The Hilton Orrington Hotel in Evanston, closed since late last year, is “opening on June 9,” according to Gina Speckman, executive eirector of Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The hotel industry was devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, as business travel came to a nearly complete halt. Guests for events such as weddings, graduations, and sporting events also disappeared as those events were cancelled.
The full-service Orrington was hit harder hit than many. A lender filed suit last year over non-payment of the mortgage. Crain’s Chicago Business reported that the owner, New York based Olshan properties, planned to give up control of the downtown hotel. It’s unclear if or when that may take place.
Speckman says she has no details on what the ownership structure will be for the expected reopening, but she said the June 9 date is “pretty certain.”
With the coronavirus pandemic diminishing, along with the widespread availability of vaccines, the hospitality increase is already seeing signs of recovery. In fact, as Evanston Now has reported, many hotels, restaurants and banquet facilities are actively looking to hire new employees.