Chicago Authorities Developing Plan for Hotel Complex at McCormick Place

The agency that owns McCormick Place in Chicago is working on a plan for a major hotel complex around the convention center that will also include restaurants, entertainment venues, an arena that could accommodate large corporate events and potentially a casino. At a luncheon, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority CEO Jim Reilly said the agency is looking to create the sort of convention complex that can compete with Las Vegas and Orlando, offering 3,000 people a place to stay, meet and eat without going outside. Reilly did not disclose details of the plan, but he confirmed that the agency is working on such a proposal. The agency, known as McPier, also owns Navy Pier and will soon unveil a redevelopment proposal for that facility, as well. chicagotribune.com