CHICAGO (WLS) -- After four days of viral speeches, surprise guests, protests, street closures and security measures culminating in the nomination of Kamala Harris for president, the 2024 Democratic National Convention is over.
Chicago officials are celebrating a job well done. Thousands of protesters expressed their opinions peacefully and Chicago police made less than 100 arrests over four days.
Starting early Friday morning, the security barriers were being dismantled and streets were reopening. All areas around the United Center and McCormick Place will be open again by Monday, August 26.
Crews began to dismantle the fences and barricades around the United Center and McCormick Place early Friday now that the Chicago Democratic National Convention has ended.
Full security perimeter reopening timeline:
Thursday, August 22
6 p.m. Perimeter take-down set to begin.
Friday, August 23
3 p.m. All major intersections cleared. I-55 off-ramp will be open.
Sunday, August 25
6 a.m. - Cermak from Michigan to Indiana will be clear.
8 a.m. - All area open and 75% of assets cleared off curbs.
Monday, August 26
6 a.m. - 100% of assets removed - area completely reopened.
Friday, August 23
1 a.m. - Takedown to begin (subject to change)
Saturday, August 24
Noon - Damen, Wood, and Adams open (if possible)
Most major intersections cleared for traffic.
Sunday, August 25
11:59 p.m. - All areas open & 75% of assets cleared off curbs
Monday, August 26
11:59 p.m. - All assets removed, reopen complete.
A Chicago Coffee Shop owner is among several small business owners enjoying elevated exposure to their products and services this week during the Democratic National Convention.
Kris Christian owns Chicago's French Press coffee shop in Hyde Park. Her shop's signature coffee is included in attendees gift bags at the united Center and it is also being served fresh to delegates and other visitors inside McCormick Place.
Eighth District Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam joined ABC7 to talk about an event, which is meant to empower the Asian American community.
The Asian American Caucus Dim Sum Lunch will take place from 12:30-2 p.m. at the New Furama Restaurant, 2828 S. Wentworth Ave., with special guest U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
There are 50,000 visitors here in Chicago for the DNC, and along with that comes an expected boost in city revenue.
This week caps off a summer filled with events that brought visitors to the area.
Isaac Reichman with Choose Chicago joined ABC7 to talk about the economic impact from the convention.
Several Pro-Palestinian groups plan to protest once again Wednesday afternoon, this time near Union Park.
This comes after protesters clashed with CPD near the Israeli Consulate in the West Loop Tuesday evening.
The National Lawyers Guild Chicago says at least 72 protesters were arrested during Tuesday night's protest.
