When Cubs fans return to Wrigley Field for tonight's home opener against the Reds, they will see an exterior that is "being restored to the way it looked" in the '30s, complete "with ornamental grill work topped by elegant sunburst patterns," according to Blair Kamin of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. The changes are "the most visible part" of the multiyear, $500M remake of MLB's second-oldest ballpark. The renovations "come as a shock, particularly because they bring back terra cotta roofing to Wrigley's street-level facade." Though it remains unfinished and its "mix of historical styles is occasionally off-key," the revamp "seems likely to go down as one of the most welcome aspects of Wrigley's controversy-wracked reinvention." Designed by Chicago-based VOA Associates, the changes extend "from the ballpark's newly restored art deco marquee to the Clark Street facade." VOA Chair & CEO Mike Toolis and Senior VP Andrew Pigozzi said that the makeover of the Addison Street frontage "won't be finished until opening day" of '18 because it "must occur in tandem with structural upgrades on that side of Wrigley." There is still "much more to be done before the renovation's scheduled completion" in '20, but the "long-overdue upgrade of Wrigley's facade shows great promise" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/9).
CUBS CLUB: In Chicago, Berlin & Yoder noted Wrigley this year also includes a "vastly improved clubhouse and facilities for Cubs players and coaches." The Cubs said that the 30,000-square-foot area "includes an expanded locker room, strength and conditioning center, training areas, offices and a lounge" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/8). USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale notes the Cubs for the first time "will be dressing in what they're calling the nicest clubhouse in baseball." The new clubhouse will be "the second largest in MLB" behind the Yankees and has "all the finest amenities known to an athlete." In the next few years, every piece of steel and the electrical system "will be replaced inside the ballpark, with new windows and iron and tile patterns on the outside." There will also be 40% "more bathrooms, concession stands, expanded suites and a press box." The Cubs even "vow to remodel the cramped visitors clubhouse next year, which will stop opponents' complaints" (USA TODAY, 4/11).
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: In Chicago, Goldsborough & Hopkins noted the Ricketts family, which owns the team, in March bought a three-story building for $2.65M just "beyond the Cubs' left-field bleachers." It is "unclear if the transaction" included the Brixen Ivy rooftop business in addition to the property. The purchase means the Ricketts "now control 10 of the 16 iconic rooftop clubs surrounding" Wrigley Field. The transactions reflect Cubs Chair Tom Ricketts' "efforts to expand control beyond Wrigley Field and into portions of the Wrigleyville area in Lakeview" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/10).
