12 minute read
REGIONAL NEWS
RENOVATIONS»
JW Marriott Chicago Redesigns in honor of 10-year anniversary
Found in the heart of Chicago’s financial district, the JW Marriott Chicago will complete a full redesign of all 610 guest rooms, hotel corridors and its executive lounge by spring 2020 in honor of the property’s upcoming 10-year anniversary.
Located in the Daniel Burnham-designed Continental & Commercial National Bank building, the hotel blends Burnham’s famous architectural style with its modern surroundings and the property’s transformation will include nods to the building’s storied past.
“Harkening back to the building’s 1914 origin, which was constructed during an iconic period in design, we want to honor the influence early Pullman rail cars had on travel accommodations in Chicago and beyond,” says General Manager Hassan El Neklawy.
Under the design of Looney & Associates, the transformation will incorporate a luxury rail car motif utilizing layered metal finishes, dark wood tones, plush woven materials and saturated pops of color reminiscent of the Pullman era.
“Working with such an iconic hotel, we wanted to redesign the guest rooms to tell the story of the building’s timeless sophistication,” says Gina Tomczak, associate managing director for Looney & Associates. “It’s only fitting that a Chicago hotel and especially JW Marriott Chicago assume these design inspirations, as George Pullman was once synonymous with luxury travel at the turn of the century.”
Chicago’s First Rooftop Deck Unveils Renovation
ROOF on theWit, one of Chicago’s most popular destinations and the city’s first rooftop deck set atop theWit Hotel, has unveiled a new open-air space with its recent renovation.
The ROOF’s new deck features lush, comfortable seating, contemporary art The Gallery—a bold retractable roof designed by Koo Architecture with an Artisan Wall made up of nine LED screens to create an immersive living narrative day and night.
Featuring panoramic views of the Chicago River and the city skyline, the rejuvenated ROOF blends Spanish and Moroccan elements to recreate a chic Mediterranean vibe, rich colors and a monochromatic mosaic-tiled floor to create a grand entrance suspended 27 stories above the city.
Chicago Marriott Schaumburg
ROOF on theWit
The Chicago Marriott Schaumburg recently completed a $22 million renovation to revitalize the hotel’s guest experience from check-in to checkout, including the property’s meeting spaces, lobby and Great Room.
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel
“We are elated to provide guests with a distinctly enhanced and welcoming destination in the heart of Schaumburg, whether they are locals or visiting from out of town. As the most newly renovated hotel in the area, it brings us great pride to invite everyone to enjoy a fresh take on modern amenities and style just outside of downtown Chicago,” says General Manager Andreo Girardi.
The renovation, which refreshed the hotel’s restaurant and bar with an elevated food and beverage menu and state-of-the-art health club, also included the unveiling of a new MClub Lounge offering MClub members 24/7 access to the exclusive space (designed to promote productivity) and premium concierge services.
The balance of nature and industry inspired the hotel’s design, juxtaposing materials such as concrete, velvet, red oak wood and hickory throughout the property to weave concepts of texture, rhythm and repetition. The redesign also highlights softer textures and natural materials with platform space dividers, illuminated screen walls, vertical and horizontal partitions, interior framing windows and niche seating to encourage guests to socialize.
The Hilton Chicago Northbrook recently completed phase one of a multimillion-dollar renovation with a comprehensive refresh to its 20,000 flexible square feet of meeting and event space and 249 guest rooms.
The renovation, inspired by the idea of creating a “home away from home” atmosphere, included the addition of a calming, neutral color palette and stunning views of the Des Plaines River and Allison Woods to each guest room and event space. The revamped meeting and event spaces feature new carpeting, contemporary light fixtures and electronic reader boards and door signs. The property’s Grand Ballroom has been upgraded with a state-ofthe-art sound and lighting system.
Phase two of the property’s renovation, which will take place in early 2020, will include a complete revamp of the property’s award-winning restaurants, Allgauer’s on the Riverfront and Frank’s Place, to develop a modern aesthetic while maintaining the historic roots of the North Shore hotel.
The iconic InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel has unveiled the first phase of a multimillion-dollar refresh to its Gatsby-era meeting and event spaces.
With over 45,000 square feet of meeting and event space, phase one of the hotel’s restoration project included a refresh to several of the hotel’s historic ballrooms and event prefunction space. Phase two of the project is set to be completed by early 2020.
Known for its architectural beauty, the renovation of the hotel (which is on the National Register of Historic Places) bridges modernday meeting aesthetics with the hotel’s original historic design. The original design and fixtures of the event spaces—including the Grand Ballroom’s Bacarrat crystal chandelier and hand-painted murals—remain, and now feature stylish neutral tones and plenty of natural light.
VENUE NEWS»
900 NORTH MICHIGAN SHOPS LAUNCHES TOPGOLF SWING SUITE
A new Topgolf Swing Suite, the newest extension of the Topgolf brand, has opened adjacent to Aster Hall at 900 North Michigan Shops, a seven-level experiential retail destination in the heart of Chicago.
The Suite, which includes three simulator bays, each seating up to eight guests, offers a variety of virtual games from baseball pitching to signature Topgolf experiences and a plush lounge space for golfers and nongolfers alike. Exclusive to this location is a VIP area available for private events and parties.
Menu items include slider versions of Aster Hall favorites as well as shareable snacks and sweet treats including Small Cheval milkshakes.
VENUE NEWS»
NEW VENUE OPENS AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill, a new dining and private event venue, has opened at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
The 6,000-square-foot eatery located above the gift shop, previously known as Café at Wild Things!, features a colorful aesthetic combining natural elements with casual, inviting décor and a spacious outdoor pavilion, giving guests a birds eye view of the zoo grounds. A retractable roof allows for guests to enjoy the view no matter the weather.
The new venue is available private events, from family gatherings to corporate functions, both day and night and can accommodate groups up to 200 seated and 450 for a reception-style event. Catering options vary from à la carte service and festive picnic packages to reception menus featuring carving stations and a variety of tailored buffets and specialty stations.
PEOPLE NEWS»
Sable Kitchen & Bar Appoints New Executive Chef
With more than 20 years of culinary experience, Kevin Atkinson has been appointed executive chef of Sable Kitchen & Bar. Atkinson has gained experience in both approachable refined dining at local eateries including the Omni Chicago Hotel, State and Lake Chicago Tavern at theWit Hotel and ETA Restaurant + Bar and Streeterville Social at the Loews Downtown Chicago Hotel.
At Sable’s helm, the North Carolina native will reinvent a menu of contemporary American shared plates made from seasonal and sustainable ingredients.
Ravinia BMO Club
Ravinia Opens New Rooftop Destination
Ravinia, home to one of the oldest music festivals in North America, has opened a new gathering place. The newly built hospitality space, the BMO Club, is located on the rooftop of the Experience Center building on the North Lawn.
“BMO has been a long and proud partner of Ravinia, as well as an advocate of the festival’s inspiring education programs, providing funding and support for many years,” says Daniela O’Leary-Gill, executive vice president and U.S. chief operating officer of BMO Financial Corp. “We are excited to have the BMO Club add to the vibrant scene Ravinia attendees have come to expect, with small dishes created from farm-fresh ingredients and artisanal refreshments all in the perfect space overlooking the picturesque Ravinia grounds.”
The BMO Club, which is available for small private events, can accommodate more than 170 guests in addition to bar seating. A variety of refreshments and small plate options available concentrate on farm-to-table and other locally-sourced foods, including fresh baked goods and more.
“Of course, when it comes to opening a space like this, the three keywords are food, beverage, and ambience, but the old real estate joke about the three keywords being location, location, location, are also satisfied by the BMO Club,” says executive chef Michael Tsonton. “Meeting great friends for live music under the stars over drinks and fresh eats? That’s a recipe for success.”
theWit Hotel Announces New Director of Restaurants & Beverage
Nestled in the heart of Chicago, theWit Hotel has appointed Piers Smyth as director of restaurants and beverage. With over 18 years of experience in hospitality, the Georgia native brings a unique perspective and genuine Southern hospitality to his new role. Most recently, Smyth was the director of food and beverage at Hotel Julian and its steakbar, About Last Knife, where he managed all food and beverage operations, menu development and hospitality training.
Smyth is also a seasoned mixologist with numerous accolades. For the new beverage program, Smyth plans to use compound infusions to keep drinks simple and approachable by nature, and complex in flavor.
Marriott Marquis Chicago Gains New Executive Chef
Jack Delby, a Chicago native with over 26 years of culinary experience, has been appointed executive chef of the Marriott Marquise Chicago and its two culinary concepts, Woven & Bound and Showroom Food Hall.
In this new role, Delby will be responsible for all facets at Marquis Banquets, including the culinary direction and leadership of the hotel’s restaurant concepts, room service, seasonal menu updates and strategic food and beverage programming.
New Hires at Meet Chicago Northwest
Meet Chicago Northwest, the official destination marketing organization for Chicago’s northwest suburbs, has select-
ed Roz Dixon and Sarah Bessler to join the organization as account executives. “We are very excited to have Roz and Sarah, they are both dynamic sales professionals with strong hospitality sales experience. We are confident they will execute our sales strategies and contribute to the success of our region,” says Dave Parulo, president of Meet Chicago Northwest.
Dixon will manage association and corporate accounts in the U.S. and Canada east of the Mississippi River. Dixon is pursuing an M.B.A. through Herzing University and received her B.B.A. in advertising and marketing management from Northwood University.
Bessler will manage association and corporate accounts in the U.S. and Canada west of the Mississippi River and Wisconsin. Bessler is a graduate from Kendall College’s School of Hospitality with an emphasis in meeting and event planning.
RACVB Appointments & Accomplishments
Nick Povalitis, The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (RACVB) director of sports development, recently received the tourism industry’s highest individual professional certification—the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation.
The CDME program, the only integrated executive program specifically designed for destination management and marketing professionals, prepares destination organization professionals to leverage their experience and to apply their knowledge with a focus on leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies.
“Nick has played a key role in bringing some of the region’s biggest sporting events and experiences to the region this year, including the Fred VanVleet Jurassic Park events and Fan Fest and later this year the 2019 ITTF North American Olympic Table Tennis Trials,” says RACVB President/CEO John Groh. “The CDME program helps prepare Nick for his current, and future work, within the destination marketing industry and our organization. The designation indicates to others that he has completed a rigorous educational program and sets him apart as one of about 400 people worldwide who have achieved this level of educational accomplishment.”
RACVB’s Board of Directors and Charitable Foundation Board of Directors have also announced the recent election of new officers and board members, and the reappointment and re-election of continuing board members.
The RACVB board elected Jennifer Furst as chair, Todd Cagnoni as vice chair, Tim Myers as treasurer and Einar Forsman as secretary to serve a one-year term as officers of the board.
Furst is president of Furst Staffing, Cagnoni is city administrator with the City of Rockford, Myers is vice president/general manager of WIFR-TV and Forsman is president and CEO of Rockford Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Nelson, Noel Nickel, John Penney, Carol Schuster and Darrell Snorek, vice president have also recently joined the RACVB board for a three-year term.
First Hospitality Adds New Member to Leadership Team
First Hospitality has appointed Janice Parks to the role of chief human resources officer and to its executive leadership team. Parks brings 14 years of experience in human resources as well as a formal education in executive leadership to the role.
Parks will develop and execute all aspects of First Hospitality’s people strategy, including talent management, organizational development, culture transformation, thought leadership, executive coaching and more.
The Ivy Hotel Welcomes Industry-Leading Hotelier
The Ivy Hotel has appointed Wayne Leming as Chicago regional director of operations. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Leming will oversee all aspects of property management and lead the operational teams at the Ivy Hotel and three sister hotels on the North Side of Chicago in his new position.
“There isn’t a better person than Wayne Leming to lead four of broughtonHOTELS’ properties in Chicago,” says Larry Broughton CEO of broughtonHOTELS. “Leming has a strong passion for hospitality which he showcases by developing top talent, restructuring, and building strong teams. With his experience and longevity within the industry, Leming will lead the Ivy Hotel to ensure every guest’s stay is memorable and thoughtful.”
Leming has overseen multiple renovations and two new hotel builds, has been awarded GM of the Quarter and GM of the Year, and has led properties to secure Hotel of the Year and Sales Team of the Year awards.
JW Marriott Chicago Appoints New Sales Executive
The JW Marriott Chicago has appointed Kelli Tretina as destination sales executive. With a range of operations, sales and multi-brand experience, Tretina will work to increase hotel earnings through group events with area sales teams, effective site visits, and strategic group placement.
Tretina previously worked with the Ritz Carlton in Fort Lauderdale as the senior catering executive and has held positions in catering sales and as an assistant event operations manager.
