Chicago issues demolition permit for Wrigley Field bleachers

The city of Chicago's Department of Buildings issued a demolition permit Friday for the removal of outfield bleacher sections at Wrigley Field, a city spokesman said.

Cubs spokesman Julian Green said Friday that bleacher renovations will start Monday. The left-field and right-field bleachers will be demolished and rebuilt as part of a $375 million stadium renovation plan. An additional $200 million in upgrades are planned for the surrounding area.

Parts of Waveland and Sheffield avenues are closed for the renovations and won't reopen until the spring. Utility work around the stadium has already begun.

The team plans to renovate the bleacher section. The overall project includes five outfield signs and two video boards by Opening Day next year.

With a permit issued, the Cubs could be hit with a lawsuit from the owners of nearby rooftop clubs who have said that outfield advertising signs would block their views and violate a revenue-sharing agreement they have with the Cubs. A spokesman for the Wrigleyville Rooftop Association declined to comment Friday.

Some rooftop owners last month sued the city and its Landmarks Commission, asking a judge to throw out the panel's unanimous decision that allowed the Cubs to erect seven outfield signs that the businesses say will block their views. The suit was recently transferred to federal court.

jahopkins@tribune.com

Twitter @jaredshopkins

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Chicago issues demolition permit for Wrigley Field bleachers