One of Chicago’s most recognizable skyscrapers could soon welcome a major new hospitality development as Marriott International moves forward with plans for a luxury Edition hotel inside the former John Hancock Center at 875 N. Michigan Ave.
The proposed redevelopment would transform multiple office floors within the 100-story tower into a 350-room luxury hotel, continuing the ongoing evolution of one of Chicago’s most famous high-rise buildings.
Hotel Planned Within Former Office Space
According to reports, Marriott is in advanced negotiations with Chicago-based real estate firm Hearn to bring the high-end Edition hotel brand to the tower.
Current plans call for:
- 350 luxury hotel rooms
- Hotel occupancy across floors 23 through 34
- A dedicated entrance and lobby at lower tower levels
- Conversion of outdated office space into hospitality use
CoStar reports that the redevelopment reflects a broader trend reshaping downtown office towers in major cities as owners seek alternative uses for underutilized commercial space.
Continued Transformation of a Chicago Landmark
Originally completed in 1970, the tower became internationally recognized for:
- Its black X-shaped exterior bracing
- Its prominent location along the Magnificent Mile
- Its mixed-use vertical design
The building underwent a major identity shift in 2018 when John Hancock removed its name from the tower after ending naming-rights payments.
Now known simply by its address, 875 N. Michigan Ave., the skyscraper has continued adapting to changing market conditions.
Adaptive Reuse Driving Downtown Redevelopment
The proposed Edition hotel represents another example of adaptive reuse reshaping urban office buildings nationwide.
Across major cities, aging office towers are increasingly being repositioned into:
- Residential apartments
- Hotels
- Mixed-use developments
- Medical office space
- Data storage facilities
For Hearn, which acquired the office and parking portions of the building in 2013 for $140 million, the hotel proposal is part of a broader strategy to reactivate vacant office space within the tower.
Construction and Renovation Scope
While detailed construction plans have not yet been released, a project of this scale would likely involve substantial interior redevelopment and systems modernization.
Potential work could include:
- Full hotel room build-outs
- Mechanical and HVAC upgrades
- Plumbing system reconfiguration
- Electrical infrastructure improvements
- Elevator modernization
- Fire and life safety upgrades
- Hospitality amenity construction
- Lobby and entrance renovations
Luxury Hospitality Design Expectations
The Edition brand, created through a partnership between Marriott and hotelier Ian Schrager, is known for:
- High-end modern interiors
- Boutique luxury experiences
- Upscale food and beverage concepts
- Contemporary architectural styling
Construction Trades Likely Involved
If finalized, the redevelopment would likely require extensive coordination among multiple construction sectors, including:
- Interior demolition teams
- Hospitality contractors
- Mechanical contractors
- Electrical contractors
- Structural engineers
- Elevator specialists
- Fire protection installers
- Acoustic consultants
- Luxury interior finish trades
- Technology systems integrators
Magnificent Mile Hospitality Market Continues Evolving
The proposed hotel would add another major hospitality component to Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood and Magnificent Mile corridor.
The area continues to evolve through:
- Mixed-use redevelopment
- Residential conversions
- Hospitality investment
- Retail repositioning
- Office modernization
Bringing a luxury hotel into one of the city’s most iconic towers could further reinforce the corridor’s tourism and hospitality appeal.
Challenges of Converting Office Space Into Hotels
Transforming office floors into hotel space presents unique construction and design challenges, including:
- Floorplate reconfiguration
- Plumbing infrastructure expansion
- Guest circulation planning
- Window and lighting adaptation
- Noise isolation
- Life safety compliance
- Vertical transportation logistics
High-rise adaptive reuse projects often require careful coordination to modernize older structures while preserving operational efficiency.
No Opening Timeline Yet Announced
Neither Marriott nor Hearn has publicly confirmed a project timeline.
However, Hearn acknowledged it is actively exploring opportunities to reposition the property and promote both the tower and the broader Streeterville neighborhood.
A New Chapter for a Chicago Icon
If completed, the Edition hotel would become one of the highest-profile adaptive reuse hospitality projects in Chicago.
For the construction industry, the proposal highlights how aging commercial towers are increasingly being reinvented through hospitality and mixed-use redevelopment rather than remaining traditional office-only buildings.
As downtown real estate markets continue shifting, projects like this demonstrate how iconic skyscrapers can evolve to meet changing economic realities while preserving their architectural significance within the city skyline.
Judy Lamelza
Editor-in-Chief