By Mike Flannery, FOX 32 News Political Editor - bio
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
The board that runs McCormick Place plans to borrow $400 million to build a huge new hotel right next to the convention center.
In addition to creating thousands of jobs, Mayor Emanuel told FOX 32's Political Editor Mike Flannery it will also stimulate growth on the Near South Side.
The mayor says the project is key to luring billions of dollars in new convention business to Chicago. He also wants to jump start the still-empty entertainment district some call "Motor Row."
"We're starting to beat Vegas and Orlando for this business," Emanuel says.
Chicago's salesman-in-chief told FOX 32 News this proposed 1,200-room hotel at Michigan and Cermak will help him bring 10 or 15 medium-sized new shows to town. With an all-weather sky bridge connecting it to the McCormick Place complex, it will keep visitors comfortable even in the dead of winter.
"And part of our goal is to also now figure out a strategy to keep activities coming here in what are considered December, January, February," Emanuel says. "It's considered slow [in winter], but by the time we're done, the hotels will be booked."
The same plan is in place for new restaurants and nightlife spots in a long-discussed--but still largely barren—entertainment district stretching from McCormick Place north to the old Chicago Blues recording studios.
The numbers are clear on the entertainment district, according to the mayor. It's a business he thinks he knows a bit about, since he used to spend time with his mom at the Daisy Patch, the music club she managed on the North Side. By 2016, when the new hotel is supposed to open, he hopes a new "South Side scene" will be taking shape.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:06 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:06:33 GMT
As the country looks at the relief efforts in Oklahoma, Illinois is training for the same kind of disaster. The Illinois National Guard prepares every year for disaster events.
As the country looks at the relief efforts in Oklahoma, Illinois is training for the same kind of disaster. The Illinois National Guard prepares every year for disaster events.
Thursday, May 23 2013 4:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 20:46:28 GMT
Thieves have struck a Streeterville area construction site a handful of times over the past week, taking tools and construction materials, police said.
Thieves have struck a Streeterville area construction site a handful of times over the past week, taking tools and construction materials, police said.
Thursday, May 23 2013 4:36 PM EDT2013-05-23 20:36:47 GMT
The Obama administration has picked a private attorney and former federal prosecutor to head the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Thursday.
The Obama administration has picked a private attorney and former federal prosecutor to head the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin announced Thursday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 4:12 PM EDT2013-05-23 20:12:19 GMT
Six elementary students were taken to hospitals as a precautionary measure after the inflatable playground equipment they were enjoying at a northwest suburban school tipped over.
Six elementary students were taken to hospitals as a precautionary measure after the inflatable playground equipment they were enjoying at a northwest suburban school tipped over.
