Urbanspace will open a food hall in Willis Tower according to the Chicago Tribune. This will be part of a $500 million addition on the first floor of Chicago's tallest building. The first floor podium is 300,000 square feet of retail and entertainment that is under construction at this time. This is the 110 story former Sears Tower.
According to the building's owner, Blackstone Group, the project is expected to be completed by 2020. Urbanspace is currently operating food halls and markets in New York and London.
"As a leading food hall operator, Urbanspace is pleased to be joining the Willis Tower. The redevelopment creates the perfect setting for Urbanspace to establish an immersive public market where creativity and community can flourish."
Urbanspace President | Eldon Scott
Other new spaces that are currently in the works include a Fulton Market district food hall from the publishers of Time Out magazines and Brendan Sodikoff's concept in the 900 North Michigan Shops vertical mall. There are also plans to put in a huge food hall in the vacant old main post office. Other tenants that will be coming to Willis Tower will be corporate meeting provider Convene and burger chain Shake Shack.
Per Chicago Business, this addition will be part of a broader $668 million investment Blackstone is making to overhaul the tower with upgrades such as a new fitness center, tenant lounges, remodeled elevators and most likely a revamped Skydeck attraction.
According to Chicago-eater, would-be restaurant owners in Chicago are excited by more opportunities to introduce their food and brands to new customers. Food halls are great ways to work out recipes and operational concerns before investing in a stand alone brick and mortar restaurant. Even established restaurants can showcase their food to a new audience without investing in another restaurant.