Cubs Seek Redesign to Proposed Triangle Project

The Cubs want architects to redesign the long-stalled triangle building project promised in exchange for the 1,791-seat expansion of the Wrigley Field bleachers after the 2005 season.

Just 22 percent of the 785 respondents to a survey said they approved of the planned 4,000 spot parking garage that's already been approved by the City Council, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The survey, conducted by Atlanta-based Alexander Babbage Inc., polled residents living within one mile of the ballpark.

The original plan in 2005 was set at a $100 million price tag, and the project had already been redesigned once by former Cub's owner Tribune Co. CEO Sam Zell.

The survey found that the public is largely in favor of either eliminating parking altogether or significantly reducing the number of spaces to leave more open space.

Respondents favored various outdoor activities in the open-air plaza, from holiday festivals and live music to movies in the park and a permanent outdoor ice rink.

Inside the building, those surveyed expressed interest in a casual dining restaurant, sports museum, or upscale food market/deli rather than the proposals of upscale dining, a hotel, bakery, or bowling alley.

The revenue lost in retail or parking revenues could be compensated with the selling of corporate naming rights to the plaza.

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