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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Wrigley Field much-needed restoration underway

Chicago Cubs president, baseball operations, Theo Epstein speaks at Wrigley Field. (Associated Press)
Mark Gonzales Chicago Tribune

Sunny skies and a row of smiles reflected the friendliness and optimistic mood among team executives and civic leaders Saturday as the Cubs celebrated their “1060 Project” groundbreaking ceremony at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

More than 350 people attended the event on the Wrigley infield, with the backdrop of drilling and other construction noise underway.

That noise was music to the ears of Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts, who acknowledged he had doubts that this long-awaited four-year project would start.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel touted the benefits of the $575 million project, including 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.

Ricketts stressed that the project stretches past the Cubs, with a plaza the neighborhood can visit for farmers’ markets, free concerts and an ice rink on non-game days. During the winter, the neighborhood “needs some love,” Ricketts said.

The groundbreaking came after the Cubs finished the season on a high note with a 28-27 record over the final two months, thanks in part to the contributions of prospects added to the roster.

Ricketts said he was “extremely confident” that all the legal hurdles with the neighborhood would be cleared but acknowledged the importance of a construction schedule with no weather-induced delays.

The Cubs know time is precious as they plan to rebuild the bleacher sections in left and right fields and erect two video boards. They also plan to start digging a massive hole in a parking lot behind third base to start the foundation for a new home clubhouse targeted for completion before the 2016 season.

Ricketts would love for Wrigley to host an All-Star Game for the first time since 1990 once renovations are completed, which is scheduled for 2019.