The icing on the cake for JMB Realty Corp.’s refurbishment of Chicago’s 900 North Michigan Shops will be a collection of food-and-beverage merchants selected by restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff. The seven-story retail property on the city’s so-called Magnificent Mile is midway through a complete overhaul scheduled for completion next fall, in time for the center’s 30th anniversary.
Upgrades to the 465,000-square-foot property are nearly completed. Those include a large LED canopy that is to be unveiled this month and improvements to the entrance from the parking garage. Plans also call for better seating and for greenery in the common areas.
“900 North Michigan Shops has been an archetypal urban shopping mecca in the heart of one of America’s most beloved cities for nearly three decades, and I am elated to help curate an inspired and socially connected local food destination that resonates with the neighborhood as well as visitors exploring all that Chicago has to offer,” said Sodikoff, founder and CEO of Hogsalt Hospitality, in a prepared statement. “My goal is to create an ambience filled with human interaction and unexpected moments that feel good. We are thrilled to create something completely new: a mechanism to enhance the multisensory journey throughout 900.”
Sodikoff’s culinary ventures have included Gilt Bar, in the River North district; The California Clipper, in Humboldt Park; and 3 Arts Club Café, a partnership with retailer Restoration Hardware inside the latter’s Chicago flagship. Other Sodikoff restaurants in Chicago are Au Cheval, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, Doughnut Vault, Maude’s Liquor Bar and Sawada Coffee.
Chef's choice Restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff will help select food-and-beverage tenants for the center's refurbishment.
“We are intentionally transforming the retail experience at 900 North Michigan Shops for today’s consumer, who wants a variety of top-tier culinary options in an exceptional art-inspired setting,” said Stacy Kolios, senior director of marketing for 900 North Michigan Shops. “We are working with best-in-class designers and artists to reimagine the site, and Brendan certainly elevates our team further. He is a gifted restaurateur who knows how to create lasting memories for his guests, the perfect complement to our vision.”
Sodikoff will be overseeing a 21,000-square-foot hospitality area across several levels.
Recent retail additions to the tenant mix include Aritzia, Bonobos, Kendra Scott and UnTuckIt. Among the long-time retailers are a two-level Gucci and a Bloomingdale’s.
AvroKO, ESI Design and OKW Architects are design and architecture partners in this renovation.
By Edmund Mander
Director, Editor-In-Chief/SCT
