CHICAGO, July 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACRON , a global real estate investment firm; Maverick Hotels & Restaurants , a leading hotel management and development company; and Navy Pier , Chicago’s iconic lakefront destination; broke ground today for Navy Pier’s first hotel. The highly anticipated property, scheduled to open spring 2020, will operate under the exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton , which includes more than 50 remarkable independent hotels around the world.

The press conference and groundbreaking ceremony was held on the future site of what promises to be a vibrant addition to Chicago’s tourism offerings. Remarks heralding the significance of the hotel were given by Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO, Navy Pier; Robert Habeeb, President and CEO, Maverick Hotels & Restaurants; Robert Rivkin, Deputy Mayor, City of Chicago; and Greg Wilson, President and CEO, ACRON USA.

Following the speaking program, the speakers participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking that also included Jackie Koo of KOO Architecture + Interiors, architect and designer; Dave Alexander, President, James McHugh Construction Co . and Kelly Bowers Baria, Vice President, Powers & Sons , joint builders; William Brodsky, Chairman, Navy Pier Board of Directors; Louis Dodd, CEO Dodd Group ; and Mark Spears, Managing Director, CIBC U.S .

Dozens of luminaries from Chicago’s travel, hospitality and business sectors joined to celebrate this significant moment in Chicago tourism.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...08d2aa0bde

Allowing guests to extend their visit and experience Navy Pier and Chicago in an exciting new light, the new hotel will be located adjacent to Festival Hall at the eastern end of the complex. 222 guest rooms will feature floor to ceiling windows that showcase breathtaking views of the city’s famed skyline, Lake Michigan and the Pier. Guests will also enjoy a high-energy first floor restaurant, a state of the art fitness center and an unparalleled 30,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant, bar and event space.

Navy Pier, Chicago's lakefront treasure, welcomes more than 9 million annual guests and boasts more than 50 acres of public spaces, restaurants, retails shops, exposition facilities and more. The year-round destination also offers free arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities from across the city and around the globe.

The Navy Pier hotel will join existing and coming attractions, including the iconic  Centennial Wheel ; Festival Hall, the Pier's 170,000 square-foot exhibition space; the stunning 13-acre Polk Bros Park ; the recently renovated Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion , comprised of dozens of Chicago-centric experiences in dining, entertainment, leisure and retail; the upcoming Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion ; and more.

The hotel development has led to 600 construction jobs and is expected to create 300 permanent positions.

CONTACT:        

For Hotel:

Janet Isabelli | Laura Collins Isabelli Media Relations (IMR) janet@imrchicago.com | laura@imrchicago.com (773) 392-6227 | (773) 218-3462

For Navy Pier: Payal Patel ppatel@navypier.org (312) 595-5073

For Curio Collection by Hilton: emily.montgomery@hilton.com   (703) 883-5257