Maggie Daley Park restaurant renderings revealed

Chicagoans and tourists may have to wait until early next year to sit down and order food at the new restaurant at Maggie Daley Park.

The Four Corners Tavern Group, which will be operating the restaurant and paying $1.1 million to build it, is expected to break ground in June, said Rob Rejman, Chicago Park District director of planning and construction.

He said it could be until February 2016 before the 10,000-square-foot restaurant is open for business.

Updated renderings were presented to the Grant Park Conservancy and Advisory Council Thursday night depicting a glass-enclosed building with a green roof, skylight and atrium, which is supposed to provide an airy feel to the space, according to Bob O'Neill, president of the Grant Park Conservancy.

The year-round restaurant is at the south end of the park, replacing the seasonal cafe called The Green at Grant Park. It will be visible to passersby along Monroe Street. Its roof will be covered with grass and trees and have a plaza and seating areas.

A name has not been picked yet for the restaurant, Ryan Indovina, director of the Four Corners Tavern Group said Friday.

Last month, the Chicago Park District board approved a 10-year agreement for the new restaurant with the option of five 1-year extensions. The agreement also includes catering special events at the park and operating a concession kiosk, which will serve beverages and light fare near the ice skating ribbon and climbing wall.

Under the agreement, the Four Corners group will have to pay for utilities such as garbage and pay the park district $75,000 a year in rent plus 5 to 10 percent of gross sales.

The Four Corners Tavern Group is based in Chicago and runs 11 bars, including West End in the West Loop, Schoolyard in Lakeview and Benchmark in Old Town.

The restaurant plans a menu ofdrinks and food,such as tacos, burgers, salads and takeaway options to grab for a park picnic.

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Maggie Daley Park restaurant renderings revealed