McCormick Square Expansion Project

Level-1 designed and delivered integrated telecom and AV systems for Chicago’s expanded convention and hospitality campus.

The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), a key driver of Illinois’ tourism and convention economy, spearheaded a sweeping expansion of McCormick Square, transforming Chicago’s premier event campus into a next-generation convention destination. The master plan included the 460-room guest tower addition to the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, a renovation of the existing 800-room Hyatt tower, a new 25,000-square-foot Hyatt Conference Center, and the development of Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis Chicago. 

Level-1 Global Solutions was selected as one of the MBE firms to design and implement an integrated telecommunications and audiovisual infrastructure across the expanded McCormick Square campus. Our role encompassed advanced data, voice, television, and conferencing systems engineered to deliver high-speed performance, exceptional user experience, and seamless interoperability for guests, conference attendees, and hotel operations staff alike. 

Working closely with MPEA stakeholders and the design-build team, we implemented technology strategies for both new construction and renovation scopes, coordinating across architectural, engineering, and IT disciplines to future-proof the property’s digital experience. 

What We Delivered (in partnership with the Design-Build team) 

• Technology infrastructure planning for multiprotocol data networks supporting both guest and administrative systems 
• Design of high-speed wired and wireless networks, including VoIP communications and MATV distribution throughout the hotel and conference facilities 
• Development of telecommunications procurement documentation, outlining technical specifications, system capacities, and installation service expectations 
• Wiring closet and cabinet layout design for telecommunications rooms, including rack elevations, runway schematics, and patch panel configurations 
• MATV system planning and layout, including amplifiers, splitters, taps, and structured cabling from utility entry to endpoint devices 
• Audiovisual floor plans and system diagrams, coordinated from architectural CAD files and field markups to support flexible conference and boardroom integration 
• Technology contractor oversight and quality assurance, including cable certification, as-built documentation, and warranty service compliance 
• Support in long-term maintenance provider selection, ensuring lifecycle continuity and system reliability 

The result is a seamlessly connected event district designed to meet the demands of global conferences and high-volume tourism. With nearly three million annual visitors, McCormick Square now stands as a fully modernized, high-tech destination, one where Level-1’s work enables the seamless digital infrastructure supporting Chicago’s growing convention and hospitality economy.