Nov. 07--The historic caretaker's house at the northwest corner of Wrigley Field will be temporarily moved Friday morning by the 1060 Project team to allow construction crews to complete modifications inside Gate K.
The move also will allow for excavating a new two-story basement level for the planned office building and plaza in the lots next to the ballpark, the Cubs stated in a news release.
The caretaker's house, which will be moved to the north end of Wrigley Field's Blue lot, is scheduled to return its original location by the Cubs' 2015 regular season opener on April 6.
The exterior masonry shell of the building will be restored once the house returns to its original spot as part of the team's mission to preserve historic elements of the ballpark. The front porch will be rebuilt using salvaged and new bricks, and the house will be placed on a new foundation, with a new roof system replacing the existing wood frame, according to the release.
The home was constructed during a major renovation of then-Cubs Park between the 1922-23 seasons. The home cost about $6,000, and William Wrigley Jr. thought to build the home and offer free rent to Bobby Dorr, the Cubs' grounds superintendent from 1919 to 1957, if he would live at the park and watch the property.
Dorr accepted the offer, moved in with his family and resided there until his death in 1957. Traveling secretary Bob Lewis took over the house, which he also used as his office until his retirement. The home has been used as office space for the concessionaires at the park.
