Brookfield Zoo is undergoing an estimated $500 million transformation to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2034.

Why it matters: The zoo's Next Century Plan will revamp more than half of the zoo's 200-acre footprint in the southwest suburb, with a special focus on conservation in response to the threat that climate change poses to biodiversity.

Driving the news: Brookfield Zoo this week announced a four-phase, 15-year project, which has already begun, including the first-phase renovation of the dolphin habitat and work on the Tropical Forests, which includes a new gorilla conservation center.

By the numbers: A spokesperson for Brookfield Zoo tells Axios the $500 million will be funded through private and public dollars.

What's next: Phase 2 renovations will include 14 immersive environments meant to represent southwest Australia, the coasts of South America, the Himalayas and the Central Asian Steppe.

• Animals in the Australian zone include emus, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats and koalas.
• A sea lion cove will include interactive storytelling to explain how climate change is making Humboldt penguins endangered.

Phases 3 and 4 will focus on education and conservation, with a new bear habitat, an amphitheater for education and music performances, and facilities for scientists.

What they're saying: "Global wildlife populations have plummeted, natural habitats have shrunk, and our oceans face unrelenting pressure, fueled by climate change and biodiversity loss," Brookfield Zoo president Michael Adkesson said in a statement.

What we're watching: Phase 1 is expected to be completed next year.

• A spokesperson says the renovations could cause some disruptions, so visitors should check the website before they go.

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The Chicago Sky are enjoying a surge in popularity, and that seems to have prompted a spike in season-ticket prices.

Driving the news: Sky season ticket holders were shocked this week when invoices arrived and prices had more than doubled.

By the numbers: Courtside seats went from $4,500 to $11,000, while 18-game packages for more modest seats jumped from $270 to $985, according to the Tribune.

Zoom in: The Sky did not warn season ticket holders of the impending increases nor explain why they were raising the costs.

• Sky organization officials did not respond to Axios' request for comment.

What they're saying: "I was completely surprised by how much the prices went up," Sky season ticket holder Erin Drain tells Axios. Her two tickets in the lower level of Wintrust Arena went from $2,500 to $4,400.

Context: The Sky has become a hot ticket, thanks to the emergence of star rookie Angel Reese. Her rivalry with megastar Caitlin Clark generated so much interest that tickets for a recent home game against the Clark's team, the Indiana Fever, went for almost $300 a seat.

Threat level: "I'm super-worried that people are going to be priced out," Drain said. "I'm worried it's just going to be like every other sporting event, bros with money who are coming as sort of a novelty and don't actually care."

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🚗 Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) introduced an ordinance to reduce the city's speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph, although it was sent to the rules committee before it can be voted on by the full council. (Block Club)

🦟 Illinois' first case of West Nile virus has been recorded in suburban Cook County. (Fox32)

🐻 "The Bear" set a record for the most Emmy nominations ever for a comedy series, totaling 23 for its second season. (AP)

From the Carbide and Carbon to the Chrysler, a new exhibition at the Chicago Architecture Center showcases Art Deco high-rises.

Catch up quick: The Art Deco style of architecture rose to prominence in the 1920s and '30s and is defined by the use of geometric shapes and detailed patterns from a variety of materials including stucco, terra cotta and aluminum.

• New York's Chrysler Building and the Sun Realty Building in Los Angeles are well-known examples.

Zoom in: The exhibition features drone photographs taken by Chris Hytha that allow visitors to see the ornate details impossible to see from the sidewalk at the top of Art Deco buildings in Chicago and elsewhere in the U.S.

What to expect: A model of one of Chicago's most famous buildings in this architectural style, the Carbide and Carbon Building at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Place, is on display in front of one of Hytha's large-scale photographs.

If you go: It's free with admission to the center, which is open daily from 9am to 7pm, Sundays until 5pm.

The latest: Hytha and historian Mark Houser are talking about their book "Highrises: Art Deco" at 5:30pm tonight at the Chicago Architecture Center.

• It's free, but you have to register.

Semicolon Bookstore has opened its new location in the Wrigley Building.

Why it matters: The grand opening makes history as the city's only Black woman-owned bookstore and the only bookstore on the Mag Mile.

The big picture: It's the second location for Semicolon, which also has a store in the West Town neighborhood. It's part of the city's storefront activation grant program, which aims to fill vacant storefronts and support small and local businesses.

What they're saying: "I'm so glad y'all are here, standing in a space that was created by the brand I created five years ago. … This brand was created for me, for the Black, lesbian woman who is a voracious reader and did not find a space where she fit in," founder Danielle Moore said.

If you go: Wrigley Building, South Tower, 400 N. Michigan Ave. Open every day, noon to 7pm.

💭 Moyo's thought bubble: The view from the store is quite literally "magnificent" and is an excellent escape from the bustling city if you're looking for a quiet read.

Go deeper: See the bookstore in this video before you visit it.