City announces plans for Navy Pier hotel

CHICAGO (AP) - The city of Chicago says construction of the first hotel at a popular tourist attraction Navy Pier will begin next year.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office released details about the planned hotel Sunday.

A mayor's office statement says the project will be developed and operated by a national hotel management company, First Hospitality Group, Inc. The building's projected to cost around $90 million. It's slated to open in 2018.

A statement from the mayor's office says the hotel is part of a redevelopment plan for the 100-year-old site. Emanuel says the hotel is one part of an overall goal to entice 55 million visitors a year to Chicago by 2020.

The hotel will be located on the east end of Navy Pier and will have more than 200 guest rooms.