New Public Space Outside Wrigley Field Just Another Win for Chicago

"For better or for worse, Wrigleyville is changing rapidly as Wrigley Field undergoes a continuing makeover, and a seven-story hotel and a huge mixed-used development are constructed next to the ballpark," according to an article by John Greenfield.

Overall, Greenfield sees a mixed-bag of planning decisions, as evaluated relative to the area's already existing walkability and transit-friendly bonafides. Greenfield takes a longer look at one positive change in particular: the addition of a plaza and lawn on the west side of the stadium—the site of a former surface parking lot.

"Although there were originally plans to replace the lot with a parking garage, four years ago the Ricketts family, which purchased the Cubs and ballpark in 2009, proposed the much wiser option of a community gathering place," writes Greenfield. "The space will host a farmers market and outdoor movies during the summer, and a skating rink during the winter."