The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority is seeking a developer for a restaurant that will be located on the first floor of Chicago’s historic American Book Company (ABC) Building.
According to a request for qualifications the authority issued on Wednesday, “The MPEA seeks proposals from experienced restaurateurs and/or collaborations that propose creative culinary concepts that will provide an amenity to visitors to McCormick Place and the Event Center and for the neighborhood.” McPier has set aside about 10,000 square feet inside the ABC Building for the restaurant, and the restaurant developers will also have the opportunity to create an outdoor dining area.
The ABC Building is located at 320-330 E. Cermak Road, adjacent to the development site of the planned Marriot Marquis Chicago. Development of the hotel, construction of a 10,000 seat event center, and rehabilitation of the ABC Building are part of McPier’s plan to expand its McCormick Place campus in the coming years. The RFQ stated the ABC building will be rehabilitated and ready for build out by September 2016.
Written responses to the MPEA’s RFQ are due by March 1, 2016.