February 5, 2021
Alderman Reilly Reports
New 42nd Ward Development Proposal - 1045 North Rush Street
The applicant proposes to submit a lakefront protection application for the development of a 5-story, mixed-use building at 1045-1047 North Rush Street in accordance with the Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance. 

Current ownership has been working for over a decade to return this parcel back as a contributing structure to the neighborhood, after forcing out Proof nightclub. 

A former proposal for this site included 180 foot tall structure with retail, 3-floors of restaurants, and 5 residential units, as well as an automated parking system that encompassed 85% of the basement area. As proposed, the developer sought to use all permitted floor area in the DX-7 zoning classification. 

Alderman Reilly determined that the design and massing was not contextual for the neighborhood and challenged the owner to reduce the height of their proposal and design with greater sensitivity to its neighbors on the block. 

The current design (below) is almost half of the originally proposed height, now 100’ tall, including 5-stories plus a rooftop space. Plans include only one duplex residential unit at the top floor, two parking spaces in the basement level, with the same retail and restaurant programming for the base to the fourth floor.
To address building materials context, this revised design is completely clad in dimensioned stone and face brick with a more pedestrian scale and attention to neighboring rooflines. Further, bronze detailing in and around large windows provides for high-end framing of a diverse building program: a luxury street level boutique, a multilevel restaurant, and a penthouse unit at the top floor. To review the project materials, please click here.

Although this proposal does not require City Council approval, the developer must obtain Lakefront Protection Application approval from the Chicago Plan Commission to ensure that the building does not impede access to the Chicago Lakefront or inflict harm on the natural lakefront environment. 

As part of Alderman Reilly’s transparent community process for new developments, your comments and observations are welcome on this project. Please forward any feedback to development@ward42chicago.com. 
Important Announcements and Updates
Chicago Residents Should Prepare for Dangerously Cold Temperatures with Subzero Wind Chills Through Early Next Week
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) joined other City departments today to urge residents to take the necessary steps to stay warm and safe by utilizing City-offered services and tips during extremely cold temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service (NWS) beginning today and lasting through the next week. Those seeking access to warming centers and/or experiencing insufficient heat are encouraged to contact 3-1-1 for immediate assistance. 
OEMC will monitor weather conditions with the NWS and coordinate response efforts with the City’s public safety and infrastructure departments and public partners to keep residents safe and informed. Additionally, OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep residents up to date on weather conditions and emergencies: 

  • Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at www.NotifyChicago.org
  • CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5 
  • COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3 
  • CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 

The City of Chicago would like to remind residents to provide any needed assistance to neighbors, family members, the elderly and those most vulnerable. If you need to request a well-being check you can call 311, go to 311.chicago.gov, or use the 311 mobile app. 

Department of Family and Support Services Warming Centers 

When the temperature is 32 degrees or below, warming areas are available at City community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and as needed during the evening and weekend. To locate a center nearby, residents can call City Services at 3-1-1 or visit Chicago.gov/FSS. Warming areas are safe spaces for refuge and relief from extreme cold weather. Cloth face coverings are required while in a warming area due to COVID-19 safety precautions – DFSS is providing a complimentary face covering to residents in need.  

In addition, residents interested in shelter placement can call City Services at 3-1-1 or visit the Garfield Community Service Center at 10 S. Kedzie Avenue, which is open on a 24-hour basis to connect families and residents to emergency shelter. 

Department of Buildings 

The Department of Buildings (DOB) enforces the Chicago Building Code, which includes the Chicago Heat Ordinance. The Heat Ordinance mandates that, during cold weather months, landlords supply heat to rental units or to any unit where owners do not have individual control of the heat. With colder temperatures expected later this week, please note that, from September 15 through June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM and at least 66 degrees from 10:30 PM to 8:30 AM.  

Landlords face fines of up to $500 per day, per violation, for each day they do not supply adequate heat. The reason for lack of heat does not matter – landlords must follow the law, and apartments must be heated. If you are a renter and your landlord is not providing adequate heat or no heat at all, please contact 311 to file a complaint. The Department of Buildings will inspect your unit and will take action against delinquent owners. DOB also routinely coordinates with other city departments when tenants require additional assistance, including the Department of Family and Support Services. 

In extreme temperatures, ice may form on building structures. Property owners and building managers are advised to cordon off the area and put caution signs warning of these conditions. Residents are cautioned to clear the snow away from front and back porches or decks, as the added weight of snow and ice could compromise these structures. 

As an important reminder, in cold weather and year-round, the Chicago Building Code mandates that landlords provide working smoke detectors for their tenants, and requires that tenants provide working batteries for the smoke detectors in their units. 

Department of Water Management
The Department of Water Management reminds residents make sure that warm air is circulating throughout the home and keep a trickle of water running in order to prevent frozen pipes. If pipes freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them. Instead use a hair dryer or heating pad. For more info visit www.chicago.gov/water. 

Chicago Department of Public Health 

As the City braces for cold temperatures, the Chicago Department of Public Health would like to caution residents to take care of themselves, and to also provide assistance to neighbors, family members, pets and friends, particularly those who are elderly, have disabilities and/or live alone. Taking preventative action is the best way to stay safe from the serious health risks associated with winter weather. Residents are advised to limit their time outside, wear layers of warm clothing when going outside, and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. 

Chicago Fire Department

The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) does not recommend using space heaters; however, if used, be sure they are UL certified and at least 3 feet from anything that can ignite. The use of a space heater in children’s rooms should be monitored closely as children sometimes move them close to or into the bed with tragic results.

If extension cords are used, they should be rated at 15 amps minimum and never put cords under carpet. With the added demand on furnaces and boilers, CFD also reminds residents that they are required by ordinance to have working carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a heating system that could be fatal over time, and to keep smoke detectors in working order. 

Chicago Animal Care and Control/PAWS Chicago Pet Care Tips  

Dogs and cats are vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite when exposed to cold temperatures for too long. If you notice your pet is shivering, that is a clear sign he or she is cold. Keep pets inside and limit their time outdoors. Pet coats and sweaters also keep your pet warm in cold temperatures.  

  • If your pet shows signs of hypothermia, wrap them in a warm blanket or coat. DO NOT use hair dryers, heating pads, or electric blankets as this may result in burns or compromised circulation to vital organs.  
  • If your pet shows signs of frostbite, gently warm the areas by immersing them in warm (not hot) water or gently covering them with warm, moist towels for at least 20 minutes. NEVER rub or massage affected area as this will worsen damage. Call your veterinarian immediately.  

Other Cold-Weather Tips and Winter Preparedness 

  • Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and prevent others from accessing emergency services. 
  • Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Avoid unnecessary trips outside. If you must go out, limit the time you stay outside. 
  • Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing. 
  • Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors. 
  • Stay dry, because moisture can damage the insulating effectiveness of clothing. 
  • Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.  

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit Chicago.gov/OEMC. 
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Updates
Due to upcoming inclement weather, all CDPH COVID testing sites will be closed starting today through Wednesday, February 10. If you are in need of a COVID test during this time, please contact your primary care provider or review other COVID testing sites and information on self-collected at-home testing kits.  

As of February 3, the current positivity rate in Chicago is 5.2% (shown below) and there are approximately 515 new cases per day. Since these rates have dramatically improved since the second wave in the Fall, the City is now in Phase 4.  
While the City continues to vaccinate those in Phase 1a and 1b, there has been new developments for ongoing clinical trials. Johnson and Johnson, Novavax, and Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccines are currently in phase 3 of clinical trials at numerous sites around the world, including in Chicago. It is anticipated that Johnson and Johnson will submit an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) application to the FDA in February 2021. If the EUA is approved, this vaccine will likely become available in Chicago during early March. 

As a reminder there are several ways for eligible Chicagoans to receive the vaccine. Learn about connecting with your provider, pharmacy, employer or Zocdoc by clicking here. Please be aware that most provider office locations have been instructed to start vaccination of their current patients before opening up appointments to others. 

Please click here for more information about the City of Chicago's vaccination plan.
Final Phase of Navy Pier Flyover Enters the Homestretch as Lakefront Trail Over the Chicago River is Now Open
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that the final phase of the Navy Pier Flyover project has now entered the homestretch with the opening today of the Lakefront Trail over the Chicago River on the east sidewalk of the Lake Shore Drive Bridge. Work on the trail where it tunnels through the bridge houses on the east side of the bridge is continuing and is expected to be complete by April, weather permitting. 

With the opening of the new section over the Chicago River, the project now provides a continuous segment of the Lakefront Trail stretching for almost half a mile from Jane Addams Park and the Ohio Street Beach at the north end to the south side of the Chicago River. 

When work on the bridge houses is complete, the trail will be at least 16 feet wide for its full length. Until then, the trail narrows to about eight feet at the bridge houses. The northbound side of the new path will tunnel through the existing bridge houses in order to achieve the full 16-foot width. 

The Flyover portion of the project was opened in 2018 and provides a much-improved experience for users of the Lakefront Trail by carrying pedestrians, runners and cyclists over Grand and Illinois streets. This eliminated the at-grade street crossings and improved safety and the overall experience for all users. 

The third phase of project has involved retrofitting the existing Lake Shore Drive Bridge with a cantilever structure on the east side of the span to allow for widening the trail. The project also involves structural and mechanical repairs to the movable bascule bridge that was constructed in 1937. This structural work will continue through 2021. 

The current configuration of vehicle lanes on the bridge - in which northbound Lower LSD only provides access to northbound Upper LSD - is expected to remain in place until April. At that time, access will be restored from northbound Lower LSD to Illinois and Grand streets. 
Attention Seniors: A Message from the Chicago Department of Finance
2021 renewals for the Senior Citizen Sewer Rebate were mailed this month. As a reminder to seniors, the Office of the City Clerk no longer functions as the intake office for receipt of eligible first-time applicants and renewals. Instead, the Department of Finance's Utility Billing & Customer Service Division processes the applications.

Senior citizens who own and occupy their own residence, but who are not eligible for the Senior Citizen Sewer Charge Exemption due to property type, can apply for the Senior Citizen Sewer Rebate. This provides an annual $50 rebate in lieu of the exemption.

To be eligible for the sewer charge annual rebate:

  • You must be 65 years of age, or older, as of January 1 for the year you are applying.
  • You must be the sole owner, or owner in joint tenancy, or tenancy in common of the property.
  • You must occupy the property as your principal place of residence.
  • You must own a townhouse, condominium unit, or cooperative apartment that shares a common water bill.

If you meet all the above criteria and wish to apply, you must submit a Senior Sewer Application. The form must be completed in its entirety and submitted with all supporting documentation. For seniors filings renewals, the yearly renewal form requires the claimant to provide a copy of their government issued identification and a recent property tax bill for verification purposes.

Senior citizens with questions concerning the Sewer Rebate program should be directed to 312-744-4426 or utilitybill@cityofchicago.org.
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!
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
Chicago Police Department Carjacking Webinar
Saturday, February 6
Chicago Police Department - 18th District
Join the CPD 18th District on Saturday, February 6 at 2:00pm for an Anti-Vehicular Hijacking webinar.  

Zoom information is listed below:

Meeting ID: 835 0743 2553
Passcode: 053223

Residents with questions can call the 18th District Community Policing Office at (312) 742-5778.
Chicago Park District Resumes In-Person Programming
January 25 - March 28
In-person programming resumed on Monday, January 25 at parks across the city after the State adjusted metrics that determine COVID-19 restrictions for Illinois regions. Winter programs previously scheduled to begin January 4 were suspended in accordance with the State’s Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigation plan to suppress the spread of COVID-19.

Under the current guidelines, limited, socially distanced programming will be offered at parks across the city. Programs will run from January 25 through March 28. In order to adhere to strict capacity limits, all in-person participants must register. Masks must be worn at all times. Virtual programs continue as originally scheduled running from January 4 through March 21.

More information about programming options, in-person and can be found here.
Celebrate Black History Month with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
All February Long!
This month, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra celebrates the creativity and artistry of Black musicians from the past and present, inviting all to discover voices who have enriched the world. Including the music of composers Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges; Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson; George Walker; Jessie Montgomery; Tyshawn Sorey; Courtney Bryan, and many more.
Meet Your Match this February with CACC!
Look no further than your city shelter and Meet Your Match! Our pets are the purr-fect partners because they show us unconditional love, every day! From February 8th - 14th, all approved adopters will be entered into a raffle for two free fitness packages, and a dinner for two from Club Lucky. Plus, everyone will take home a goody bag filled with toys, treats and a CACC bandana.

For a list of animals available for adoption, please click here. CACC is open daily by appointment only. For any questions or concerns, please email visitcacc@gmail.com. The new year is a great time to bring home a new furry friend!
The City of Chicago Treasurer’s Office and Operation HOPE Partner to Launch HOPE Inside
Workshops on February 10 and 17
HOPE Inside is a year-long initiative offering credit and money management resources for free to all Chicago residents and small business owners. HOPE Inside will provide complimentary services and education to those facing financial challenges, need assistance on debt management, credit score improvement, conversations focused on financial insecurities, building and preserving wealth, and much more!  

The HOPE Inside initiative will counsel residents and business owners on the language of money, creating a budget, developing customized action plans around building their businesses, buying homes, repairing credit scores, and making better decisions with the resources available to help protect them from emergencies, save money on expenses, and build long-term wealth. 

Upcoming workshops are listed below:

  • February 10 at 12:00pm - Building Your Own Financial Plan 
  • February 17 at 12:00pm - Preserving Your Finances in 2021 

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

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

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

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

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

To find your district and beat, please click here.
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
Canopy Renovation: 120 East Delaware Place

On Monday, February 8 Monoceros Corporation (MC) will begin renovating the Four Seasons’ canopy located at 120 E. Delaware Place. During the renovation process, the following will be closed:

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

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

Crane Lift: 129 North Franklin Street

On Monday, February 8, from 9am-3pm, there will be a crane lift at 129 North Franklin Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • 100' of sidewalk in front of 129 N Franklin
  • 100' of curb lane in front of 129 N Franklin
  • 100' of traffic lane in front of 129 N Franklin

There will be barricades and flaggers in place during the lift. 

Loop Film Notice: 600 South Columbus Drive

On Monday, February 8, from 10am-11:59pm, TVM Productions will be filming scenes for a TV series at 600 S. Columbus Drive. During the filming, parking on both sides of South Columbus, from East Monroe to East Balbo will be restricted to park essential vehicles and equipment.

Conduit Installation: 120 North LaSalle Street

Starting Monday, February 8 HBK Engineering will be installing new conduit at 120 North LaSalle Street. Work hours will be 8am-5pm, daily. 

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

All work is expected to be completed by Friday, February 26 (weather dependent). 

MCI Duct Relocation in Streeterville

Starting Monday, February 8, MCI will relocate duct infrastructure currently located on the west side of North St. Clair, between East Superior and East Huron. During the work, the following will be closed:

  • Curb lane on the west side of North St. Clair between East Superior and East Huron
  • Southbound traffic lane on North St. Clair, from East Superior to East Huron
  • Curb lane on the east side of North St. Clair between East Superior and East Huron

Traffic will be maintained in both directions at all times. Southbound traffic will be pushed to the northbound lane and northbound traffic will be pushed to the curb lane on the east side of North St. Clair.

All work is expected to be completed by Monday, February 15 (weather dependent). 

Gold Coast Film Notice

On Tuesday, February 9, Strange Loop Studios will be filming a commercial inside Stadium Goods located at 60 East Walton Street. In order to park essential vehicles, parking will be restricted on the north side of East Walton Street, from 30 East Walton Street to 130 East Walton Street (4am-7pm).

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Luca Valenta (On-site Coordinator) at 847-433-5622.

Safety Panel Delivery in the Loop

Beginning Thursday, February 11 and ending Saturday, February 13, there will be intermittent closures of the northernmost traffic lane on East Wacker Place, from North Michigan Avenue to a point 100’ west thereof. 

There will be flaggers in-place throughout the intermittent closures to assist with traffic control. 

Brown Line Elevated Track Repair in River North
 
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.  

North Franklin, between Grand Avenue and Hubbard Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Monday, February 15 to Friday, February 26.
 
Throughout the project, the following will be closed intermittently: 
 
  • Curb lanes and parking  
  • Alley access  
  • Sidewalks  
 
All work is expected to be completed at the end of March 2021 (weather dependent).

Cold Water Pipe Installation: 320 South Canal Street

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

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

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

IJKL Construction Update
 
Lendlease Construction will be installing façade panels for Cascade Park on the following dates:

  • Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7
 
During the installation of façade panels, Harbor Service Drive will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. A flagger will be on-site while work is occurring and the street will reopen during the evenings.

Additionally, 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 mid-February. 

Wells Street Bridge Closure
 
On Saturday, February 27, from 12am-6am, the Chicago Department of Transportation will be conducting maintenance on the Wells Street Bridge. Due to the nature of repairs (center lock and heel lock repairs), the Bridge is required to be raised while work is occurring. 

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

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

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

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

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

Demolition: 16-22 West Erie Street

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

Upper Wacker Drive Traffic Reconfiguration

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

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

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

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

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

Aon Plaza Renovations

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

Construction: 61 West Erie Street

In November 2020, LG Construction began construction of a five-story, 28 unit apartment building at 61 West Erie Street. 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 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.