The controversial 1060 Project to renovate the Home of the Chicago Cubs broke ground over the weekend on a renovation proposal that will allow a mix of uses on the ballpark property.
Mark Gonzalez reports on the project's groundbreaking, which drew luminaries like Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. At the press conference, "Emanuel touted the benefits of the $575 million project (that includes a hotel), which is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and generate $1.2 billion in new net revenue over the next 30 years," according to Gonzalez.
As for the impact the renovation could have on the surrounding neighborhood: "[Cubs Chairman Tom] Ricketts stressed that project stretches past the Cubs, with a plaza that the neighborhood can visit for a farmers' markets, free concerts and an ice rink on non-game days. During the winter, the neighborhood 'needs some love,' Ricketts said."
The renovation received approval from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks despite opposition from the Rooftop Owners Association, which filed a lawsuit against the city and the landmarks commission in August. The lawsuit is now in federal court.
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