Cubs’ mural across from Jeff Park CTA Terminal greets commuters

by BRIAN NADIG

A mural celebrating the Chicago Cubs’100-plus win season recently was installed in front of the former Edward Fox Photography studio, across from the Jefferson Park CTA Terminal.

Members of Jefferson Park Forward’s Livability Committee worked with Arts Alive Chicago and Alderman John Arena’s office on a plan to decorate the facade of the one-story building, 4900-04 N. Milwaukee Ave. “They wanted something put up so it just isn’t a boarded-up building,” said Jefferson Park Forward vice president Rolando Rodriguez.

The building was gutted earlier this year in preparation of a project which calls for the creation of two storefronts on the ground floor and the construction of a second and third floor, each with three apartments. The project’s developer, Michael Loukas, recently renovated a mixed-use building at 4872 N. Milwaukee Ave.

A construction permit for the project is pending with the city Department of Buildings.

Nick Davis, a local resident, had proposed opening a cafe that would feature coffee, sandwiches and craft beer on tap inside one of the building’s storefronts, but another location is being sought due to construction delays. Davis said that he is considering a different eatery concept for the building once the renovation work there is done.

The mural features the main Wrigley Field sign on the outside of the ballpark, the team’s logo and the names of some of team’s all-time greatest players, Fergie Jenkins, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Ryan Sandberg and Greg Maddux.

Arts Alive member Tony Passero designed the mural, and he received help from local artist Jerry Rogowski in painting the mural, which is on boards affixed to the front of the building. The Public Art Trust provided the paint for the project.

Since 2011, Arts Alive has painted several murals in the Jefferson Park area, including a science-themed mural at the railroad viaduct on Ainslie Street, just east of Lipps Avenue.