For the Chicago Cubs, next year is here, at least in the literal sense. They play the Cincinnati Reds on Monday for their home opener, the first game at Wrigley Field in a promising 2016 season.
The game also marks the progression of the 1060 Project. Wrigley is in the process of modernization, and the latest update is that the Cubs’ new clubhouse is ready and the legendary marquee sign has been installed out front.
Wrigley’s old clubhouse, one of the worst in the majors, was 11,000 sf, a size that was acceptable generations ago but woefully small compared to the high tech, posh living rooms around the league. According to the Chicago Tribune, the new clubhouse is 30,000 sf. The space accommodates a larger locker room, a strength and conditioning center, training rooms, offices, and a lounge. The circular locker room has wood-paneled stalls centered around a central meeting area.
Home sweet(er) home! #LetsGohttps://t.co/A4qZxRGcZN
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 11, 2016
To find the space, the clubhouse was moved from the area underneath the seats behind the dugout to under an old parking lot on the west side of the ballpark. The old locker room will be turned into a batting cage. An open-air plaza will be built above the clubhouse.
Additionally, the signature red Wrigley Field marquee has been re-installed outside of the main entrance. EarthCam produced a time-lapsed video of crews putting it back together.
The Cubs are nowhere near done with the Wrigley overhaul. New clubs, decks, and outdoor concourses are being constructed, and a new umpire dressing room, visitors’ clubhouse, and press box are all in the works.
An outside development, including a six-story office building, 172-room hotel, open air plaza, and a bunch of commercial development spaces (restaurants, retail shops, an ice rink) will be built over the next few years.
The renovations started last year, when the Cubs revamped their outfield bleachers and erected two massive video boards.
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 5, 2015
New HOK designs for St. Louis NFL stadium unveiled
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has assembled a task force to develop plans for an open-air NFL stadium on the North Riverfront of downtown St. Louis.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2015
FEMA cuts off funding to Indiana after Kokomo continues building stadium in flood zone
FEMA will withhold funding on $5.5 million worth of projects such as building tornado safe rooms in schools.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 21, 2015
Pumped-up recreation centers help build body, mind, and spirit
Adopting facility layouts from Asian and European models, today’s sports and recreational buildings are becoming social hubs that accommodate a variety of community needs.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 20, 2015
Chargers, Raiders propose joint stadium in Carson
Two rival teams may bring the NFL back to Los Angeles.
Mixed-Use | Feb 13, 2015
First Look: Sacramento Planning Commission approves mixed-use tower by the new Kings arena
The project, named Downtown Plaza Tower, will have 16 stories and will include a public lobby, retail and office space, 250 hotel rooms, and residences at the top of the tower.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
Transit Facilities | Feb 12, 2015
Gensler proposes network of cycle highways in London’s unused underground
Unused tube lines would host pedestrian paths, cycle routes, cultural spaces, and retail outlets.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 6, 2015
Under the sea: Manmade island functions as artificial reef
The proposed island would allow visitors to view the enormous faux-reef and its accompanying marine life from the water’s surface to its depths, functioning as an educational center and marine life reserve.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 4, 2015
Arup unveils plans for the new A.C. Milan stadium
The venue will include a modern stage for the home matches together with a hotel, sports college, restaurants, children’s playground, green areas, and spaces open to the city and dedicated to public use.
| Jan 16, 2015
Artsy lifeguard stations will brighten Toronto’s snowy beach
Five winning designs have been unveiled for lifeguard stands that will double as public space art installations on Toronto's beach.
