Cubs Unveil $11-Mil Expansion Plans for Home

CHICAGO-Wrigley Field, one of the last remaining classic ballparks that now serves as a model for some of the retro-looking stadiums being built by other major-league teams, could be getting a major new look. An renovation plan announced by the Chicago Cubs Monday that reportedly will cost $11 million includes 2,100 additional bleacher seats, which would overhang sidewalks on Waveland and Sheffield Avenues behind the current exterior walls, as well as a restaurant in dead-center field.

In 2003 at the earliest, a car wash and hot dog stand on Clark Street on the western edge of the 7.7-acre ballpark site could be razed to make way for a parking garage, Cubs Hall of Fame, restaurant and additional concession space. The current commercial uses occupy 5,600 sf in the two buildings.

The 87-year-old ballpark with ivy-covered outfield walls has seen relatively few changes over the years, although the addition of lights in August 1988 was drastic and controversial. Threatened by the potential loss of post-season games, the Cubs became the last team to play night home games that year. About the same time, a new press box was installed in the back of the upper deck behind home plate.