Wrigley Field Offseason Rehab Work Photos
by Al Yellon on Feb 1, 2010 8:00 AM CST
in News
159 comments
Could it be? Could the ugly concrete panels that have been on the Wrigley Field exterior since the 1950's finally be coming down?
At the very least, they've been removed for some work that's being done this offseason. I hope that in the future, the Ricketts will consider taking them off for good and restoring the wrought iron that was part of the park's original design.
Another photo after the jump. These were taken on Saturday afternoon, January 30.
Click on photo to open a larger version in a new browser window. BCB photo by David Sameshima
Click on photo to open a larger version in a new browser window. BCB photo by David Sameshima
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Didn't those panels serve to cut some of the wind blowing through the grandstand?
Ugly yes, but they may have served a purpose in keeping Wrigley from becoming the midwest version of Candlestick Park…
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
If that's the case...
… why didn’t they put them on the west side of the park, too?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Was just thinking that
I love seeing work done on Wrigley, though. Don’t care what it is – as long as it’s something. :)
Wait a minute... who am I here?
Well, good point. I hadn't thought of that.
Maybe they found there were more direct northerly or southerly wind patterns over the course of a season. Other than that, I’ve got nuttin’.
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
Could it also have something to do w/the sun?
Would explain why it’s on one side and not the other. Maybe, once the triangle building is up, there won’t be a need for those concrete panels.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
On the field's south side? No, not a bit
The sun is never far enough south during the baseball season.
If these were on the west side which they are not, removing them could provide sun in the eyes issues for IF’ers near sunset. But that already happens.
Just win the next game...!
Guess I was confused which side
we were talking about. So yeah, pretty much makes no sense.
BCB - We have our own dictionary!
There are no concrete panals by me,
I’m straight up first base. Those don’t start until halfway down the right field line, and I don’t know why they’re there. They do block a lot of wind, but if that was the reason they’re there, they’d extend further down toward clark.
When it’s hot, Bob Lavelle, who works in that concrete corner, complains that it gets really hot. He makes friends by spraying them with one o’ them fancy fan / waterbottle things. The chainlink fence and I rarely overheat, and on hot days people comment how nice the breeze is.
In April and May, it’s a different story. The convergence of the back of the grandstand and the upperdeck creates a wind tunnel, which potentiates an already frigid windchill. Bob complains less about the cold.
The sun is another issue, but not so much on the southside of the stadium. Although we get some sun, its high angle prevents it from extending very far under the overhang. Additionally, it’s too far west for any exposure on nightgames. The vendors on the westside of the stadium, however, frequently get sunburns. Nightgames are a little better for them, but they’re still taking 3-4 hours of direct sun.
My thought is that it has to do with garbage. The ballpark is cleaned out with leafblowers from left field to right field. I’m guessing that they’re large pens designed to keep garbage from blowing onto the street. I’m also guessing that the above look w/o any fence won’t happen… I’ve seen a lot of things fall/thrown/urinated 2 or 3 stories down onto the sidewalk below and there is certainly a valid safety issue involved w/ having some sort of ground to ceiling fence. Still, I’m all for removing those panels.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on Feb 1, 2010 2:57 PM CST up reply actions
Say
Does anyone have a picture of what the old wrought iron looked like? I agree the panels don’t fit the motif of the rest of the structure, but I am curious as to what it looked like originally.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
While a classic look it simply could not survive today's economic climate
Just win the next game...!
I like the look.
Certainly better than the concrete
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
I have seen this photo before.
IIRC, it was taken in 1939.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Sure, the cars look older.
Just because there are older cars doesn’t mean they couldn’t still have been on the road in 1939. Remember, not many people could afford to buy cars during the Depression.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yeah, you may be right.
I’ve seen a photo of the 1935 WS with the marquee. So the 1939 date can’t be right.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Here's a shot that was taken in, I think, 1939
with the marquee. It says Brooklyn, May 16, 17, 18, which matches up with the 1939 schedule.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Feb 1, 2010 10:08 AM CST up reply actions
do you still have the photo where the marquee and the sides were painted blue?
I liked the look of that
baseball.........is Kool Aid the remedy, or the cause of my desire for it
by cooliogirl47 on Feb 1, 2010 10:45 AM CST up reply actions
You can go to the "History" section on the left sidebar.
Look through the posts there, you should be able to find that photo.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
There's a picture I've seen many times...
…with the large crowd outside Wrigley where everyone’s dressed in hats and coats. The marquee says NL Champions and the red, white, and blue playoff flags are hanging all over the park, and there’s a “Solvay Coke” factory in the background.
Anyone know which one I’m talking about? What year is that from?
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
You're talking about this photo, I assume.
It’s from 1945.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Thats the one!
Thanks Al!! My buddy gave me that picture for Christmas.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
When did the Solvay Coke thing come down?
That’s where the triangle Bldg. will be built, right?
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
Yes.
The coal company that was there closed in 1960.
Shameless promotion: I have the entire history of the site and some proposals for what could go in the Triangle Building in this year’s Maple Street Press Annual. It will be available later this month. I’ll post ordering info when I have it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
They sell a really nice version of this picture at Target, I bought one there about 3 months ago
"Okay, just so I understand it...in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil."- Jim Halpert
by ryanbrixenivy on Feb 1, 2010 3:02 PM CST up reply actions
True
I bought this print too. It was cheap (like $30) and framed really nice. It’s hanging behind my monitor right now.
I should get one of those.
I like the photo — how big is the print?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That's a good size.
Next time I’m at Target I’ll look for it. What department did you find it in?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It was by the lamps, tables and what not.
There was about 3 or 4 of these style prints (I don’t remember what the others were), hanging at the end of an isle.
You have the same one I have.
It came from Target as well. They also sell several other vintage prints from Fenway and Yankee Stadium —
You can see them HERE
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
They are available nationwide, I think ...
We were in a Target in Camden NJ, across the river from Philadelphia, last fall and saw the Wrigley Field print prominently displayed. No Baker Bowl or Shibe Park, though!
One of Lee Elia's 15%
How about both at once?
Shibe Park in the foreground, Baker Bowl in the background. Yes, they were just a few blocks apart!
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Is that Broad Street
the main drag running up and down between the two ballparks?
One of Lee Elia's 15%
No, it's Lehigh, I think. Sorry.
Broad Street was adjacent to the Baker Bowl, not Shibe Park. My daughter lives not too far from there.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
I too
got that nice Vintage Wrigley one (and a nice large Walter Payton print too) at Target here in northern Minnesota… One was the regular $30, and the other was on sale for $20… Don’t remember which was which, but I suspect the baseball was on sale (out of season, since I got them in November)…
Hubbs!
I don't see that one.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Feb 1, 2010 8:08 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah
looked through that big list and don’t see the Payton one either… He’s juking to the side carrying the ball at Soldier Field on the old astro-turf, and the pic is a full body shot with some random Cowboy trying to tackle him.
I’m in the process of setting up my den/man-cave, so these two fit in real nice… They are nice and big for the money. I will note that if anyone wants to look for them, be sure to inspect the pics closely, as I had to go through a couple (finding minor dings on the edges of a few) before picking out the ones I ended up getting.
Hubbs!
I noticed that too.
I guess it’s something that might only be available inside their stores.
It also depends on which Target you go to — The one in Costa Mesa sells them but the one in Huntington Beach does not
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
Interesting that in this photo
the rail line is not visible but it is visible in the one a few comments above this one.
by jerry morales rules on Feb 1, 2010 1:24 PM CST up reply actions
It appears in the photo you're talking about...
… the rail line is just behind wherever the photographer is standing.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You wouldn't know the name of that line, would you?
I used to live in Wrigleyville and I was always taken back at how you can still make out where the line used to run just based on how the buildings are laid out.
by jerry morales rules on Feb 1, 2010 1:31 PM CST up reply actions
It was a freight line, IIRC.
But the name? I am not sure.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Well
Perhaps this is the beginning of an iinvestigative hobby for me.
by jerry morales rules on Feb 1, 2010 1:39 PM CST up reply actions
Hope this helps
Click on pic for higher resolution
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
@Twitter as @brommmietze
That curved line is the train line in question.
Herndon Ave. as shown on that map is now Lakewood Ave.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Another good look at it here
1938 map street map of Chicago (in 4 pieces because of size issues):
Near North/Downtown/Near South
It’s so strange seeing the city without expressways!
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Milwaukee Railroad, Lakewood Branch
It used to run from the Goose Island area up to an interchange with the L near the Wilson station. Part of it is still intact and in occaisional use south of Diversey, where it runs down the middle of Lakewood Avenue (hence the name).
North of Diversey the tracks were torn up decades ago, but you can still clearly see the path they used when you look at aerial photos of the area. Oddly enough, the only place where there are still rails on the ground is next to Wrigley Field – they peek though the sidewalk along the south side of Waveland immediately west of the park.
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
I can confirm those tracks still exist south of Diversey.
However, the last train to run north of Fullerton used to stop at the Hostess factory on Diversey. That factory now closed, I don’t think any trains run north of Fullerton any more.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
You're probably right about that
When I said they still get used occaisionally, I meant very occaisionally – like once a year or so. I believe there’s even a spot where they were accidentally paved over because somebody thought they were no longer in use.
I recall reading somewhere that the Cubs used to get a boxcar full of bats shipped to them on that line every spring – I’d like to see a picture of that!
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Didn't those tracks run along
what is now Seminary? Next to the Fire Station to the north and behind the Cubbie Bear to the south? Then, further north they rose above ground and ran along Graceland, where you can still see the raised earthworks, I believe. I remember parking on Eddy or Cornelia and being able to cut straight through to the ballpark along the railway rights. They used to park cars there, too, IIRC.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
Correct!
South of Wrigley they veered to the west — not sure exactly where — to run along Lakewood.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
South of Wrigley...
the tracks (or at least where they used to be) cut through the parking lot between Cubby Bear and Taco Bell, and keep going the next few blocks at kind of a SSW angle.
They disappear for a bit around Roscoe and Racine, but pick up again along a stretch of townhomes just west of Racine. It’s hit and miss the next few blocks as new development has occurred, but they roughly keep that same SSW angle until Belmont where they then line up with Lakewood and go south.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Thanks for the info
That’s great to know.
by jerry morales rules on Feb 1, 2010 2:02 PM CST up reply actions
But they're all older cars.
Here’s another view, along Addison, from the 1929 Series.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
From the L
Lunch, then Drugs, then Wrigley Field. Has anything changed?
by RiskyBusiness on Feb 1, 2010 10:05 AM CST up reply actions
Beer. You can now also buy beer legally.
In 1929, if you wanted some beer or a little “bathtub gin”, you had to get in touch with “Capone & Associates, Inc.”
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
Actually, I'm sure Capone was at the 1929 W.S.
From what I’ve read, he was a regular at both Wrigley and Comiskey Park during the Roaring ’20s.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
Maybe we should all start wearing suits to games again
Where’s my Fedora hat?
by RiskyBusiness on Feb 2, 2010 12:16 PM CST up reply actions
Famous photo of Capone with Gabby Hartnett.
IIRC, Hartnett got in trouble with the commissioner for posing for this.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
better than getting in trouble with Capone!
by RiskyBusiness on Feb 2, 2010 4:56 PM CST up reply actions
I'm surprised Capone...
…didn’t have the commissioner whacked.
"I always tell the truth -- Even when I lie" -- Tony Montana
He tried...
…but the commish’s head was low and outside, so Capone swing and missed.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Thanks
To moose97 and waiting4cubs, for posting those pics. I agree what a nice classic look. Here’s hoping the panels go away and we go back to what was originally intended.
"Ask Dad. He'll know. And on the off chance he doesn't, he'll make something up"
The location of the visitors clubhouse really sticks out in this view.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on Feb 1, 2010 2:59 PM CST up reply actions
No lights....
Night games generate more overall revenue than day games. General tkt sales may not be that big of a difference for the Cubs. But TV revenue is bigger.
It’ll also be important for the Cubs going forward if Rickett’s can open up the bidding to more than just WGN-TV along with Comcast.
Then there’s also the mezz suites or skyboxes. Those are needed in today’s climate for competition. It’ll be one big part of Wrigley’s overhaul for “2014”. Granted they were not in the ballpark 70-80 years ago.
Just win the next game...!
I think the topic was the wrought iron vs. concrete
Not lights vs. absence of lights
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 1, 2010 10:11 AM CST up reply actions
What if you could pay a fee for that?
Just another revenue generating option.
by RiskyBusiness on Feb 1, 2010 11:05 AM CST up reply actions
For one, there's no main concession stand or beer commisary on the Mez in this picture.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on Feb 1, 2010 3:03 PM CST up reply actions
Wow. Reply fail.
This should refer to Al’s comment “Why not?” The first in-thread picture was taken before there was either a concession stand or a freezer on the mezzanine. It’s unlikely those would be taken out in this modern economy.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on Feb 1, 2010 3:07 PM CST up reply actions
The 1929 picture?
No beer. Prohibition. Although you could probably get a beer in the Drug Store.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
so...
if they take the concrete off, what would the put up?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
Any chance the wrecking ball can take out the Captain Morgan Club?
It just sticks out like a sore thumb.
Captain Morgan should be outside PNC Park
if anywhere, not Wrigley Field. I don’t mind the little buildings so much as that gross Captain Morgan branding. Captain Morgan wouldn’t get anywhere near the same number of “consumer impressions” in Pittsburgh, but the Cubs owners should step in and police what their ballpark looks like, beyond cosmetic improvements. I hope that’s on the Ricketts’ schedule. They no doubt have a contract with Captain Morgan for X number of years, but maybe they can release the captain and buy out his contract.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Feb 1, 2010 10:56 AM CST up reply actions
Maybe they could work a deal with Johnnie Walker
Every time a Cub gets a free pass, they can put “Keep Walking” on the message board. And, of course, since it’s Cub blue, the flavor served would be Blue.
Hmm . . . .
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 1, 2010 10:59 AM CST up reply actions
and a liquor to be named later
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Feb 1, 2010 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
I could get behind that kind of promotion.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
The color is off, it's stucco
It just doesn’t match. But once you’re in there, it’s OK.
by RiskyBusiness on Feb 1, 2010 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
I hope that's not temporary and they actaully keep the concrete down.
otherwise this is a really big tease.
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
There's a fence around the project...
… implying that it’s going to be going on for a while, rather than just one weekend. We can hope, anyway.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
+ a million
God those things are ugly. I’ve been hoping for a nice brick exterior for a long time. But, the iron is beautiful
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
I JUST DROVE BY!
The fence is down and the cranes are gone, and more panels are down, but not all of them. Who knows what they’re up to? I was going to ask someone but the work seemed to be shut down for the day — at about 3:30PM.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
Thanks for the info.
I may go by there tomorrow and see what’s up.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
♫They tried to make me go to reahab, I said, "No, No, No"♫
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 1, 2010 11:05 AM CST reply actions
you're on the wrong thread :)
baseball.........is Kool Aid the remedy, or the cause of my desire for it
by cooliogirl47 on Feb 1, 2010 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
While they;re at it...
They should alter the Harry statue… get some Captain in him.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Assuming the hotel complex on Addison gets built, and add in the Triangle Building along Clark...
…if you leave Wrigley as it is (concrete panels on Addison side, chain link on Clark side), you run the very big risk of having not one but two canyons of extreme ugliness. Not that the new hotel and the Triangle building will be ugly (I sure hope not), but they will be tall enough to create that canyon effect, thus focusing people’s attention even more on Wrigley.
I’m sure the Ricketts understand this – and I’m guessing they already have at least some semblance of a plan to redo the main grandstand exterior on both sides, leading up to 2014.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
LCD Flat screens with advertisements!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 1, 2010 11:34 AM CST up reply actions
The hotel, at least...
… will be set back from the street, at least in the renderings I’ve seen.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That hotel complex...
… has revised plans somewhat. Not sure if there was a post around here on it or not.
Over the last year, M&R Development has been meeting with neighbors, local retailers and community organizations to get feedback and refine the design of Addison Park on Clark. The new proposal is reduced in height, number of units and square footage. Many of the key changes were incorporated in response to feedback received from the community.
http://www.addisonparkonclark.com/
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Feb 1, 2010 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
That's somewhat deceptive...
Yes, the “new” proposal is reduced in height, number of units and square footage, but that’s only because the original plans were so outrageous, there had to be reductions. I wish I could find that article again, but what they originally proposed was definitely in what we’d call the “mid-rise” range in terms of number of floors, and would have been well higher than Wrigley.
Of course, I’m sure the developers knew that wasn’t going to fly – I’d bet they came in really high like that, so they could hem, haw, grumble, negotiate, give in a little, grumble some more and finally look worn down and defeated like the little people beat them down into submission and begrudgingly accept the “reduced” version so all would hail Ald. Tunney as a populist hero, when I’m pretty sure this is what they had in mind all along.
But I mean, it’s not like I’m biased here or anything… ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Well, there you go.
I don’t have much of opinion of the thing, beyond thinking that corner is ripe for some sort of cleaning up and development.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
Yeah, if they started with 6 stories
they end up with 3 stories.
How come everyone is so concerned about this development, but nobody seems to care about the telephone building, also located on Sheffield?
Just because it’s stuck there, like Soriano’s salary?
by RiskyBusiness on Feb 1, 2010 1:54 PM CST up reply actions
yeah, I remember hearing about this project awhile back
the tower was gonna be huge as I recall. Wouldn’t have taken much to make it scaled back from the original version
---AC 00 00 00 - Believe
Maybe, just maybe...
One of the concrete slabs will slip from the crane, fall to the ground (perhaps smashing Crane Kenney’s car) and be irreparably damaged…leading the Cubs to take them all down because they wouldn’t be able to make a matching replacement.
Yeah, uh huh, maybe.
Replace them with glass?
The original renderings for the “triangle building” (now several years old) show glass panes on exterior of the Clark side of the park – if they do that, they’d probably do something similar for Addison as well.
It’s a classy look, although I’m not sure if it fits the character of the park. Hopefully once they release new renderings of the finalized triangle building design, they’ll also give us a taste of what they’re planning to do with the Wrigley exterior.
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Good eye
Nice catch. That may be what they are doing. If that is true, how long before the glass gets all scratched up and destroyed from idiots on the ramps?
Throw on some of those giant stick-ons...
… they put over all the windows on the El to keep them from getting destroyed from idiots as well.
Dum spiro spero... | Follow me on twitter or else: @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Feb 1, 2010 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
TWJS
"A waist is a terrible thing to mind." - Terry 'Fat Tub of Goo' Forster
@Twitter as @brommmietze
What about...
replacing the ugly grey panels with brick to match the interior walls…?
- Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
- Germans?
- Forget it, he's rolling.
I think the green wrought iron gates
and tall fences at the entrance to the bleachers is a nice look, along with the red brick. Maybe they should continue that theme around the ballpark.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
Can we start some kind of campaign
to let the Ricketts know that we hate the panels, and since they’re removing at least some of them anyhow, why not take the plunge and do it up right? Letters? Cards? Emails? A march on Addison with signs and free brochures?
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Feb 1, 2010 5:40 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
This post might help.
Management does read these.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
TOM! GET RID OF THE ALTERNATE JERSEYS!
At least dump them at home!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 1, 2010 7:34 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think they are taking down the concrete panels and replacing them
Rather what I believe they are doing is removing a few panels in gain access point for the shuttling in of construction materials.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Hardly.
They’ve already been doing construction all winter, and last winter they moved an entire hockey rink in and out without having to do that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Unless they're doing construction up near that corner.
There’s a lot of stuff in that corner- certainly more than what in the left field corner, including a couple of bathrooms, easy access to the RF suites, Stadium Club, visitors clubhouse, and a big vending commissary. There hasn’t been much, if any, construction in that area in a decade. The closest is when they did the RF corner bleacher access. Both the bleacher access and all the concert/hockey stuff you mention was done on field level, not at the back of the grandstand, suites, or upperdeck.
I think you’re onto something, BLou.
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on Feb 1, 2010 9:41 PM CST up reply actions
Removing panels/windows/doors is...
a common practice to get materials to the upper floors. This is done for drywall replacement all the time. With that being said I don’t think that is what they are doing here, why take so many panels down? And, they left the panel supports in place. My guess is they are doing some repair work on broken panels or supports, or maybe working on the stairs/ramp behind those panels.
Replacing those panels with painted steelwork “fencing” would be a major job. It would not look anything like the old photos shown above, as those do not meet current building codes.
What would they have to use to meet building codes?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
They could still use steel, but
no opening between steel bars could be more than 4" nor could there be too many horizontal bars. This is so that a ladder for kids(or people) can’t climb it. Above a certain height the steel would have to go floor to ceiling, for obvious reasons. These codes would make it very costly to put some kind of steel “fence” in. This may be the reason they put in those concrete panels to begin with. I would guess that a new paneling system would be used, hopefully much more attractive than the current panels in place now.
Well...
… they did put a “fence” like that at the new bleacher entrance. They could probably do the same on the rest of the park, or do brickwork.
I learned yesterday that the concrete panels were originally put up in 1958 — long before current building codes. As I said, maybe a brick facing would be more attractive.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yes, it is possible
I am not familiar with what the fence at the bleacher entrance looks like (or I don’t recall), but as you move up in height different codes apply. So, second story is more stringent than first, and third through fifth(just a guess) is more stringent than second and so on. (This is not measured in stories but actual feet in height)
Some nice brickwork would be beautiful, but it would have to be built from the ground, because I am almost positive no new loads(as in brickwork which is very heavy) can be added to the existing steel.
Yes, the 1958 building codes are much different now than they were then but after world war II many new codes were put into place. Many times codes, seen as a way to protect the public, are simply political additions. As in certain electrical and plumbing codes of Chicago are simply a way to keep union contractors employed and have only a minimal impact on public safety. I am not sure if those panels were put in as a way to meet codes or if those kinds of panels were in style at the time. Either way, replacing them now will be very costly.
As I mentioned earlier unless steel is reinforced or new footings are poured I doubt brickwork is an option. I think steel fences would simply be too costly, unless done sporadically throughout the park. If the precast concrete panels are to be replaced it will most likely be with some other kind of more attractive paneling: maybe even glass(expensive and hard to upkeep), different concrete panels, or some kind of premanufactured steel paneling(this could work if the panels were easy to modify for each opening size.
Here's what the bleacher entrance looks like now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Those gates/fences would work
but it would be very expensive.
Notice how on the mezzanine there is just a railing, but up higher a fence goes nearly to the top. Most of the openings created by removing panels would probably need full height fencing.
Remember that this is a completely new structure.
That wouldn’t be the case on the other side of the park — the ironwork would be (IMO) purely decorative.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Still, can we let them know we think the panels are ugly?
We need critical mass to do it.
One of Lee Elia's 15%
We could just steal them from the construction site under cover of darkness...
…and dump them in Lake Michigan. Problem solved.
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
We could tie them together and make a lakeshore airport.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 1, 2010 7:35 PM CST up reply actions
subtitle: The Pilots Strike Back
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 1, 2010 7:45 PM CST up reply actions
Headline:
“Cubs considering landing, tie-down fees as potential new revenue sources”
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Why not?
Some thought they bulldozed the 2008 team in the middle of the night . . . .
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 1, 2010 8:53 PM CST up reply actions
They did.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Feb 1, 2010 10:20 PM CST up reply actions
Willie!
Where have you been, man?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 2, 2010 6:56 AM CST up reply actions
I've been around. Just been hibernating a bit. My
job keeps me pretty busy so I can’t post at work like I used to but, as the weather warms up so will my postings.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Feb 2, 2010 5:07 PM CST up reply actions
Good deal
The place is more entertaining with your contributions.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 2, 2010 10:25 PM CST up reply actions
Thank you. That comment comming from you is pretty high praise!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Feb 3, 2010 3:48 PM CST up reply actions
Ah, I am humbled.
“The Willie and Daver Show” was can’t miss in 2008!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 4, 2010 9:09 AM CST up reply actions
What parts of the ballpark are there
From the original design, etc? Anything?
"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher
Not much, any more.
Until the bleacher reconstruction in 2005, the original outer walls on Waveland and Sheffield were still there. I doubt there’s much of anything left now.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Al, haven't the players claimed that the clubhouses have been painstakenly preserved?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 2, 2010 5:05 PM CST up reply actions
The visitors clubhouse has.
The home clubhouse was renovated in 1984, but still needs work.
(I know you were trying to be funny, but I figured I’d give a serious answer.)
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Al, has there been any additional panel removals?
Was wondering if there had been any more action on those panels since the photos were posted. I hope they are all gone next time you go by.
Good Guys Wear Blue
I'm probably going to drive by there today to see.
Will take and post photos if there’s anything different.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
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