Wrigleyville's appeal tested following Cubs' playoff exit

CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Cubs' early exit from the playoffs will test the offseason appeal of new developments in the neighborhood around Wrigley Field.

The Wrigleyville neighborhood has seen new hotels, apartments, restaurants and entertainment venues built in an attempt to make the area around the iconic ballpark a year-round destination, The Chicago Tribune reported.

Much of the development efforts are being led by the Ricketts family, which owns the Cubs. The family's real estate investment arm, Hickory Street Capital, has developed more than a half-dozen new restaurants and bars near the ballpark.

"I think redevelopment is awesome. It makes the neighborhood a nicer place to be," said Joe Spagnoli, owner of Yak-Zie's restaurant and bar.

Local business owners said the new additions could mean extra competition, but they may also bring in new customers. Longtime businesses said they hope to beat the competition through reasonable prices and a loyal customer base.

"If they can keep 200 people in the hotels on winter weekends, it will be phenomenal for the bars and restaurants," said Steven Strauss, who owns the sports bar Sluggers.

Strauss said some area residents are concerned that the new developments are changing the overall atmosphere of the area and making it feel more corporate.

Evette Lorenzo, assistant manager at Wrigleyville Sports, said some of the new businesses appear to cater to a "going-out scene" instead of neighborhood families.

But Maureen Martino, executive director of the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, said the group is working to ensure the development doesn't take away from the neighborhood's character. The chamber has formed a committee to help businesses along Clark Street attract customers even when there are no big events in the area.