With $67.9M in contracts for the Soldier Field renovation "already signed," Bears President Ted Phillips yesterday "dismissed the possibility that the $606[M] project would be derailed by critics who have filed two lawsuits to stop it," according to Liam Ford of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Ford notes the project oversight team — consisting of Turner Construction, Barton/Mallow, Kenny Construction and the architects — "was chosen without taking bids, while other work on the project is being bid out." Phillips said in a speech to the City Club of Chicago: "Let me remind the vocal minority that oppose this plan: This project is moving forward. It is not something that can be turned on and off with a switch. Design plans are virtually complete. Millions of dollars have been expended. All the financing is in place. And work ... is already well under way at the site." Ford: "Opponents concede their chances of stopping the project are diminishing, but one critic said Phillips should remember the lawsuits are still pending." The renovation is due to be completed in September '03 (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/6).
