The Cubs are "asking architects to redesign the long-stalled triangle building promised in exchange for a 1,791-seat expansion of the Wrigley Field bleachers, armed with a survey that shows area residents want less parking and more open space," according to Fran Spielman of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. The "original plan called for a seven-story building dominated by a parking garage." The design also included an "upscale restaurant, retail stores specializing in Cubs merchandise, team offices, below-ground batting cages and a rooftop garden." The Internet survey conducted June 7-12 by Atlanta-based Alexander Babbage Inc. "asked residents within a mile of the ballpark what features they favored." Of the 785 responding residents, only 22% "want the Cubs to build the 400 parking spaces included in the planned development approved by the City Council." The rest want to "eliminate parking altogether at that location or dramatically reduce the number of spaces to leave more open space." Sources said that the redesign "might include a shorter structure built around an open square filled by an ice rink in the winter and a farmer’s market and outdoor concerts in the summer." Lost retail and parking revenues "could be recouped by selling corporate naming rights to the plaza." The survey also showed that 85% of Wrigley neighbors "want more concerts at the ballpark." Sources said that the Cubs also "conducted a telephone poll to gauge public support for using tax dollars to help renovate Wrigley." However, those results "have not yet been analyzed" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/26).
