August 6, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
Council Resolution Calling for
Drag Racing & Motorcycle Noise Hearings

Alderman Reilly is extremely frustrated with the large groups of motorcycles and drag racers who continue to disrupt quality-of-life for 42nd Ward residents, and the lack of enforcement of Municipal Code and State of Illinois Vehicle Code Statutes.

The Alderman is pleased to announce he has co-sponsored a City Council Resolution (R2021-787) calling for the Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings with the Chicago Police Department, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, and Chicago Department of Transportation to discuss dangerous drag racing and drifting and motorcycle noise.

The City Council Resolution was introduced at the Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 21. Please click here to be directed to the Council Resolution.

Since the Alderman took office, he has been committed to combatting motorcycle noise and dangerous drag racing and drifting, and has taken a number of steps to amend Chicago Municipal Code as well as local infrastructure to deter drag racing. 
 
In 2014, Alderman Reilly secured City Council approval for his Altered Motorcycle Muffler Ordinance, which amended Municipal Code to allow the Chicago Police Department to issue citations for altered mufflers without cooperation and coordination with the Illinois State Police. In addition to improving the CPD's ability to enforce Municipal Code, the amendment increased the fines for operating a motorcycle without a muffler from $100 to $1,000 per incident. 
 
On July 24, 2019, Alderman Reilly secured City Council approval for his Drag Racing and Drifting Ordinance (O219-3944), which increases the fine for drag racing and drifting to no less than $5,000 and no more than $10,000 for each offense. The ordinance also establishes a $500 fine for operating a motor vehicle with an altered muffler within the City of Chicago.
 
In April 2021, the Alderman and several colleagues secured City Council approval for a new ordinance (O2021-363) which adds several issues to the list of Code violations punishable by impoundment of a vehicle. This new ordinance allows the Chicago Police Department to impound vehicles for the following offenses: 
 
  • Drifting on any street, highway, or other public way in the City (9-12-100) 
  • Operation of a non-highway vehicle upon any street, highway, roadway, or any public property in the City (9-12-110) 
  • Operating a motor vehicle equipped with prohibited plate covers or other coverings that obstruct the visibility of the plate. (9-76-160) 
 
Throughout his tenure as 42nd Ward Alderman, Alderman Reilly has used the Aldermanic Menu to fund the installation of speed humps, curb extension, jersey barriers, and Police Department cameras to prevent dangerous drag racing and drifting. Additionally, the Alderman established a “No Cruising Zone” and late-night “No Parking/No Standing/No Stopping Tow Zone” along Lower Lower Wacker Drive, between Stetson and Field Boulevard. 
 
If you witness dangerous driving or vehicles violating the noise ordinance, please call 9-1-1 in real-time.
 
Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates regarding the Council Resolution calling for public hearings with the Chicago Police Department, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, and Chicago Department of Transportation to discuss dangerous drag racing and drifting and motorcycle noise.
Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) to Consider 42nd Ward Development Proposals on Thursday, August 19th
On Thursday, August 19, at 10:00am, the Chicago Plan Commission (CPC) will host a virtual meeting to review proposed applications and/or amendments, including two proposals within the 42nd Ward, detailed below. Rules for public participation in virtual meetings are now available. A link to live stream the meeting will be added to CPC’s website on August 19.
 
525 South Wabash
 
A proposed planned development and a proposed Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance Application, submitted by Eterra Plus LLC, for the property generally located at 525 S. Wabash Avenue, within the Private-Use Zone of the Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection District.
 
This project was previously set to be heard by CPC in February 2021, until the Developer withdrew their application.
 
The previous version was to construct a mixed-use residential and hotel development consisting of a 23-story and a 36-story tower connected by a commercial and parking base, totaling 777 residential units, 314 hotel keys, 42,000 square feet of commercial space, amenity space, and 151 accessory parking spaces. 
 
The Developer has since secured PODs to operate the hotel portion of the site, and have slightly modified their proposal as a result. The zoning and associated FAR remain unchanged from the previous version, however, the north tower is 1 floor taller, and a little thinner as a result of the new operator. The project now consists of a 24-story and a 36-story tower connected by a commercial and parking base, totaling 777 residential units, 405 hotel keys, 41,000 square feet of commercial space, amenity space, and 151 accessory parking spaces.
 
Please click the following links to review an updated Presentation Deck and Traffic Study addendum.
 
601 West Monroe
 
A proposed Residential-Business Planned Development, submitted by Jamal Properties (601 W. Monroe) Inc., for the property generally located at 601 West Monroe Street. The applicant is proposing to rezone the site from DC-12 (Downtown Core District) to a Residential-Business Planned Development to construct a mixed-use, two-phased development, consisting of two towers containing a total of 1,053 residential units, 430 accessory vehicular parking spaces, and ground floor commercial space. The first phase (Subarea A) is proposed to include a 535’-tall tower with 537 residential units, 400 accessory vehicular parking spaces, and ground floor commercial space. The second phase (Subarea B) is proposed to include a 465’-tall tower with 516 residential units, 30 accessory vehicular parking spaces, and ground floor commercial space.
 
As a result of Alderman Reilly’s robust and transparent community review process, the proposal now includes a 3,000 square foot dog park adjacent to Heritage Green Park to serve as a neighborhood amenity. Furthermore, the developer came to an agreement with their neighbors (Francis Xavier Warde School and Old St. Pat’s Church) about how they will execute construction logistics to minimize the negative impact on their operations. The project also proposes to widen sidewalks along Desplaines Street by approximately 4’.
 
This project was last communicated in Reilly Reports on June 18, 2021. To learn more about this proposal, please click here.
 
Should the Plan Commission recommend approving these proposals, the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards will then review them at a subsequent public meeting, before being referred to the City Council for a final vote.
Hire Chicago

BACP is excited to share information about Hire Chicago, a one-of-a-kind hybrid hiring event! Presented by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, World Business Chicago and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Hire Chicago will provide employers the opportunity to find the diverse talent pipeline they need to remain competitive and real opportunities for Chicagoans to pursue their passions through free virtual career exploration, learning, and hiring events.

If you are currently seeking to fill positions at your company, Hire Chicago can connect you to the talent you need. Each week, through the week of Monday, August 30, will focus on one of Chicago’s high-demand, high-growth industries:

  • Week of August 9: Food Service/Hospitality and Tourism
  • Week of August 16: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TDL)
  • Week of August 23: Healthcare
  • Week of August 30: Technology

There is no charge to participate, and job seekers can interview with as many employers as they desire. If you are interested in participating in Hire Chicago, please visit HireChicago2021.org to register!

City of Chicago Budget Engagement Forums
Join the Office of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Chicago's Office of Budget and Management at the 2022 Budget Engagement Forums taking place during the month of August.
 
The 2022 Budget Engagement Forums will update the public on key initiatives including the upcoming 2022 budget, and receive feedback and suggestions from residents on the City's budget recommendations.
 
The meetings will begin with presentations from Budget Director Susie Park and other City leaders, provide an opportunity for residents to work in small group sessions, and end with time for public comment. 
 
The doors will open an hour before the Forum begins for a City department resource fair that will provide information on City services and programs for the public. The Budget Engagement Forums will be live-streamed on the City of Chicago’s social media channels.
 
South Side 2022 Budget Engagement Forum
August 7th, 10 AM-12 PM
XS Tennis and Education Foundation
5336 S State St, Chicago, IL 60609
 
West Side 2022 Budget Engagement Forum
August 11th, 6 PM-8 PM
Malcolm X College Gymnasium
1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
 
North Side 2022 Budget Engagement Forum
August 12th, 6 PM-8 PM
Truman College
1145 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
 
Registration and masks are required. To learn more and register for one of the three Engagement Forums, go to: www.tinyurl.com/budgetengagementforumCHI

Information on the community engagement efforts conducted to date, results of the roundtables and community leader meetings, and information on the upcoming town halls can also be found at Chicago.gov/2022budget.
 
Important Announcements and Updates
Chicago In Tune Festival
August 19 - September 19
It’s finally here! Chicago In Tune (August 19 – September 19) is a new citywide festival celebrating music in the key of Chicago — during the 2021 Year of Chicago Music. This month of music will bring iconic neighborhood venues, presenting organizations and musicians from across the city together to celebrate all music genres and forms — with both large and small, free and ticketed events at clubs, concert halls and beyond.

You’ll find the most comprehensive listing of shows at Do312.com/ChicagoInTune — and event highlights in a festival guide inserted in the August 19 edition of the Chicago Reader.
Volunteer Opportunity in the 42nd Ward
Almost Home Kids (AHK) is a short-term community-based pediatric healthcare center that brings together medical professionals, recreational volunteers, community providers, sponsors, donors, friends, corporate and civic partners. Open since 2012, AHK is licensed by the Department of Public Health and located at 211 E. Grand Ave (on the 6th floor of the Ronald McDonald House).

Almost Home Kids provides a bridge from hospital to home for children with medical complexities by: educating and empowering families with the training, skills and confidence needed to care for their child in their own home; coordinating all the community-based medical and social services the child and family will need and providing respite care when needed in a home-like setting.

At this time, they are recruiting volunteers that are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to join their volunteer team. They especially need weekend-only volunteers in Chicago.

As a recreational volunteer you will help with activities with the children such as playing a game, reading a book or just simply rocking a baby to sleep. Opportunities are available 7 days a week for a 2-hour shift commitment each time. You can self-select your shifts making it very flexible and convenient.

Please reach out to Lisa Snow, Community Outreach Coordinator at lsnow@almosthomekids.org or call her at (630) 786-1755 to learn more about how to sign up for an orientation and make a difference at Almost Home Kids.
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
Movies in the Parks Summer Schedule
(image courtesy of the Chicago Park District)  

The big screen in your backyard, Movies in the Parks returns this summer, bringing Hollywood movies and local films to local parks for the twentieth season. Join us in-person at the parks for classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood and retro childhood favorites, to the best family-friendly box office favorites from recent years. 

The Chicago Park District strives to bring the best possible entertainment and events to your parks, while adhering to and modeling all current, relevant COVID safety and mitigation strategies as recommended or required by local, state and federal guidelines. Below is a schedule of movies that will be shown in or near parks in the 42nd Ward throughout the summer.  

Millennium Park  
201 E. Randolph Street (Jay Pritzker Pavilion)  

  • Tuesday, August 24 at 6:00pm – The Wiz  
  • Tuesday, August 31 at 6:00pm – The Dark Knight  

Navy Pier  
600 E. Grand Avenue (Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park)  

  • Monday, August 9 at 6:30pm – Cars 3  
  • Thursday, August 12 at 6:30pm – Stranger Than Fiction  
  • Monday, August 16 at 6:30pm – A League of Their Own  
  • Thursday, August 19 at 6:30pm – Bridesmaids  
  • Monday, August 23 at 6:30pm – Invictus  
  • Thursday, August 26 at 6:30pm – When Harry Met Sally  
  • Monday, August 30 at 6:30pm – Rocky IV  

Lake Shore Park  
808 N. Lake Shore Drive 

  • Saturday, August 14 at 8:15pm – Casablanca  
  • Wednesday, September 1 at 8:00pm – The Lion King 

Bartelme (Mary) Park  
115 S. Sangamon Street  

  • Saturday, August 28 at 8:00pm – Clueless  

All movies begin at dusk. If you're unsure when dusk is, visit any weather site to see the time of dusk each day. Call (312) 742-1134 for daily listings and weather-related cancellations. For more information and updates, please visit https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/movies
Grant Park Music Festival
July 2 - August 21
The Grant Park Music Festival is thrilled to present another season of world-class music-making—free of charge—on Chicago's lakefront. In accordance with Phase 5 regulations to safely and fully reopen the city, all Grant Park Music Festival concerts at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion will be restored to full seating capacity this summer. As such, no reservations are required, and seating on the Great Lawn and in the Seating Bowl is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
(photo courtesy of DCASE) 

The 2021 lineup includes Festival favorites, like the Grieg Piano Concerto, the New World Symphony, the William Tell Overture, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun plus plenty of family fun with Carnival of the Animals, Classic Broadway and the annual Independence Day Salute

Outside food or drink, including beer and wine, is welcome at the Pritzker Pavilion for all Festival concerts (excluding the Independence Day Salute, where it is available for purchase at Millennium Park concession tents). 

Seating in the bowl is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and drinks are welcome in the Seating Bowl. Coolers and picnic baskets should be stored under your seat during the concert and cannot block the aisles. 

A full calendar of events can be found here and for more information about the Grant Park Music Festival, please visit their website
Millennium Park Summer Workouts
July 3 - August 28
Millennium Park Summer Workouts will return in-person on the Great Lawn featuring Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates, and Zumba. Detailed schedule for Saturday mornings will be as follows:

  • Tai Chi 8:30-9:15am
  • Yoga 9:30-10:15am
  • Pilates 10:30-11:15am
  • Zumba 11:30-12:15pm

These workouts will be hosted every Saturday through August 28. Please click here to view the full schedule.
Free Museum Days this Summer
The 42nd Ward is home to (and near) several world-class museums! Check out the following museums free admission days below.

The Field Museum
Active military personnel and Illinois teachers receive complimentary admission.
  • August 23

Museum of Contemporary Art
  • While suggested fees are posted, the MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy—no visitors are turned away.

Museum of Science and Industry
  • August 11
  • September 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30

2021 Chicago City Markets

Chicago City Markets sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products and rare finds – at Chicago’s longest running farmers market on Daley Plaza, the historic Maxwell Street Market and a dozen more community markets in neighborhoods across Chicago.

These markets are typically open from May to October. Below is more information about participating markets in or near the 42nd Ward:
Tuesdays
220 E. Chicago Ave.
June 1 - October 26, 7am - 2pm

Wednesdays
1817 N. Clark St.
May 5–October 27, 7am–1pm

Thursdays
50 W. Washington St.
May 27–September 30, 7am–2pm

1936 S. Michigan Ave.
June 17–September 30, 4–8 pm
Saturdays
1817 N. Clark St.
May 1–October 30, 7am–1pm

100 W. Division St.
May 15–October 30, 7am–12pm

115 S. Sangamon St.
June 5–October 30, 8am–1pm
U.S. Navy Blue Angels in Chicago August 21-22
There will be new and reimagined air show events in August in place of this year's Chicago Air and Water Show. City of Chicago presents the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be a special solo demonstration by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels along the lakefront on August 21 & 22 from 12–1pm. (On August 20, practice runs from 10am–2pm.) The best viewing locations along the lakefront are between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue.  

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country.
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 - please contact the District in advance to register for the virtual meeting.

  • Beat 122 - August 9 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, CAPS.001District@chicagopolice.org
12th District: 312-746-8396, CAPS.012District@chicagopolice.org
18th District: 312-742-5870, CAPS.018District@chicagopolice.org

To find your district and beat, please click here.
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
Over the Edge for Wishes

On Saturday, August 6, from 8am-8pm, an event called Over the Edge for Wishes will occur at the Hyatt Regency Chicago located at 151 N. Upper Wacker Drive. Participants will be rappelling down the north side of the building.

Throughout the event, the sidewalk on the south side of Upper Wacker Drive, from North Stetson Avenue to North Columbus Drive will be closed.

Street Resurfacing: West Superior Street

On Monday, August 9 to Wednesday, August 11, Power Construction will be resurfacing West Superior Street, from North Dearborn Street to a point 20' west of North State Street.

There may be traffic delays throughout the resurfacing project. Power Construction will have flaggers in-place throughout the project.

Meet Me on the Mile

On Sunday, August 15, from 9am-5pm, the Magnificent Mile Association will be hosting a street festival on North Michigan Avenue. Throughout the event, the following will be closed to vehicular traffic:

  • Michigan Avenue, from Chicago Avenue to East Pearson Street
  • Pearson Street, from Tower Court to Chicago Avenue
  • Curb lane on the east side of Tower Court, from Chicago Avenue to Pearson Street

There will not be amplified music or alcohol at the event.

Crane Lift: 1 East Superior Street

On Monday, August 16, from 8am-6pm, there will be a crane lift at 1 East Superior Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk on the east side of State, from Superior to a point 100' south thereof
  • Curb/northbound traffic lane on State, from Superior to a point 100' south thereof
  • Median on State, from Superior to a point 100' south thereof
  • Curb lane on the west side of State, from Superior to a point 100' south thereof

Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Northbound traffic will be pushed to the southbound lane, and southbound traffic will be pushed to the curb lane on the west side of State Street. 

The will have flaggers and barricades in-place throughout the lift.

Peoples Gas Modernization Project: Gold Coast

In mid-August, Peoples Gas will begin Phase 1 of their Gas Main Modernization Project in the Gold Coast. Work hours will be 8am-5pm, Monday - Friday. Phase 1 of their project has the following parts:

  1. Install new main on Lake Shore Drive, from Michigan to a point 1,200' east thereof. This portion of Phase 1 would start in August and last 25 days. 
  2. Install 200' of new main in the intersection of Oak & Michigan. This includes crossing the eastern pedestrian tunnel. This portion of Phase 1 should start in mid-September and last 10 days.
  3. Install 450' of new main on the west side of Lake Shore Drive, from Oak to Cedar. This includes crossing the northern pedestrian tunnel. Work should begin in early October and last 17 days. 

Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates regarding this project.

Helicopter Lift: 250 South Wacker Drive

On Sunday, August 8, from 9am-11am, there will be a helicopter lift at 250 S. Wacker Drive. 

During the lift, the following will be closed to motorists and pedestrians:

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

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

LG Construction: 751 N. Hudson and 451 W Chicago 

In mid-August, LG Construction will break ground at 751 N. Hudson Avenue and 451 W. Chicago Avenue, which are adjacent parcels. Work hours will be 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
 
Throughout the project, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk/curb lane/traffic lane of the east side of Hudson, from Chicago to the first alley south thereof
  • Sidewalk/curb lane/traffic lane on the west side of Sedgwick, from Chicago to the first alley south thereof
  • Sidewalk/curb lane on the south side of Chicago, from Hudson to Sedgwick

There will be a protected pedestrian walkway in the curb lane on the south side of Chicago Avenue, from Hudson Avenue to Sedgwick Street.

This project is expected to take 18 months to complete (weather dependent). 

Filming in the Ward This Week

Ripple Effects

On Monday, August 9, Ripple Effects will be filming at the following locations:

  • Inside O'Callaghan's at 29 W. Hubbard Street
  • On the AMA Building Plaza located at 330 N. Wabash Avenue
  • On the State Street Bridge

There will not be any special effects used, and the noise will be minimal. Parking will be prohibited from Sunday, August 8 to Monday, August 9 at the following locations:

  • West side of State, from Kinzie to Hubbard
  • Both sides of Wabash, from Grand to 401 N. Wabash
  • Both sides of State, from Kinzie to State Street Bridge
  • Both sides of State, from Kinzie to Wabash

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Stefan Nikolov (Location Manager) at 773-616-0007 or Toni Arcely (Site Manager) at 773-827-4057.

Wedding Processions

Wedding Procession

On Friday, August 13, from 1:00pm-1:45pm, there will be a wedding procession on West Monroe, from South Clark to South LaSalle. This stretch of West Monroe will be closed to vehicular traffic during the procession.
 
42nd Ward Resurfacing Repairs
 
The Chicago Department of Transportation will be resurfacing the following streets in July and August (weather dependent):
 
  • Westshore Drive, from South Water Street to Benton Place (7/26- 8/23)
  • Benton Place, from Field Boulevard to Westshore Drive (7/26 - 8/23)
  • Randolph Street, from Field Boulevard to Harbor Drive (7/26 - 8/23)
  • Rush Street, from Chestnut Street to Pearson Street (7/29 - 8/27)
  • Ontario Street, from Wabash Avenue to Michigan Avenue (7/29 - 8/27)
  • Rush Street, from Hubbard Street to Kinzie Street (7/29 - 8/27)
 
Wacker Drive Repainting Project
 
In late-July, the Chicago Department of Transportation began repainting Lower/Middle Wacker Drive, from North Field Boulevard to Lake Shore Drive. Work hours will be 8am-8pm, 6-days a week. 
 
CDOT will be sandblasting/repainting 80' sections of Wacker Drive at a time. The sandblasting/repainting area will be contained and exhaust fans will be in-place to remove dust and fumes.
 
Traffic will be maintained in both directions at all times, and access to parking garages will not be blocked. 
 
This project is expected to be completed mid-December 2021. 

ComEd Vault Roof Replacement

ComEd is replacing a sidewalk vault roof at 344 West Erie Street. Work hours will be 8am-3pm, 5-days a week. 
 
Throughout the work, the sidewalk and curb lane on the north side of West Erie, from North Orleans to the first alley west thereof will be closed. 
 
There will be barricades, detour signs, and flaggers on-site throughout the project. All work is expected to be completed by mid-August (weather dependent). 
 
Demolition: 113 East Oak Street
 
At the end of June, Atlas began demolition of 113 East Oak Street. 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-August (weather dependent). 

Vaulted Sidewalk Fill-in: 600 W. Jackson

Starting at the beginning of August, the vaulted sidewalks adjacent to 600 W. Jackson will be filled and the sidewalks repaired. During the work, the following will be closed:

  • Sidewalk/curb lane on the west side of Jefferson, from Jackson to Adams
  • Sidewalk/curb lane on the north side of Jackson, from Jefferson to the first alley west thereof

There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers on-side throughout the project. All work is expected to be finished by the end of August. 

Vaulted Sidewalk Repair: 20 N. Wacker Drive
 
The vaulted sidewalk at 20 North Wacker Drive is being repaired. Throughout the work, the sidewalk on the west side of Wacker, from Washington to a point 100' south thereof will be closed. Construction fencing will be used to enclose the sidewalk and detour signs will be in-place.
 
Pedestrians will be directed to the east side of North Wacker at West Washington and West Madison. 
 
The project is expected to be completed in late September 2021.

354 North Union Construction

The Onni Group is constructing a 33 story residential building with 373 units. Work hours will be 8am-8pm, daily. 

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

Vaulted Sidewalk Fill-in: 8 East Randolph

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

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

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 in mid-August 2021 (weather dependent). 

430 N. Michigan Lobby Renovation
 
Starting in mid-September, GNP Realty Partners will be renovating the lobby at 430 N. Michigan Avenue. Throughout the project, there will be a 40’ urban canopy on the sidewalk in front of the building. In order to place the canopy on the sidewalk, the planter bed and City Information Panel (CIP) at this location will be temporarily removed. Both the planter bed and CIP will be reinstalled upon completion of the project. 
 
The project is expected to be completed in mid-December. 

South Water Street Viaduct Replacement

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

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

This project is expected to be completed in July 2022 (weather dependent). 

Renovations at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street

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

On Monday, April 19, canopies will be installed at the following locations:
  • South side of Randolph, from Michigan to a point 50' west thereof
  • West side of Michigan, from Randolph to a point 75' south thereof

The project is expected to be completed February 2022. 

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

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

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

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

Aon Plaza Renovations

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

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown

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

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


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

One Chicago Square-1 W Chicago Pedestrian and Traffic Impacts

Although fencing is already in place for the sidewalk closure, pedestrians still have access to the sidewalk, but should exercise caution when walking by the construction site. 
 
The curb lanes along Chicago, State, Superior, and Dearborn will remain a No Parking/Tow Zone throughout the project, to allow for demolition, and then the protected pedestrian walkway.

The sidewalk along the east side of Dearborn, from Superior to Chicago, has been closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians will be rerouted to the west side of Dearborn. 
 
Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports as additional construction updates and closures will be announced.