By Ameet Sachdev | Some rooftop owners outside Wrigley Field are opposed to the proposed sign the Chicago Cubs would like to erect in the left-field bleachers.
The Wrigley Rooftop Association said in a statement Friday that the planned 360-square-foot sign featuring Toyota’s logo would violate the landmark ordinance governing Wrigley.
“Allowing the Cubs organization to circumvent the landmark commitment it agreed to a few short years ago is unfair to the community that has strongly supported the team and annually welcomes over three million fans to the neighborhood,” the association said.
The team disagrees that the illuminated sign would infringe on the landmarked parts of ballpark, which includes the contour of the grandstands and the bleachers. The top of the sign would be 38 feet above the back of the bleachers.
“We have worked with our community, our city, the landmark preservation groups and many others to make sure all the changes to Wrigley Field are consistent with the historic tradition of the ballpark,” said Mike Lufrano, senior vice president of community affairs.
The Cubs had hoped to have the Toyota sign up by the team’s first home game on Monday, but the permitting process with the City of Chicago has stalled. The sign has to be reviewed by the city’s Zoning Department and the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. The next Landmarks Commission meeting is May 6.
The Zoning Department had expressed concerns about the placement of the sign along the exterior wall of the bleachers. The Cubs plan to submit a revised sign application next week.
Prior to submitting its original sign application a few weeks ago, Cubs officials had met individually with some rooftop owners to show them plans for the Toyota sign. Nine rooftop owners have an agreement to pay the team a portion of the ticket revenues they generate.
Lufrano said the proposed location of the sign was chosen so it would not interfere with the views from the rooftops.
Members of the Wrigley Rooftop Association include Wrigleyrooftops, Beyond the Ivy, 3639 Rooftops, Skybox on Sheffield, and Murphy’s Rooftop and represent 12 buildings in Wrigleyville, said Rob Nash, a spokesman for the group.
Some rooftop owners have told the Cubs that they don’t have an issue with the sign.
aww poor babies lets feel bad for the rooftop owners.
Rooftop owners can kiss my ***. If the Cubs want to put signage up to make more money to put in to their team, they should have every right to do so.
Of course, the rooftop owners’ motive is pretty transparent, but they’re right nonetheless. The landmark architecture status should not be compromised just to bow down to the almighty dollar. The billboard should be shot down.
You must be a union organizer for Government Motors, you sure you’re not a southsider? perhaps you and Obama can have a beer together and work out the details of the sign variance.
you go to wrigley to get away from the hustle. to step back in time almost to a more relaxed atmosphere without all the complexities of modern life. If the sign was not a “sign” but designed so it fit into its environment like the armor signs and didn’t scream at people then I am ok with it. but if it distracts the eye and doesn’t blend in then no way. keep that junk out and keep wrigley beautiful.
Why doesnt Ricketts put the signs up in the Northshore where he lives 1st! Then if it goes well and everyone enjoys looking at them – yes do it at the park. This is a community – who cares about rooftop owners. Next thing you know the sign is a big issue and it gets approved! Then every request after that will slide right by! He doesnt live here – he knows what he bought – live with it! Make the team win and you wont have to worry about signs to make a profit…..
Has he ever heard of TRADITION! This is Americas Past Time not for sale to Toyota
well said, hamjor.
Way cheaper and doesn’t fill the bleachers with blight, get Grammtis to paint the Horseshoe ad in a greenscreen color and accept a percentage of the advertising the Rickets could sell.
If this sign was allowed to be constructed it would just be a stepping stone for more to come. Wrigley Field is one of the few if not the last stadiums that has the historic natural beauty and truly represents America’s Past Time. We all know Rickets overpaid for the Cubs but it wont help to destroy Wrigley Field. No signs!!
Wrigley has a tradition of changes. It’s had 3 name changes, the bleachers are now known as The Bud Light Bleachers, Under Armour signs in the outfield, CBOE seats, the new seats constructed behind home plate, lights, falling concrete , and skyboxes. Sorry folks, but this ballpark isn’t the same from when it was first built, so those that talk of tradition are misled.
Come one people. There was a Torco sign in the outfield beyond the fence for years. No body complained because the rooftop owners made the money at the expense of the Cubs. Now the Cubs would like to make the ad money.