Wrigleyville Taco Bell redevelopment lands climbing gym as tenant

The three-story project is one of several new developments transforming the tourist-heavy area

Guest post by Jay Koziarz of Curbed Chicago  

Hirsch MPG LLC

The planned redevelopment of the infamous Taco Bell across from Wrigley Field is moving forward with a new design anchored by San Francisco-based climbing gym Planet Granite. Revised renderings of the project at 1111 W. Addison Street were posted on the website of 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney.

The updated glass and metal-clad design replaces the generic-looking marketing images first revealed in August. Penned by Chicago’s Hirsch MPG LLC, it consists of three stacked boxes, offset from one another to create outdoor terrace space on levels two and three. Large exterior graphics on the building’s east and west elevations would feature rock climbers in silhouette.

Hirsch MPG LLC

West Addison Development purchased the site in July for $8.9 million. While it was previously reported that the company would redevelop the site without a zoning change, the revised plan is now seeking a slight bump from B3-2 to B3-3. The plan also calls for separate ground floor retail space and 25 off-street parking spaces.

Located just west of the Cubby Bear sports bar, Wrigleyville’s Taco Bell was a long-time staple for Cubs fans looking for a quick late night bite or a convenient public restroom on game day. Taco Bell devotees even organized a grassroots protest last year to save the beloved fast food establishment. The franchise restaurant’s current lease runs through July.

The Planet Granite project is just one of several large developments transforming the neighborhood. It is joined by the recently completed Cubs offices at the Park at Wrigley, the under-construction Addison & Clark mixed-use complex, and the 173-room Hotel Zachary, opening in April.

The Planet Granite-anchored development would be located south of the upcoming Hotel Zachary [pictured right].

 Hirsch MPG LLC