The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) has issued a request for information (RFI) for redevelopment of Lakeside Center, the oldest facility on the McCormick Place campus. The issuance of the RFI follows the Lightfoot administration’s rejection of a proposal to use Lakeside Center as the site of Chicago’s first casino, Crain’s Chicago Business reported.
Although MPEA said it’s open to any ideas for Lakeside Center, it’s seeking concepts that will “complement existing business and support its mission to attract trade shows, conventions, meetings, expositions, and public events. The ideal development will provide new revenue stream(s) for MPEA’s operating budget and generate additional economic impact for the City of Chicago and State of Illinois.”
Designed by Gene Summers and Helmut Jahn, Lakeside Center includes 580,000 square feet of exhibit space across two halls, 141,000 square feet of meeting space and a 45,000-square-foot ballroom. RFI submissions are due by Dec. 22.