emergency.  
  • Call 3-1-1 to report a situation that does not pose an immediate threat to life, bodily injury or major property damage or loss, to file a police report, report a situation that does not require an immediate police response including pick-pocketing, auto theft, etc. or to report other offenses when the suspect is no longer at the scene.  
  • If 9-1-1 is accidentally called, it’s important to stay on the line and tell the call taker that you do not have an emergency. Call takers will typically call back a number that is a hang-up, so let them know it was a non-intentional call.  
  • A wireless phone with no active service can still call 9-1-1 so don’t give old phones to children as toys.  

For additional information, visit OEMC’s website to learn more. 
Wear A Mask! Protect Yourself and Others
Earlier this week the CDC published updated guidance on mask usage. Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but not all masks provide the same protection. When choosing a mask, look at how well it fits, how well it filters the air, and how many layers it has. 
DO
Choose a mask with a nose wire  

  • A nose wire is a metal strip along the top of the mask. 
  • Nose wires prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. 
  • Bend the nose wire over your nose to fit close to your face. 
Use a mask fitter or brace  

  • Use a mask fitter or brace over a disposable mask or a cloth mask to prevent air from leaking around the edges of the mask. 
  • A mask should fit snugly against the sides of your face and not have gaps.
Check that it fits snugly over your nose, mouth, and chin  

  • Check for gaps by cupping your hands around the outside edges of the mask. 
  • Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask.
  • If the mask has a good fit, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and may be able to see the mask material move in and out with each breath. 
Add layers of material  

  • Use a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric. 
  • Wear one disposable mask underneath a cloth mask (the second mask should push the edges of the inner mask against your face). 
DO NOT
Combine two disposable masks  

  • Disposable masks are not designed to fit tightly and wearing more than one will not improve fit. 
Combine a KN95 mask with any other mask 

  • Only use one KN95 mask at a time.
  • KN95 masks are a type of filtering facepiece respirator that are commonly made in China and similar to N95 masks commonly used in the United States.  
  • BE AWARE: About 60% of KN95 masks in the United States are counterfeit (fake) and DO NOT meet NIOSH requirements.
Finally, the CDC recommends you do NOT touch the mask when wearing it. If you have to often touch/adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit you properly, and you may need to find a different mask or make adjustments.

As a reminder during these cold winter months, scarves, ski masks, etc. are not substitutes for masks. More information about mask guidance can be found on the CDC's website.
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
Earth Week Mini Film Festival
April 19-25, 2021
You’re invited to watch 6 feature-length films and 14 short films that shine a light on the most important issues of our time. Learn solutions and actions addressing climate, environmental justice, waste, water and more. Watch online from the comfort of your own home, and participate in filmmaker and expert Q&As.

This event is hosted by One Earth Film Festival and the City of Chicago. For more information about the films and ways to take action, please click here.
Chicago Citywide Clean & Green
Saturday, April 24, 2021
On Saturday, April 24, you and your neighbors can make an immediate difference in your community by volunteering for Chicago's citywide Clean & Green Day of Service.

Clean & Green is a great opportunity for residents, school groups and community organizations to team up and beautify areas in their neighborhood. The City will provide brooms, rakes, shovels, and bags needed for the clean-up projects.

Please practice physical distancing and wear face coverings in compliance with CDC guidelines. To register, please call 3-1-1 or visit CHI 311 by April 19, 2021.
Garfield Conservatory Spring Flower Show: Saturation
Now through Sunday, May 9
Recently ranked the number one garden in North America by Yelp, the Garfield Park Conservatory is now open again for visitors! The Garfield Park Conservatory’s 2021 Spring Flower Show “Saturation” will be on display Saturday, February 27 through Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9.
This year’s show will immerse visitors in virtually the entire spectrum in the rainbow. Instead of typical garden design which incorporates different colors scattered throughout the landscape, Saturation concentrates groups of blooming flowers so that visitors will be able to see and understand the wide range of hues and tints within each color and enjoy their vivid, rich and intense nuances. 

For more information, please click here.
Live from the Library!
Weekdays at 10:00am
Watch story times with Chicagoans you know and love at Live from the Library! See a new reader at 10 a.m. every weekday, or browse past story times on Facebook Live. Guest readers include Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Tweedy, as well as Chicago Public Library (CPL) children's librarians.

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

Attention Residents: New in 2021, each beat will be hosting its own meeting, departing from the sector model. They will also be virtual (via Zoom) until further notice.

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

  • Beat 111 - May 3 at 3:00pm
  • Beat 113 - May 5 at 3:00pm
  • Beat 121 - May 11 at 3:00pm

The 18th District will be hosting the following Zoom meetings this month, please email [email protected] to register.
  • Beat 1824 - May 20 at 6:00pm
  • 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
Crane Lift: 20 South Clark Street

On Friday, April 16 to Sunday, April 18 there will be a crane lift at 20 South Clark Street. Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. During the lift, South Clark Street, between West Monroe Street and West Madison Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, with the exception of the east curb lane. The east curb lane will be used for southbound traffic. 

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

Crane Lift: 900 North Michigan Avenue

On Friday, April 16 to Sunday, April 18, there will be a crane lift at 900 North Michigan Avenue. During the lift, North Rush, between East Delaware and East Walton will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Throughout the project, barricades, detour signs, and traffic control will be on-site. 

Chicago Med and Chicago PD Filming Downtown Next Week

111 N. Wabash Avenue
On Tuesday, April 20, Chicago PD will be filming scenes at 111 N. Wabash Avenue for an upcoming TV show. During the filming, packing will be restricted at the following locations:
 
  • Both sides of Wabash, from Washington to Randolph (April 20, at 12pm to April 21, at 1am)
  • North side of Washington, from State to Michigan (April 20, at 6pm to April 21, at 1am)
 
Additionally, there will be intermittent traffic closures on Tuesday, April 20, from 7am-11pm, along Wabash, from State to Michigan.
 
Millennium Park
On Wednesday, April 21, Chicago PD will be filming scenes for an upcoming TV show at Millennium Park. During the filming, parking will be restricted at the following location:
 
  • North side of Monroe, from Columbus to Michigan 

Kinzie Street Bridge
On Thursday, April 22, from 5pm to 9pm, Chicago Med will be filming a scene on the Kinzie Street Bridge. During the filming, Kinzie Street, between North Canal and North Kingsbury will be closed to vehicular traffic. Motorists will be detoured to the Grand Avenue and Lake Street Bridges. 

If you have any questions about the above notices, please contact Patrick Muldoon (Location Manager) at 773-277-8044 or Amanda Lancour (On-site Coordinator) at 917-601-2229.

Crane Lift: 247 East Ontario Street
 
On Wednesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 28, from 9am to 4pm, there will be crane lifts at 247 East Ontario Street . During the lifts, the following would be closed:

  • Curb/traffic lane on the westside of Fairbanks, from Ontario to a point 100' south thereof
  • Sidewalk on the westside of Fairbanks, from Ontario to appoint 100' south thereof

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

Madison Street Bridge Repairs
 
On Friday, April 23 at 6am to Monday, April 26 at 6pm, the Madison Street Bridge will be closed while the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) completes concrete bridge repairs. 
 
  • Detour: Westbound Madison Street to Southbound Wacker Drive, to Westbound Adams Street, to Northbound Canal Street, and back to Westbound Madison Street

Crane Lift: Galter Pavilion

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

  • Thursday, April 22 to Sunday, April 25
  • Thursday, June 17 to Sunday, June 20

During both lifts, the following will be closed:

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

Crane Lift: 68 East Oak Street
 
On Tuesday, April 27 at 8pm to Wednesday,, April 28 at 3am, there will be a crane lift at 68 East Oak Street. During the lift, Oak Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, and motorists will be detoured at Oak/Rush and Oak/Michigan to East Cedar Street. 
 
There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers on-site throughout this lift. 

Temporary CTA Bus Stop Elimination

The following bus stop change will take effect on Monday, April 12, at 9am:

  • Michigan at Superior (southbound, nearside)—Temporary bus stop elimination (Stop ID Number: 14488)
  • Route Stopping: #3 – King Drive, #10 – Museum of S & I, #26 – South Shore Express, #125 – Water Tower Express, #143 –Stockton/Michigan Express, #146 – Inner Drive/Michigan Express, #147 – Outer Drive Express, #148 – Clarendon/Michigan Express, #151 – Sheridan
 
Regular service is expected to return on Friday, April 30. 

MCI Infrastructure Relocation in Streeterville

Starting Monday, April 5, MCI will be 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 early 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, 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 beginning of May 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. 

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.