(Above) According to Dick’s Last Resort, the controversial “garage doors” will look like this.

May 21, 2008 – Dick’s Last Resort has released a floor plan that offers a clearer picture of how the restaurant will utilize commercial tenant space in the southwest corner of Marina City’s concourse level. They also have a photograph of the type of “garage doors” that will separate the indoor dining area from the outdoor dining area.

From the main entrance on North Dearborn Street, the bar will be off to the right, indoor dining area further in and to the left, and outdoor dining along the south edge. The band area will be in southeast corner of the space, on the other side of the residential mailboxes. A second entrance will welcome customers taking the elevator from the plaza level. The door closer to the escalators will be exit-only from the kitchen.

Seating estimates are 96 for the bar area, 192 in two indoor dining areas, and 36 in the outdoor dining area, which was reduced recently from 54.

(Click on image to view larger version.)

The floor plan was designed by Kurtz Associates, an architectural firm based in Des Plaines, Illinois. The firm’s customers also include BP Connect, Des Plains Park District, and GM Goodwrench.

Dick’s CEO Steve Schiff does not yet know when they will be open for business. “I can tell you that we look forward to working with the residents on issues, events and being good neighbors.”

He says the term “garage doors,” which has been used by critics but also appears in the floor plan, is inaccurate. Schiff says the doors are actually retractable aluminum and glass panel doors.

“The design of this door is in keeping with the architectural integrity of the building in that its materials and colors are consistent with the building’s existing curtain wall,” he says, referring to the outward-facing wall of the building.

Schiff says the doors will be closed when live music is playing.

A building permit was issued to Dick’s Last Resort on May 15 and the Stop Work Order, posted on February 22, has been lifted.

“Now that our permit has been released,” says Schiff, “we will resume the build out and look forward to moving to Marina City.”

Meanwhile, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly is looking into landmark status for Marina City. The issue re-surfaced at about the same time Dick’s was planning the design of its tenant space. Letters are in the mail to residents, seeking input. Jeff Riley, Policy Director for Alderman Reilly, says if residents want landmark status, Alderman Reilly will organize an open discussion.

Riley says if residents want to comment on landmark status but do not receive the letter from Alderman Reilly, they may contact his office at 312-642-4242 or by email at office@reillyforchicago.com.