Illinois
Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio hotel brand made its debut in the Chicago Loop with the opening of THE MIDLAND HOTEL, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel at the end of January. Formerly the W Chicago City Center, THE MIDLAND HOTEL places guests in the heart of the vibrant Chicago Loop, steps from iconic landmarks such as Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Theatre.
Originally built in 1929 as a social club for Chicago’s business elite, the property later evolved into “Chicago’s Friendliest Hotel” and is now embarking on a two-phase revitalization, blending its historic roots with a modern vision.
The first phase of the project will focus on revitalizing public spaces including the lobby and arrival experience while preserving the hotel’s timeless Beaux-Arts charm. The second phase will transform the hotel’s 403 guest rooms and suites, offering plush bedding, skyline views and a contemporary feel with a nod to the hotel’s storied past.
THE MIDLAND HOTEL will also upgrade its 12,589 square feet of meeting and event space, which comprises 12 rooms, the largest of which can host up to 475 theater-style.
[Related: The Meeting Planner’s Guide to Hotels and Event Venues in Springfield, Illinois]
Michigan
Dearborn’s historic hotel designed by Henry Ford and Albert Kahn, Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection, has undergone a massive renovation and is on track for a spring opening after being closed since February 2023. Throughout its history, the hotel has welcomed guests including Walt Disney, Bette Davis, President Ronald Raegan, Eleanor Roosevelt and more.
Dearborn Inn is just 20 minutes outside downtown Detroit and was one of the first airport hotels in the country. The property sits across from Ford’s former airport, now Ford SIL Shipping and Receiving, aka the Dearborn “test track,” which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
The historic hotel will relaunch as part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection and offers 135 guest rooms and nearly 17,000 square feet of meeting and event space set to debut later this year. The 7,560-square-foot Dearborn Ballroom can accommodate 580 banquet-style or up to 800 for a reception.
South Dakota
The Canopy by Hilton brand made its debut in South Dakota with the opening of Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown, a locally inspired boutique hotel. The property is Hilton’s first lifestyle hotel in Sioux Falls and offers a riverfront location along Big Sioux River in the heart of the vibrant Steel District, a dynamic and emerging cultural hub in the city.
Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown features 216 guest rooms including 16 corner rooms and six suites, all with balconies offering room view types including the Steel District, City and Falls Park. Elements throughout guest rooms are nods to Sioux Steel, the location where Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown now stands.
The hotel offers two bespoke culinary outlets including the neighborhood-inspired Cascata Italian Cuisine, serving rustic and traditional Italian flavors paired with an expertly curated wine menu, and Torrent Coffee Bar, catering to guests on the go with specialty coffees and seasonal treats.
Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown provides nearly 20,000 square feet of event space for up to 1,000 attendees. Inside, the property offers 12 meeting rooms and a flexible 8,900-plus-square-foot ballroom, while outdoor space includes patios with views of Falls Park.
[Related: Sioux Falls Guarantees New Experiences During Every Visit]
Peak Performance
Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) unveiled plans to break ground this summer on a state-of-the-art, $78 million exclusive sports performance center for the professional women’s basketball team Indiana Fever.
The Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center will be part of the PS&E campus and stand three stories in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Construction is expected to begin in August, and the world-class facility is slated to open before the 2027 WNBA season.
While plans for the project are still being finalized, the Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center and its amenities will be designed to address the specific needs of female athletes competing at professional levels, with amenities including two regulation-sized courts and a “spa-like retreat.”
The Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center will also be connected by skybridge to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home to the team’s current practice court and training area.
