Architect Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects (PCPA) has announced the groundbreaking of the $164m McCormick Place Event Center in Chicago, US.
The new 300,000ft² centre, which is often referred to as DePaul Arena, is the result of a public-private partnership between the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and DePaul University.
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Serving as a key component of the $841m McCormick Place Entertainment District, the new 10,000-seat centre will host entertainment, large-scale conventions as well as trade shows.
PCPA CEO Lori Healey said: "We are excited to break ground on this important project with DePaul University.
"The Event Center will be a beautiful addition to Cermak Road with its contemporary architectural design."
The centre is located at the boundary of the city’s Prairie District and occupies a full block with landscaped setbacks on the corner of Cermak and Indiana Streets.
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By GlobalDataIt also features a spacious plaza for spectators, an arching roof with individual rising arcs, lightweight glass walls and the fully transparent main entrance.
The centre, which was announced in May 2013, will serve as the home court for the men’s as well as women’s basketball teams of DePaul University and is expected to take 22 months to complete.
According to MPEA, upon completion of the Entertainment District, an additional $250m a year will be spent in the area supporting over 2,500 new jobs.
Chicago City Council Alderman Pat Dowell said: "The McCormick Place Event Center is an entertainment and cultural anchor for development connecting the South Loop commercial corridor to the expanding Bronzeville neighborhood.
"Not only will this development ensure that Chicago remains a prime destination for tourism and convention business, but it continues the positive growth the 3rd Ward’s Near-South Side communities have experienced since the end of the national recession."
Image: McCormick Place Event Center in Chicago, US, will feature 10,000 seats and can host entertainment, large-scale conventions as well as trade shows. Photo: courtesy of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
