The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), the operator of O’Hare International Airport in Illinois, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the construction of a new hotel adjacent to Terminal 5 (T5) and the renovation of an existing hotel at the airport.
The new T5 hotel is envisioned to have 300-400 rooms, 25,000-65,000ft² of conference space, banquet rooms and ballrooms. Passengers staying at the hotel will be able to access the airport terminals via the 24-hour airport transit system (ATS).
The RFP also solicits hotel operators to renovate and modernize the existing O’Hare Hilton with the aim of accommodating trade shows and events, as well as adding amenities such as spas, extended room service, concierge services, and quality restaurants and boutiques.
Ginger S Evans, commissioner, CDA, said, “Today’s passengers and business travelers need and expect modern facilities for lodging, events and office space critical to their unique needs, like direct access to and from the airport and ground transportation options.
“We are building hotels at O’Hare to provide a significantly higher level of customer service and increased non-airline revenue. We are creating construction and service jobs for Chicago residents and enhancing O’Hare’s status as one of the world’s premier airports.”
Each respondent to the RFP must submit a plan demonstrating a commitment to conduct at least four job fairs in designated Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas throughout the city to recruit employees for the new hotels and related facilities.
The Airport Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (ACDBE) participation goal of 15% for these airport projects represents one of the highest goals that have ever been solicited for an airport hotel project.
Interested parties have until January 18, 2017, to submit responses. The CDA anticipates submitting the contract to the city council for approval in the first half of 2017.