Two-Story Gym Could Anchor Wrigley Hotel

The gym would include a swimming pool, batting cage and fitness program for kids

A proposed boutique hotel to replace the McDonald's across from Chicago's Wrigley Field could be anchored by a 40,000-square-foot Chicago Athletic Clubs gym.

The Ricketts family wants to tear down the McDonald's and erect a Sheraton hotel in its place. The two-floor gym would be its largest tenant and include a swimming pool, batting cage and a fitness program for kids, according to Crain's Chicago Business.

The project must first get approval from the city and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. It's part of the $500 million Wrigley Field renovation over the next five years, and the family has said the hotel would go through if a deal is struck with lawmakers to renovate the stadium.

The Cubs bought the property from McDonald's a couple of years ago, with a caveat that one of the fast-food restaurants be included in any planned renovations.

Cub officials met with a neighborhood group in January to float plans for the area that included space for farmer's markets and outdoor movies, and a bigger ice rink.
 
There's also an ongoing impasse with owners of neighboring rooftop owners who don't want renovations to obstruct their view.

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