Security Enhancements Coming to Richard J. Daley Center Lobby

Enhanced security measures are coming to the Richard J. Daley Center lobby as part of an effort to improve safety for tenants and visitors at the Loop building.

Starting Monday, June 16, work is scheduled to begin on the project that is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). The improvements will mean temporary lobby detours and relocated entry and exit paths until the work is completed and the lobbies reopen fully the morning of Tuesday, July 1.

From Monday, June 16 to Saturday, June 21 the east lobby of the Daley Center will be closed and from Saturday June 21 through Monday June 30 the west lobby will be closed while work is underway. Extra security officers will be on duty Monday, June 16 to help direct tenants and visitors to the proper entrances so they can easily access the building.

The project includes installation of enhanced protective measures for employees and visitors to include automated security turnstiles where authorized cardholders will tap their identification cards for entry. Once in place, the new security measures will mean a revamped entry procedure for tenants and visitors to allow for an orderly and secure process.

Entry for authorized cardholders approved by the office of Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart will be relocated to the south side of the building where the new turnstiles will be installed. All authorized tenants will be notified by the Sheriff’s office when the new identification cards will be issued.
All visitors and anyone without an authorized identification card will go through security screening posts to be located on the north side of the building. All exits from the tower will be relocated to the south side of the building.

“This project is just one example of the kinds of partnerships that have developed under the leadership of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle,” said DHSEM Executive Director Michael Masters. “Through this collaborative effort, we are confident that the proposed changes will make this incredibly important public building even more secure.”

“The Daley Center is among the busiest courthouses in the world, with tens of thousands of people cycling through it every day,” said Sheriff Dart. “These security enhancements will enhance the ability of Sheriff’s deputies to maintain a safe working environment within this historic building.”

The changes are the latest in a series of security improvements at the building in recent years that have included installation of additional security cameras on both the interior and exterior of the building. The $2 million project will be managed by the Public Building Commission of Chicago, which owns the building..