Chicago Hospitality Construction

Featured Projects

1436 Randolph

Located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood, this project involved the adaptive reuse of a five-story steel and timber-framed building originally used as a meat processing facility. Summit Design + Build transformed the 34,470-square-foot structure into a 49-unit boutique extended-stay hotel featuring a dynamic ground-floor bar called Kashmir.

The design preserved the building’s historic Chicago brick exterior, maintaining the neighborhood’s authentic character while completely modernizing the interiors with upscale finishes. A key challenge was integrating the lively nightlife venue on the first floor with the tranquil guest accommodations above which was successfully achieved through extensive acoustic engineering and sound isolation techniques.

Sustainability was a priority throughout the project with over 80 percent of demolition materials recycled and the installation of energy-efficient VRF mechanical systems alongside new green spaces. This development not only provides flexible lodging options for long-term visitors but also creates a vibrant social hub that enhances community life in the rapidly evolving West Loop district.

Springhill Suites

Summit Design + Build led the complex construction of a new 146-room six-story SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Chicago’s Chinatown built atop an existing two-story cast-in-place concrete parking garage. The vertical expansion required the erection of a four-story steel structure above the garage maximizing land use in this dense urban environment.

The site’s extreme logistical constraints including blocked access on three sides by buildings and proximity to high-voltage lines necessitated precise planning. All material deliveries and crane operations had to be coordinated through a single narrow cul-de-sac on 24th Street. To overcome this the team devised a custom crane plan employing a 500-ton crane with a luffing jib capable of spanning the building’s full 400-foot length. Temporary structural reinforcements supported daily crane operations.

Additional complexity arose from opening post-tensioned concrete slabs to install new elevator and stair shafts. This required detailed scanning, detensioning, and reanchoring of PT cables to preserve structural integrity. Coordination with city agencies and neighboring businesses ensured smooth street closures and inspections. The project topped out in May 2020 and opened in early 2021 showcasing Summit’s expertise in navigating technical and urban site challenges.

Westin River North Meeting Room

Summit Design + Build completed an extensive renovation of over 32,000 square feet of meeting spaces and restrooms on River Levels 1 and 2 at the Westin Chicago River North. The modernization included ballrooms, pre-function areas, and adjacent support spaces featuring new finishes, decorative lighting, artwork, upgraded AV infrastructure, and ADA accessibility improvements.

Custom millwork was refinished throughout with select rooms receiving updated counters, cabinetry, and undercounter refrigeration. New custom carpet installation and repairs or replacements of ceilings and walls ensured a refreshed look aligned with brand standards. Select mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were modified to comply with updated design and code requirements.

Lighting upgrades incorporated new sconces, chandeliers, downlights, and dimmer systems. Accessibility enhancements addressed restroom access, door hardware, and AED cabinet placement. The project was carefully phased to minimize disruption to hotel operations protecting guests and staff. Close coordination with ownership, vendors, and hotel management enabled timely turnover and seamless integration with ongoing activities exemplifying Summit’s ability to deliver complex renovations in active hospitality environments.

Swissotel Chicago

Summit Design + Build led a 13,200-square-foot renovation of the Swissotel Chicago’s 42nd and 43rd floors repurposing former fitness and meeting areas into a reconfigured mix of public spaces. On the 42nd floor the project involved removing the existing pool, spa, and fitness rooms to create a new ballroom and meeting space with upgraded restrooms designed to accommodate the revised occupancy load.

The 43rd floor scope included removing two meeting rooms and relocating the fitness center from a lower floor to maximize usable space. Throughout construction the hotel remained fully operational with life safety systems uninterrupted and minimal guest disruption. This project highlights Summit’s expertise in managing sensitive large-scale renovations within active hospitality venues while delivering functional and high-end spaces tailored to evolving guest and owner needs.

Westin River North Hotel

In a 16,000-square-foot renovation at the Westin Chicago River North Summit Design + Build reconfigured executive offices on Level R1 and reduced the employee cafeteria footprint to accommodate new office space. On the second floor demolition of existing offices created space for 15 new guestrooms. Additional scope included converting the Tangent Room on the first floor into a new Board Room and transforming Suite 1808 on the 18th floor into a standard guestroom.

Summit managed all aspects of construction coordination and phasing from December 2018 through September 2019 overseeing scheduling, general conditions, inspections, and change management. The renovation enhanced both functionality and guest experience while ensuring seamless hotel operations throughout the project duration.

Claridge House Hotel

Summit Design + Build served as general contractor for the comprehensive renovation, repositioning, and rebranding of the Claridge House Hotel a 13-story 165-key property in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood originally opened in 1923. The project modernized over 59,000 square feet including the lobby, lounge, restaurant (Juniper Spirits & Oysters), meeting room, fitness center, spa, corridors, and guestrooms.

Lobby enhancements featured custom millwork, new finishes, an electric fireplace, operable folding windows, and a redesigned reception area. The restaurant was refreshed with multiple seating areas and updated finishes to create an inviting dining atmosphere. Guestroom renovations included new flooring, lighting, wall coverings, upgraded fixtures, and bathroom enhancements.

To minimize disruption Summit executed a phased renovation schedule starting from the top floors down. Guestrooms were renovated in five-floor segments with buffer floors to reduce noise and disturbance. High-revenue areas such as the restaurant and guestrooms were prioritized for early turnover and lobby work was carefully sequenced to maintain guest satisfaction throughout construction.

Hospitality Projects in Chicago

Summit Design + Build is a leader in creating exceptional hospitality spaces in Chicago’s thriving travel market. With a proven track record in general contracting, construction management, and design-build services, we deliver hospitality projects that combine sophisticated design with operational excellence. From boutique hotels to large-scale developments and adaptive reuse projects, we understand the unique demands of the hospitality sector, ensuring every property offers a memorable and welcoming experience for guests. Partner with Summit Design + Build to bring your vision for Chicago’s next premier hospitality destination to life.

Why Choose Summit in Chicago Hospitality

• • • Our deep understanding of the unique demands of the hotel and leisure industry, combined with our extensive experience in the Chicago market, ensures your project’s success.
    • We go beyond construction, focusing on crafting inviting and operationally efficient spaces that enhance the guest experience and drive profitability.
    • Design and construction partner committed to exceptional quality, innovative solutions, and a collaborative approach, delivering results that elevate your brand and exceed expectations in Chicago’s competitive hospitality landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

• • • • What special considerations are there for guest comfort and safety during construction or renovation?
        Careful planning, noise and dust control measures, clear signage, and restricted access to work areas help ensure guests remain comfortable and safe during the process.
      • How can construction minimize disruption for an operational hotel?
        By scheduling noisy or disruptive work during off-peak hours, using temporary partitions, and maintaining open communication with hotel staff to coordinate around guest needs.
      • Can an existing commercial building be converted into a hotel?
        Yes. With the right structural evaluation, code compliance updates, and design adjustments, many commercial buildings can be successfully transformed into hotels.
      • What are the best practices for hospitality construction?
        Collaborate closely with stakeholders, plan for efficient operations, maintain strict quality control, adhere to brand standards, and prioritize guest experience throughout the build.
      • When should a developer get a general contractor involved in their hospitality project?
        As early as possible, ideally during the concept or design phase, to provide cost insights, construction feasibility input, and scheduling guidance before final plans are set.