16-Oct-15 – The owner of Hotel Chicago is not finished transforming the 16-story building in River North in which the 354-room hotel is located. LaSalle Hotel Properties has turned its attention to the east and west sides of the hotel, starting construction of patios that will overlook State Street and Dearborn Street.

The work is on behalf of two new tenants – a Japanese restaurant, Katana, taking over the old BIN 36 space in the southwest corner of the building, and in the southeast corner, in space that was previously a Chase branch, LaSalle is trying to place another restaurant that will complement Katana and other food and beverage offerings of the complex.

The estimated cost of the new patios is $1.3 million, according to a building permit issued on October 2.

Ramps for use by disabled visitors will be replaced by glass-enclosed wheelchair lifts. The ramp closest to State Street has already been demolished. Hotel Chicago, part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection brand, finished its lobby renovation in March at a cost of $10 million. (Left) The ramp in 2009, outside the Chase branch that closed in 2014.

SPiN starts build-out, plans to open over winter

SPiN, a restaurant/bar owned by investors that include actress Susan Sarandon, will move into the space directly below the yet-unnamed restaurant. The space was part of a Crunch fitness center from 1999 to 2008. It was more recently divided into two spaces, one of which is still advertised for lease.

ARCO/Murray National Construction Company, Inc., of Downers Grove, has only recently started build-out of the SPiN space. When it opens this winter, it will have 20 tables, including “patio pong,” along with two bars, private lounges, and a full kitchen.

According to a building permit issued on September 22, the estimated cost of the interior renovation, on street level and on a lower level, is estimated at $2,473,000.

After plans for the Chicago location were announced in March, SPiN thought it would open in late summer or early fall. “We are poised to open this winter,” SPiN now says on its website, “but we’ll be all over the city this fall at various events, parks, offices, and well, anywhere we can fit a ping pong table.” (Right) Another glimpse of the construction work, seen from where a metal pedestrian ramp was located until recently.

Japanese restaurant scouts east coast but selects BIN 36 space

On the other side of the building, in 13,000 square feet of space previously occupied by BIN 36 and vacant since January, a Japanese restaurant, Katana, will open next summer.

Innovative Dining Group, based in Los Angeles, announced the new location on September 14, saying Chicago was selected over sites considered in New York and Miami.

(Above) A Katana restaurant in West Hollywood, California.

“Katana will cater to stylish urbanites, gallerists, and professionals in the city’s emerging tech hub,” says the company.

Modern Japanese food will be grilled on bamboo skewers over open flame. The restaurant will have a sushi bar and offer a selection of premium sake. It will also offer “Omakase,” described as “a parade of thoughtfully orchestrated dishes to showcase the various cooking techniques utilized at the restaurant.”

IDG operates restaurants and lounges in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Arizona, and Dubai.