March 15, 2008 – The City of Chicago Department of Buildings has denied three more drawing and application reviews this month in the building permit application for Dick’s Last Resort. The restaurant had planned to move to the concourse level of Marina City in April or May.

A ventilation review was denied on March 4. a structural review was denied on March 7, and an electrical review was denied on March 11. So far, two reviews have been approved (environmental and planning), seven reviews have been denied (including architectural, fire prevention, plumbing, and refrigeration). Mayor’s Office/People With Disabilities is listed as “incomplete,” and a zoning review is listed as “conditional project.”

On February 22, the Department of Buildings posted a “Stop Work Order” on the west side of the tenant space. It ordered all construction work to cease immediately, claiming “interior alterations without permits” in violation of Municipal Code Section 13-12-050.

Andrew Moddrell, an architect who lives at Marina City, says although it is a normal part of the building permit process to fail some reviews, a Stop Work Order is “the consequence of being caught performing construction work without a building permit – regardless of whether you are engaged in the permit process.”

Upon failing a review, says Moddrell, “the architect or mechanical engineer makes necessary changes to the items the city doesn’t approve and issues a new set with corrections. Then they are issued a building permit if the corrections are approved.”

There is speculation that Dick’s could have been given some time to complete construction before paying rent. Industry experts agree the permit process is unpredictable. This motivates some business owners to begin construction before permits are obtained.

According to Department of Buildings spokesperson Bill McCaffrey, the Stop Work Order was “most likely the result of a tip.” Citizens may call 311 or report a violation on the department’s web site. McCaffrey says anyone working in violation of a Stop Work Order is subject to arrest.

Stop Work Order posted on west side of space being renovated by Dick’s Last Resort.

Liquor license application “still moving forward”

Meanwhile, Dick’s application for a liquor license is “still moving forward,” according to a spokesperson for the Department of Business Affairs and Licensing.

John Castaneda says the restaurant started the application process early because it had extensive construction work to do. Public notices have been sent out and posted. The department is currently waiting for construction to finish. At that time, inspectors will visit the property to determine if a liquor license will be issued.

“They’re in charge of the timeline,” says Castaneda, referring to Dick’s Last Resort.