January 8, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
Development Update Regarding Parcel O (193 North Columbus Drive)
The proposed Parcel O project at Lakeshore East, located at 193 N. Columbus Dr., originally received approval from the Chicago Plan Commission in 2018 after multiple community meetings and extensive negotiation with Alderman Reilly. Since that time, the Developer, Parcel O LLC, has revised the design and reduced the scope of the program to be contained in the building. 

The Parcel O building has been revised to contain only one hotel with 269 keys rather than two hotels with 570 keys. The Developer has also reduced the number of apartment units from 640 to approximately 599 apartment units and 30 serviced apartment units. The redesign also includes three levels of co-working space. There are two retail spaces proposed in the building: approximately 5,500 square feet of retail adjacent to Upper Columbus Drive and approximately 3,500 square feet of retail adjacent to North Park Drive. As a result of these revisions to the program of the building, there are also reductions in the building height and the overall square footage for the building. 
View from Northeast
View from Northwest
The exterior design of the tower has been updated to reflect the reduction in height and square footage, based on the programmatic shift from two hotels to one. The massing of the building has been updated and the design is derived from a sawtooth plan. The sawtooth creates dynamic movement along the facade and strong vertical lines that pull the eye up to the building’s sawtooth crown. The sawtooth articulation reverses direction between the residential and hotel floors, highlighting the change in program. The tower is pulled to the west, creating variation and relief on the east facade and allowing for a base that is more in scale with the adjacent buildings on the park.  

As a reminder, after Alderman Reilly’s thorough review and significant input into the project as a result of community feedback, the Developer has agreed to deliver multiple public benefit improvements at Developer’s private expense, including: 

  • A pedway connection that will connect through Village Market and Blue Cross / Blue Shield to the greater pedway network. 
  • The existing median on Upper Columbus will be extended south and a pedestrian refuge island will be installed. Crosswalk will be realigned. 
  • A new traffic signal at Upper Columbus & East South Water Street will be installed. 
  • At the intersection of Upper Columbus Drive and South Water Street, the crosswalk will be realigned on the south leg of the intersection. The east end of the crosswalk will move to the corner next to the Aqua building rather than the corner next to the fire station. 
  • At the intersection of Upper Columbus Drive and South Water Street, a curb bump-out on the southwest corner will be installed to narrow the roadway and pedestrian crossing distance on Columbus Drive. 
  • At the intersection of Upper Columbus Drive and South Water Street a new ADA ramp and crosswalk striping will be installed on the west leg of the intersection. 
  • New road pavement markings will be added to Upper Columbus in front of Aqua and Parcel O. 
  • New Left Turn traffic signal phase for intermediate Columbus (northbound) to intermediate East South Water Street (westbound). 
  • Timing of the traffic signal at Upper Columbus Drive & Randolph Street will be adjusted to increase the amount of green time allocated to the protected eastbound left-turn phase, while similarly decreasing the westbound green time. 
  • At the ramp from Lower Stetson Avenue to Upper Columbus Drive, signs will be posted on both sides of the eastbound approach of Upper South Water prohibiting U turns and left turns.  
  • In front of Parcel O, the curb will be extended 3 feet into Columbus Drive to narrow the parking lane between the driveway and the bus stop. 
  • Two planters in front of Aqua will be removed to improve pedestrian flow. 
  • Public elevators will connect the Upper Level of Columbus Drive to Intermediate, Lower, and Park Levels. 
  • Light fixtures will be installed along Parcel O and Aqua to improve lighting conditions at the east sidewalk of Intermediate Columbus level.  

Please note that all other material terms and aspects of the Parcel O project remain unchanged from the Chicago Plan Commission approval in 2018. The developer is seeking final site plan approval from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and no further hearings before the Chicago Plan Commission or additional Chicago City Council approvals are required for this proposal. 

The developer proposes beginning construction no earlier than the October 2021 and hopes to complete construction by April 2024. 
Important Announcements and Updates
2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens on Monday, January 11
The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have taken advantage of the low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. The 2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program will open to new applicants on January 11, 2021 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify to receive a 50 percent discount. 

The scope of a Shared Cost Sidewalk Program project is limited to sidewalk within the public right-of way, and may include the main walk, the sidewalk thru a driveway, the existing courtesy walk (which runs perpendicular from the main sidewalk to the curb), and existing landing steps (the small strip of concrete sometimes found adjacent to the curb). Sidewalk on private property will only be included if needed for transition purposes; otherwise it is NOT eligible for replacement under the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program.  

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. The program typically reaches capacity quickly, so you are encouraged to apply early. Please note that if you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2021 if you wish to be considered for the 2021 program.  

Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311, through the City’s service request website, or through the free CHI311 mobile app.  

  • Make sure to specify that you want to participate in the Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. 
  • If you currently do not have a courtesy walk or landing step and would like one installed, this should be mentioned at the time of request. Installation is subject to engineering recommendation. 
  • If you are interested in removal and replacement of the driveway apron, this should be mentioned at the time of request. 
  • You must give the property owner’s complete name, a contact phone number, email address if available, and the property’s complete address. Please note that Shared Cost Sidewalk Program applications that are missing any of this requested information may not be processed. 

Applicants will be notified indicating whether they have been included into the 2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. Applicants included in the program will receive a bill in the spring indicating the property owner amount due. Interested applicants can find answers to frequently asked questions here. Should you have any further questions, please contact CDOT at (312) 744-1746 or email cdotsharedcost@cityofchicago.org. 
Upper Wacker Drive Traffic Reconfiguration Starts Monday, January 18
Now that the majority of construction at St. Regis Chicago (formerly Vista Tower) located at 363 East Wacker Drive is completed and residents occupy the building, the traffic pattern on Upper Wacker Drive, between North Columbus Drive and Lake Shore Drive will return to the pre-construction traffic configuration.  

On Monday, January 18, at 9:00 a.m., McHugh Construction will complete the following traffic pattern changes: 

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

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

For more information or to speak with the General Contractor for the project, please contact McHugh Construction Company's Senior Project Manager, Joe Kuna at jkuna@mchughconstruction.com. 
New City of Chicago Laws Coming into Effect in 2021
The City of Chicago wants to remind residents, workers and businesses of new local laws, regulations and deadlines that they should be aware of in 2021. These new laws include: the implementation of important protections for Chicago’s workers; regulations to reform the shared housing industry to ensure safe and responsible operation; the extension of relief measures for businesses; the legalization of Accessory Dwelling Units in pilot areas; the implementation of new revenue sources and policy changes to Automatic Speed Enforcement to enhance public safety.   

Minimum Wage 

  • On July 1, 2021, as a fulfillment of an ordinance passed in 2019, hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans will get a raise. On that day, Chicago’s minimum wage will increase to $15 an hour at large businesses and $14.50 an hour for workers at businesses with 20 or fewer employees.  
  • Also on July 1, the minimum wage for tipped workers will increase to $9.00 an hour, with employees required to make up the difference if base wage plus tips do not equal $15.00 an hour. 

Shared Housing Reforms  

  • In September, 2020, the City Council passed an ordinance that reforms the regulation of the Shared Housing industry in Chicago. As part of this landmark ordinance, a series of new regulatory measures will come into effect on April 1, 2021 that will ensure public safety and accountability within the industry.  
  • As part of this new regulatory structure, Chicagoans that use platforms like Airbnb or HomeAway among others to rent their residential units will now need to apply directly with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and pay a new $125 registration fee. This will improve the City’s ability to ensure regulations are being met and take enforcement when necessary against problem locations.  

Accessory Dwelling Unit Legalization  

  • Starting May 1, 2021, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) will be legalized in five areas around the city, increasing access to safe, affordable housing for thousands of Chicagoans. Under this new program, attics, basements and coach houses will be lawfully permitted in these zones and the Department of Housing will launch a three-year evaluation period to report on ADU activities and make recommendations for a permanent citywide policy. These areas include:  
  • North zone covering parts of the West Ridge, Edgewater, Uptown, Lake View, North Center, and Lincoln Square community areas;  
  • Northwest zone covering parts of the Albany Park, Irving Park, Avondale, Hermosa, Logan Square, West Town, Near West Side, and East Garfield Park community areas;  
  • West zone covering parts of the East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, and South Lawndale (Little Village) community areas;  
  • South zone covering parts of the Ashburn, Auburn Gresham, West Lawn, Chicago Lawn, Washington Heights, Roseland, Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing, Englewood, West Englewood, Washington Park, and Woodlawn community areas; and,  
  • Southeast zone covering parts of the South Chicago, East Side, South Deering, and Hegewisch community areas. 

Extension of Business Relief  

  • As thousands of Chicago businesses continue to deal with the significant impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the City has moved to give further relief to businesses by extending critical relief efforts and renewal dates into 2021. As a part of these measures, all existing Sidewalk Cafes will be now be able to operate until May 1, 2021 without needing to renew or pay a renewal fee.  
  • Additionally, all business and public vehicle licenses with an expiration date between March 15, 2020 and June 15, 2021 will be considered active and will not need to pay a renewal fee until July 15, 2021. Licensees will have until July 15, 2021 to renew without paying a late fee.  

Vehicle Fuel Tax and Cloud Tax 

  • There will be a series of modest increases in taxes and fees that come into effect on January 1, 2021. This includes an increase in the Vehicle Fuel Tax by $0.03 per gallon on non-aviation purchases. To fill up a 12-gallon gas tank, motorists will see an increase of approximately $0.36.  
  • Additionally, there will be a 1.75 percentage point increase to the cloud tax which is applied to computer leases of cloud software and cloud infrastructure. This tax aligns with the tax imposed on all other lease, rental or use of rented, personal property currently taxed at 9 percent.  

Parking Meter Rates 

  • Consistent with legislation passed last year, and in accordance with the calculation therein, the parking meter rates for the $2-per-hour zone increased by a quarter to $2.25 per hour on January 2. Rates in the $4.50 and $7.00 zone remain unchanged.   

New Threshold for Automated Speed Enforcement 

  • In response to an alarming increase in vehicle speeding and traffic fatalities, the City will enforce the legal limit for issuing speeding violations in Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Children’s Safety Zones, such as schools when they are in session and children are present, and in parks during hours when they are open. Starting on January 15, a 44-day warning period will begin where owners of cars caught speeding between 6-10 mph over the speed limit will receive a warning by mail.  
  • The issuing of tickets to vehicles driving 6-10 MPH over the speed limit in ASE zones during hours of enforcement will start March 1. Fines are $35 for vehicles traveling 6-10 MPH over the speed limit and will remain $100 for vehicles driving at 11 miles or more over the speed limit.  
  • A map of the City's speed cameras and Children's Safety Zones can be found here.  
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Update
As of January 7, the City of Chicago’s positivity rate is 10.8%, averaging approximately 1,030 new cases per day and 14 deaths per day. Below are some graphs with updated data however, further data and figures can be viewed on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
ABOVE - Positivity Rate and Positivity Target (7 Day Rolling Average)
BELOW - Daily Cases Citywide
As of this week, the City of Chicago has organized vaccination sites which have started vaccinating health care workers not affiliated with a hospital or health care system. City of Chicago vaccination sites will likely be vaccinating health care workers through January into February. Pharmacy Partners (Walgreens, CVS, and PharmScript) have started vaccinating staff and residents in long-term care facilities. Data about Chicago's vaccination totals so far can be found here.

CDPH is following federal guidelines for distributing the vaccine, currently the phases are as follows:  

  • Phase 1a (CURRENT): Health care personnel and long-term care facility residents 
  • Phase 1b: Frontline essential workers, persons aged ≥75 years, and then persons aged 65–74 years 
  • Phase 1c: Persons aged 16–64 years with high-risk medical conditions and essential workers not recommended for vaccination in Phase 1b  
  • Phase 2: All persons aged ≥16 years not previously recommended for vaccination 

Supplies will increase over time, and it is anticipated all adults should be able to get vaccinated later in 2021. As the vaccine supplies increases, COVID-19 vaccine will be available through additional vaccination providers, including doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers. For more information about Chicago’s vaccination plan, residents are encouraged to learn more here.  

As a reminder the Emergency Travel Order is still in effect in response to increased and high rates of COVID-19 transmission across the United States. The City is issuing a Travel Order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19.
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). Anyone traveling from a state on the Red list must quarantine for a 10-day period or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter. More information about the Emergency Travel Order can be found here.
Snow Removal Reminder – Keep Sidewalks Clear of Snow and Ice!
Alderman Reilly would like to remind residents and business owners to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Clearing sidewalks is the law, and it's our responsibility to each other during the winter. Many people rely on walking and transit as their primary way to get around. Without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is especially difficult for people with disabilities, seniors, and children to walk. 
Please remember that per Chicago Municipal Code 10-8-180, "every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city abutting upon any public way or public place shall remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of such building or lot of ground."  

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

Make your neighborhood safe for everyone to get around this winter. Help the City of Chicago provide a great pedestrian environment and take responsibility for your sidewalk by clearing snow and ice!
CTA Launches Free Face Mask Pilot Program
As part of its continuing efforts to promote a healthy travel environment, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has begun a pilot program to provide free, disposable face masks on CTA buses.

Initially, the pilot program will feature disposable mask dispensers on 200 buses serving 20 bus routes serving all areas of the city, including high-ridership routes.

The disposable masks will be available from dispensers placed at the front of the bus, near where customers board.

The pilot will allow CTA to assess a variety of factors, including demand for masks and logistics for replenishing stock on buses that are out in service all day. If successful, the program will later expand to the remainder of CTA’s buses serving all 129 routes, as well as rail stations.
2021 Christmas Tree Recycling in Chicago
Chicago's 2021 Tree Recycling Program runs from January 9-23 at dozens of parks across the City. Trees can be dropped off anytime during normal business hours.

Only live/natural trees without flocking are accepted (no garland or wreaths). Because the trees are mulched, all tinsel, ornaments, lights, and stands must be removed. Plastic bags used for transport should also be removed before putting trees in the stalls. 

Twenty-five parks citywide are hosting Tree Recycling events this year. Locations in or near the 42nd Ward are listed below:

  • Grant Park, 900 S. Columbus Drive
  • Lincoln Park, Cannon Drive at Fullerton Avenue (East of Cannon Dr.)
  • Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen Street

In 2019, over 17,000 Christmas trees were composted, just through the City's program. Those efforts diverted an estimated 620,000 pounds from landfills! For more information and additional drop-off locations, please click here.
First Installment of Cook County Property Tax Bills Now Online
Earlier this week the Cook County Treasurer's office announced next year’s First Installment of Cook County property tax bills are now available online. The First Installment Tax Year 2020, which is 55 percent of the previous year's total tax, is due March 2, 2021. However, the Cook County Board has waived late charges through May 3, 2021.

You can download your tax bill or make a payment by going online and following these steps:

  • Select the blue box labeled "Pay Online for Free"
  • Enter your address or 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN)
  • There is no fee if you pay from your bank account

The Treasurer’s Office accepts partial payments. However, all First Installment Tax Year 2020 taxes must be paid by May 3, 2021, to avoid a late charge of 1.5 percent per month mandated by Illinois law. For more information, please visit cookcountytreasurer.com.
2021 Tax Prep Chicago
The City of Chicago will offer free, confidential tax help from January 25 through mid-April in partnership with Ladder Up. Trained volunteer tax preparers can assist you in completing and electronically filing Federal and Illinois tax returns for tax year 2021 and, in some cases, for prior years. Also find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and other tax credits!

Who is eligible for free tax help?

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

What information to bring to a tax site?

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

The tax filing deadline is Thursday, April 15! For more information, visit www.taxprepchicago.org or call (312) 588-6900 to schedule an appointment.
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
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 beat meeting schedule for January is below:

1st District
  • Beat 121 - January 12 at 3:00pm
  • Beat 123 - January 14 at 3:00pm

  • Beat 131 - January 19 at 3:00pm

18th District
  • Beat 1821 - January 21 at 5:00pm
  • Beat 1822 - January 19 at 5:00pm
  • Beat 1823 - January 19 at 6:00pm
  • Beat 1824 - January 21 at 6:00pm

  • Beat 1831 - January 26 at 5:00pm
  • Beat 1832 - January 26 at 6:00pm
  • Beat 1833 - January 28 at 5:00pm
  • Beat 1834 - January 28 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
Chicago Fire Filming in Streeterville This Weekend

Chicago Fire will be filming at Ogden Plaza located at 300 East North Water Street on Sunday, January 10, from 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will not be any special effects used during the filming. 

On Sunday, January 10, from 3am-6pm, parking will be restricted at the following locations to park essential vehicles and equipment:

  • South side of Illinois, from Columbus to McClurg
  • Both sides of New, from Illinois to North Water
  • Both sides of North Water, from New to McClurg
  • Both sides of Park, from Illinois to North Water
  • Both sides of Columbus, from North Water to Illinois
  • Both sides of City Front Plaza, from North Water to a point 100' north thereof
  • West side of McClurg, from North Water to Illinois

The following streets will be closed on Sunday, January 10:

  • Columbus, from Illinois to Grand (5:30am-10:00am intermittent closure)
  • St. Clair, from Illinois to North Water (5:30am-10:00am full closure)
  • Columbus, from Illinois to Wacker (6:00am-10:00am full closure)
  • Park, from Illinois to North Water (6:00am-4:00pm full closure)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Luis Perez (location manager) at 773-525-2326 or Antonio (onsite coordinator) at 773-938-3358.

Millennium Park Christmas Tree Removal 

On Wednesday, January 13, at 10:00 a.m., Brightview will begin removing the Christmas Tree in Millennium Park. Throughout this process, the curb lane on the east side of North Michigan Avenue, north of East Washington Street, will be closed. Tree removal is expected to be completed by 4:00 p.m.

New Construction: 609 West Randolph Street
 
Construction of a 15-story commercial building at 609 West Randolph Street will begin mid-January 2021. Throughout the duration of the project, the following will be closed:

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

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

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

Demolition: 16-22 West Erie Street

On Tuesday, January 12, Atlas Demolition will begin the demolition of 16-22 West Erie Street. During the first two weeks of the project, crews will be on-site using hand tools in the interior of the building and removing the rear stairwell. 

On Monday, January 25, Atlas will install a pedestrian canopy on the sidewalk in front of 16-22 West Erie Street and exterior demolition will begin immediately thereafter. The project is expected to be completed by mid-February (weather dependent).

IJKL Utility Tie-ins: Lower Harbor Service Drive

Lendlease Construction is continuing its completion of IJKL’s utility tie-ins for People’s Gas, ComEd, Sewer, and Water Service on Lower Harbor Service Drive. This work is forecasted to be completed on Friday, January 15, 2021. Temporary street closures on Lower Harbor Service Drive are not expected. If a temporary street closure is needed, a flagger will be present to direct traffic.
 
Work is dependent on weather and subject to delays enacted by the utility companies.

Helicopter Lift: 224 South Michigan Avenue

On Saturday, January 16, there will be a helicopter lift at 224 South Michigan Avenue. The lift will take 30 minutes to complete. During the lift, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

  • Michigan Avenue, from Van Buren Street to Adams Street
  • Jackson Boulevard, from Wabash Avenue to Columbus Drive

There will be barricades and police officers in place throughout the lift. 

Helicopter Lift: 710 North Lake Shore Drive

There will be a helicopter lift at 710 N. Lake Shore Drive on Saturday, January 23, from 9am. The lift is expected to last 30 minutes. During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • Huron, from Inner Lake Shore Drive to McClurg
  • Superior, from Inner Lake Shore Drive to McClurg

There will be barricades and police officers onsite throughout the duration of the lift. 

ComEd Cable Pull: 937 North Rush Street

ComEd will be conducting a vault inspection and cable pull at 937 North Rush Street during the following dates and times:

  • Wednesday, January 20, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight
  • Wednesday, January 27, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight

While work is occurring, a 50’ section of the easternmost traffic lane in front of 937 North Rush Street will be closed. There will be barricades and flaggers in place.

Brown Line Elevated Track Repairs

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is performing maintenance on the Brown Line Elevated Track over North Franklin Street, between Hubbard Street and Grand Avenue. Work will occur from 8am-3:30pm during the weekdays and from 8am-7pm on the weekends. 

Throughout the project, the following will be closed intermittently:

  • Curb lanes and parking 
  • Franklin Street, between Hubbard Street and Grand Avenue
  • Alley access 
  • Sidewalks 

All work is expected to be completed at the end of March 2021 (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 and Lower East Randolph Street, in front of the plaza, will be reduced to 6’. 
 
The project is expected to be completed by August 2021 (weather dependent). 

Construction at 61 West Erie Street

In November 2020, LG Construction began construction of a five-story, 28 unit apartment building at 61 West Erie Street. Please find LG Construction’s phase one construction timeline below. 

  • Foundation work has began. This portion of the project is expected to last four weeks (weather dependent). 

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.

IJKL Construction Update

Lendlease is currently installing structural geofoam at the IJKL site. Geofoam is a highly compressed thermoplastic that is used to fill-in the space between the top of the concrete deck and the soil. 

The geofoam will be cut and trimmed onsite to fit a specific design plan. Cutting and trimming the geofoam might result in some debris being blown off the site. Lendlease will make every effort to contain this and clean the area surrounding its site.

The geofoam installation is expected to be finished in mid-January. 

Façade Work: 160 North LaSalle Street

Starting at the end of October, Bowa Construction will be performing 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

From now until January 31, 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 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, between Kingsbury and Larrabee
  • Both sides of Larrabee, from Erie to Huron

Chicago Police Department Commander Jill Stevens (18th District) and Commander Jacob Alderden (1st District) have ordered this temporary overnight parking ban to encourage restaurant and bar patrons to return home after dining out.  

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

Jane Byrne Interchange Closures and Detours

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that four reconstructed ramps will open at the Jane Byrne Interchange as of Tuesday, Dec. 15, weather permitting. The completion of the ramps marks a major milestone as all 11 ramps have been completely reconstructed or are currently under construction.

The following ramps are now open:

  • Canal Street entrance ramp to outbound Ida B. Wells Drive
  • Inbound Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) ramp to Taylor Street
  • The exit ramp was relocated to just north of Adams Street and reconfigured to reduce conflict from inbound lanes.
  • Inbound Kennedy ramp to inbound Ida B. Wells
  • The exit ramp was reconfigured to reduce conflict from southbound lanes.
  • Outbound Ida B. Wells ramp to outbound Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 90/94)
  • The entrance ramp was reconfigured, and access was moved to the right lane. While ramp construction is completed, a temporary detour will bypass ongoing construction along the outbound Ryan. A signed detour will direct Wells to Ryan ramp traffic to continue to Union Street, through two traffic signals at Taylor Street and Roosevelt Road, to connect to the outbound Ryan via the Roosevelt Road ramp.
  • Motorists should be aware of the change and anticipate some delays the first few days of the configuration.

As of this month, 27 of the 35 project components have been completed. When the project reaches its anticipated 2022 completion date, the improved conditions, increased safety and enhanced traveling experience will be clear to all who use the national transportation hub known as the Jane Byrne Interchange. For more information about the Jane Byrne Interchange project, please visit janebyrneinterchange.org.

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.