DNC moves out of Chicago, tear down begins

CHICAGO - After months of logistical planning and weeks of on-the-ground setup, the 2024 Democratic National Convention is now one for the history books.

As red, white, and blue balloons fell in the United Center at the conclusion of the convention Thursday night, crews were waiting in the wings to tear down.

Early Friday morning, forklifts were used to lift and transport concrete barriers and iron fencing that had secured areas around the United Center and McCormick Place. Convention banners are now headed for the archives.

Cleanup is expected to continue through the weekend and city officials are asking for a few more days of patience as everything is packed up.

"I want to thank every city of Chicago worker, the workers who spent months preparing and executing the best political convention that this country has ever seen," said Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Along Washington Boulevard, between Wood Street and Damen Avenue, additional fencing had been installed and reinforced with brackets to prevent protesters from breaking through. The extra security measures meant more materials to remove after the event.

The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications reminded the public that the ongoing removal work would cause temporary street closures and potential traffic congestion.

Residents in the affected neighborhoods had to sacrifice street parking and mobility during the convention, but officials said thorough planning helped keep the city safe.

"It wasn’t as crazy as I thought it was going to be," said Rob Vickerman, a community member.

Barbara Thomas, a local resident, expressed relief that the DNC had concluded.

"I'm glad it's over. I'm glad it happened, but I'm glad it's over because it’s been an inconvenience for where I have to go," Thomas said. "It’s not impacting me directly, but right now it’s preventing me from getting to where I have to go. I have a few things to do today, and I have to go to work later."

Eric Sorenson, a commuter from Oak Park, frequently rides through the West Side and intentionally passed near the United Center to witness the convention's developments. He considered DNC 2024 a success.

"I loved it," Sorenson said. "I biked every morning through here, talked to the security guard every day, and at night, I stopped at Union Park just to see what was going on. I thought Chicago was a shining star, and I thought the police were excellent and friendly. The protesters kind of stayed in their lane."

Residents are now reflecting on the busy week.

"Helicopters, drones, cops," said Katina Nicholas, who lives in the area.

Some dodged road closures, while others avoided them altogether.

"We decided it might just be a little bit too much commotion and too much disruption," said Ben Schack, who lives in the West Loop.

Residents like Schack packed up and hit the road.

"We left and spent the week in Starved Rock and had some quiet family time instead," said Schack.

Archie Mack, who lives near the United Center, considered skipping town but rolled the dice.

"I had considered going out to the suburbs, but after I saw the security plan I decided to stay," said Mack.

He says he was impressed with what he witnessed.

"Honestly I was really surprised how well the city managed things," said Mack. "It’s always great to get back to normal but it wasn’t nearly the inconvenience that I thought it was going to be."

One of the biggest inconveniences came to those who park on the street.

"It was chaotic to say the least. Everyone was chomping at the bit," said Eric Ballard, who lives near the United Center.

Ballard describes the mad dash once ‘no parking’ signs went up last week.

"They posted all the signs, and it was a battle, I got lucky," said Ballard. "I found a spot, I left it there, I wasn’t going to move my car."

On some blocks, parking restrictions will remain up until Sunday.

Several major streets, including Damen Avenue, Madison Street, and Jackson Boulevard, have already reopened. However, some areas may still experience temporary closures as cleanup continues, with all work expected to be completed by Monday.

McCormick Place Perimeter Reopening Timeline:

By 6 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25 – Cermak from Michigan to Indiana will be clear. By 8 a.m., all areas will be open, and 75 percent of equipment will be cleared from curb lanes.

On Monday, Aug. 26 at 6 a.m., the area will be completely reopened.

United Center Perimeter Reopening Timeline:

By Saturday at noon, most major intersections on the Near West Side will be back open, according to OEMC officials.

By Sunday at 11:59 p.m., all areas will be open, and 75 percent of equipment will be cleared from curb lanes.

By Monday at 11:59 p.m., the entire teardown mission will be complete.