MPEA selects team for renovation, announces new food service company

The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) has announced the selection of CBG Hotel Design-Builders as the design–build team for the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel. The MPEA has also approved Savor, a food service division of SMG, the private manager of McCormick Place, to begin a new five-year agreement for food service management.

CBG Hotel Design-Builders’ team is made up of Clark Construction Group LLC; Bulley & Andrews LLC; Goettsch Partners Inc.; Old Veteran Construction; McKissack & McKissack Midwest Inc.; Primera Engineers Ltd.; and Anderson/Miller Ltd.

The planned new structure will rise atop the McCormick Place’s parking deck. The scope of the project includes a new 461-room guest tower, plus renovation of the existing 800-room Hyatt hotel and the adjacent Conference Center. The $87 million project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2013.

MPEA chose CBG Hotel Design-Builders from nine submitted proposals, based upon its experience and the overall quality of its proposal.

“We are pleased to move forward with the expansion of the Hyatt McCormick, which will allow us to provide our customers with enhanced on-site convenience and the first-rate service expected from the country’s premier convention center,” said Jim Reilly,MPEA Trustee.

Sweeping reforms legislation approved last spring by the Illinois General Assembly allowed the MPEA to restructure its debt and make changes to operations, including funding the on-site hotel’s renovation and expansion.

“We’re very excited to be a part of the team that is working to design the newest and most impactful project that will help attract even more convention business to Chicago, since the opening of the McCormick Place West building,” said Tom Pagels, general manager of Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

Also in effect as of September 1, 2011, the MPEA chose Savor to manage McCormick Place’s food services. The MPEA chose from four submitted proposals, based on the analysis and recommendations of the evaluation committee and a food service consultant. Five criteria were used to evaluate the proposals including qualifications and experience, strength of management/operations plan, strength of sustainability plan, strength of marketing plan, and M/WBE utilization plan.

“Savor presented an exciting approach that will translate into enhanced dining options for our customers.” said Reilly. “The MPEA is committed to ensuring that the food service experience at McCormick Place is second to none. Savor will deliver a superior level of service in an environmentally responsible manner at a price that is competitive with our prime, national, and regional competitors in the convention center industry.”

The MPEA has operated the 33-story Hyatt McCormick Place since 1998. It has received a Four Diamond AAA rating, one of the most prestigious ratings in the lodging industry.