Local

Navy Pier And Mayor Emanuel Announce First-Ever Hotel On The Pier


First Hospitality Group to Develop Hotel as Part of Navy Pier’s Centennial Vision; Project will be Completed in 2018 and Create 500 Jobs

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–May 2, 2016.  Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Navy Pier, Inc. President and CEO Marilynn Gardner yesterday announced that, for the first time ever, a hotel will be built on Navy Pier. The new hotel is part of Navy Pier’s Centennial Vision, its plan for the redevelopment and reimagination of the 100-year-old Pier. The project will begin construction in 2017 and is expected to create 300 construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs.

“Navy Pier is Chicago’s front door, serving as a beacon to visitors and one of our city’s great economic and cultural sites. This new hotel will continue transforming it into a one-of-a-kind destination that will draw even more visitors from across the region and throughout the world,” Mayor Emanuel said. “This new hotel will be a key part of the transformation and our efforts to bring 55 million visitors to Chicago annually by 2020, generating jobs and economic opportunity throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods.”

“As we continue to reimagine the Pier for its centennial and beyond, we are thrilled with the prospect of a hotel to further enhance the Navy Pier experience,” Gardner said. “The hotel will provide a unique place to stay in Chicago year round – not to mention breathtaking and unparalleled views of the Pier, lake and city.”

Comprised of five floors of rooms overlooking Navy Pier’s South Dock, the new hotel will be located on the east end of the Pier next to Festival Hall. The hotel will have more than 200 guest rooms, which will be built above the south-facing Festival Hall terraces, providing guests with spectacular views of the city, Lake Michigan and the Pier.

For the first time in the history of Chicago’s great landmark, Navy Pier will offer guests an opportunity to spend the night on the Pier – a convenient option for both local residents and out-of-town guests attending events on site, in the city on business, or just looking to spend extended leisure time at one of the Midwest’s most popular locations.

Renowned architect Jackie Koo, of KOO, whose portfolio includes the Wit hotel and other commercial and residential properties, has developed the preliminary design for the hotel. The project, which will be developed and operated by First Hospitality Group, is projected to cost approximately $90 million and will not require taxpayer funds. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2017, with the opening slated for the second half of 2018. The hotel brand will be determined at a later date.

Need help with planning your summer vacation?

The conceptual design for the hotel consists of steel and glass bay windows and balconies that complement the existing architectural elements of Navy Pier. Each room is expected to include a balcony and bay window, showcasing one of the most dynamic and distinctive views of the lake and city.

First Hospitality Group, which specializes in management, acquisition and development of hotel operations throughout Chicagoland and surrounding Midwest areas, will be responsible for the development and management of the hotel.

“The creation of this hip new hotel on one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks is a revolutionary development for the city, and FHG is honored to be a part of it,” FHG President & CEO Robert Habeeb said. “This property will be incredibly special, in terms of both amenities and community impact. FHG will be working very closely with Navy Pier and the city to bring this world-class destination to life.”

The announcement comes on the cusp of Navy Pier’s Centennial Celebration of its 100th anniversary. The Centennial Celebration will afford Navy Pier’s guests the opportunity to experience the historic redevelopment work that has taken place. The Pier has made significant progress in its implementation of its Centennial Vision, a plan for reimagining the Midwest’s most visited leisure destination that will better showcase a vibrant cultural, environmental, educational and recreational landscape.

About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top-attended leisure destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than 8 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. In 2016, Navy Pier celebrates its 100th anniversary with a series of special events and programming, the grand opening of its new Ferris wheel and ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts as part of the Centennial Vision. Navy Pier, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, maintains and oversees Navy Pier and its redevelopment into a bolder, greener and more contemporary urban space. For more information, visit our website at www.navypier.com.

About First Hospitality Group, Inc.
First Hospitality Group, Inc. is a leading national hotel management company providing management, acquisition, development services focused in hotel operations in Chicago and the surrounding Midwest areas. Founded in 1984, the award-winning firm has become the proven leader among hotel management companies for hotel sales and marketing. FHG’s unique people-driven professional culture fosters a team of highly skilled and motivated hospitality experts who consistently deliver outstanding property level performance, as well as memorable and engaging guest experiences. Headquartered in Chicago, FHG’s portfolio features 19 brands and 43 properties. For more information, visit www.fhginc.com.

Source: http://www.cityofchicago.org


ARCHIVES