New Hotel (unnamed)
Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher and Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter pledged support for proposed legislation that could bring about expansion of the Bank of Springfield (BoS) Center and construction of a new hotel in downtown Springfield, IL. Hotel name, size, brand, and timeline not yet specified. Still at legislative/proposal stage.
Bank of Springfield Center Hotel
Proposed hotel adjacent to the Bank of Springfield Center (BoS Center) convention venue. Project is contingent on pending legislation that would create a unit of government authorized to build the hotel. A feasibility study from 2024 outlines conceptual plans; a consultant has been hired by the county to develop updated plans including financing, architectural/engineering drawings, […]
Hollywood Casino Aurora
$360 million casino hotel project under construction since 2023, located near Chicago Premium Outlets mall and I-88 interchange. Includes new casino, hotel, and restaurants. Operated by Penn Entertainment. Replaces the former riverboat Hollywood Casino in downtown Aurora.
Hard Rock Casino Rockford Hotel & Convention Center
Hard Rock Casino Rockford plans to add a 200+ room hotel with spa, fitness facility, new food and beverage offerings, and a 15,000 sq ft convention center. Construction is set to kick off in 2026. Geno Iafrate is president of Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
W Hotel Chicago (BMO Harris Bank Building)
Prime Group chairman Mike Reschke and Capri Investment Group CEO Quentin Primo are seeking a $50M TIF loan (approved by Chicago Community Development Commission, pending City Council approval) to convert the lower 10 floors of the BMO Harris Bank building at 111 W Monroe St into a luxury hotel. Developers are in negotiations with Marriott […]
1901 Project Hotel
Part of the $7 billion 1901 Project development on United Center parking lots. First phase includes a hotel, music venue, and parking garages. Development is a joint venture between the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families (United Center owners). Chicago City Council committee unanimously approved a $55M tax incentive on May 11, 2026; full council vote expected […]
Wasai BBQ
All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue concept on the second floor of a Chinatown building, formerly Won Kow restaurant. Menu features raw meats (chicken, pork, beef), bulgogi, pickled dishes, beer, and Korean sake. Owner Dafu Wei is a local sushi chef opening his first concept. Liquor license application has been submitted. Owner hopes to open beginning of June […]
Chez Poulet
French-themed rotisserie chicken carry-out concept from brothers Nicolas and Oliver Poilevey, owners of Le Bouchon. Located in Bucktown, replacing the former Taqueria Chingon space. Menu focuses on rotisserie chicken dishes, bread from Mindy’s Bakery, and includes a wine shop in the back. Owners stated they hope to debut in approximately six weeks from article date […]
Jim’s Original
Chicago Maxwell Street staple Jim’s Original is relocating from its UIC location at 1250 S Union Avenue to 551 W 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood. Owner Jim Christopoulos is hoping to debut the new spot in fall 2026. The new location will feature the restaurant’s signature Maxwell Polish sausage sandwiches, pork chop, chicken breast, […]
Encanto Coffee
Mexican-inspired coffee shop and cafe concept from local owner Jessica Jaime. Menu will feature lattes, cafe de olla, teas, Mexican hot chocolate, refreshers, and authentic Mexican pastries. Space will have multiple rooms for brewing and socializing. Owner hopes to open in summer or fall 2026 but has not set an official date. Currently in early […]