1937 Wrigley Field Renovation

At the Sheffield and Addison intersection, a massive Wrigley Field renovation takes place in 1937. This is a bird’s eye view outside the construction from the roof of what’s now 3551 North Sheffield Avenue. The new centerfield scoreboard and bleachers are built during the summer behind a temporary wall, with concrete and brick replacing the old wooden structure. This Wrigley Field renovation year is also the one Bill Veeck Jr. decides to plant ivy on the outfield walls. Somehow, the North Siders play through all this and manage to go 93-61, but it’s only good for second place as they finish three games behind the New York Giants.

In an ever-evolving Wrigleyville, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership stands in place of the Standard Oil service station seen here. And, in 2020, with Starbucks closed, there’s a vacancy in the space with this rooftop view. Previously, this prime location near the Sheffield and Addison intersection has been home to O’Malley’s Liquor Kitchen, Club 162, Benchwarmers, and Harry Caray’s Tavern. Can anyone say, “Hi-Tops 2”? Please?

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