O'HARE — Two new airport hotels would be built and a third renovated under a plan announced Friday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel that would continue the expansion of O'Hare Airport.
The $350 million project — financed by taxes collected by the city from travelers and airlines — would add 1,250 jobs and generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the city of Chicago, a spokeswoman for the mayor said.
"O’Hare is the economic engine for Chicago — one of the main reasons why companies move to Chicago, bringing jobs for residents and economic growth to neighborhoods throughout the city," Emanuel said. "With more hotels, we are building a better future for not just the airport and the millions of travelers who pass through it, but for our city, too."
The first new hotel would be next to Terminal 5, where international flights take off and land, and feature 300-400 rooms as well as 25,000 to 65,000 square feet of conference space, banquet rooms, ballrooms and other amenities, officials said.
Heather Cherone talks about big plans for O'Hare hotels.
The second new hotel would be built on the northeast side of the airport along Mannheim Road near Irving Park Road, officials said. It would be part of a mixed-used development that would include 150-200 rooms and a business center and offices, officials said.
Both of the new hotels will be linked to the airport's terminals via O'Hare's people mover, officials said.
City officials will ask firms to bid to renovate the O’Hare Hilton so it can accommodate large-scale trade shows and events. The city also wants new restaurants and boutiques to open at the iconic hotel.
All three hotels are expected to welcome their first guests in 2020, officials said.
This renovation will occur when the hotel's lease expires in two years, officials said.
A sixth east-west runway is set to be built in 2020 to complete the expansion of the airfield, as well as five new gates in Terminal Three.
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