“Developers of a planned upscale magic venue along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile are providing the first look behind the curtain of a lush, $50 million transformation of the former McCormick Mansion.

“The Hand & The Eye’s creator and the project’s designer, the Rockwell Group, have unveiled renderings of the five-level venue at 100 E. Ontario St., saying the space will include a mix of elements such as layered materials, ornated furniture, gilded lighting and 1800s artwork and artifacts gathered from collectors around the world.

“Original lamps on the historic façade will be restored as part of the project, according to a statement from Rockwell Group and the project’s backer, Chicago entrepreneur Glen Tullman.

“The $50 million project is a big bet on a high-end version of hands-on, immersive experiences that have gained popularity within retail real estate corridors in recent years.

“New York-based Rockwell Group is led by Chicago native David Rockwell, who is known for designs of restaurants, Broadway shows and other spaces.

“‘It is a once in a lifetime honor to design a building that celebrates Chicago’s contribution to the history of magic and the legacy of the McCormick Mansion,’ Rockwell said in the statement. ‘In keeping with The Hand & The Eye’s mission, we are designing a wonder- and discovery-filled collection of very special spaces where every detail matters, creating an unforgettable experience.’

“The Hand & The Eye, which bills itself as the world’s largest magic venue, is set to open in the spring.

“‘From the moment you arrive, the design transports you into a world of elegance, illusion, and unexpected wonder,’ Tullman said in the statement. ‘No two visits will ever be the same for anyone.’

“The mansion was occupied for more than four decades by Lawry’s The Prime Rib until the restaurant closed in 2020.

“Immersive performance spaces will include ornate features as a tribute to the puppet theater in the mansion in the 1930s, the statement said.

“There also will be a members’ dining room with a custom mural, reflective ceiling and grand piano, a vault-themed room on the lower level, and a rooftop lounge.” (Ori, CoStar News, 10/16/25)

“‘This is not some six-month pop-up thing. This is a once-in-a-generation project,’ Tullman said during a tour of his venue under construction.’

“A tour revealed a historic building being gutted virtually to the studs, albeit with the preservation of the original grand staircase, fireplace and a few other elements. The historic exterior of the building, which dates to 1899, won’t be changed.

“L. Hamilton McCormick, the nephew of famed agriculturalist Cyrus McCormick, and his wife, Constance Plummer McCormick, commissioned a four-story Italian Renaissance home with bricks imported from Belgium (and wrapped in straw) on the corner of Ontario and Rush Street. At various points in its history, the house also housed a puppet theater and a members-only nightclub called the Continental Casino. A fourth-floor ballroom hosted as many as 400 guests including, on occasion, visiting royalty hosted by Mrs. McCormick. Rockwell’s new design will include a roof garden as part of the venue.’ (Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5/16/25)

Preservation Chicago is thrilled with this plan. We have worked closely with the development team for a couple years to optimize the historic building’s elements to add authenticity to the immersive experience. The McCormick Mansion / Kungsholm Puppet Opera / Lawry’s is an orange-rated building with a fascinating history. The Hand & The Eye is wonderfully creative and unique use to be located in a wonderful and unique building.

Read the full story at CoStar and Chicago Tribune

• Presto! Planned $50 million magic venue in Chicago pulls back curtain on lush design; The Hand & The Eye along the Magnificent Mile is designed by the Rockwell Group, Ryan Ori, CoStar News, 10/16/25
• The Hand & The Eye will be a new, $50 million magic theater off Magnificent Mile, The McCormick Mansion, once Lawry’s Prime Rib, is to become an epic venue for dinner and magic, Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 5/16/25
• Take a sneak peek at Chicago’s huge new magic venue, set inside this gorgeous historic mansion; A Gilded Age mansion once home to Lawry’s is being transformed into The Hand & The Eye—a $50 million, illusion-filled playground for magic lovers opening in 2026, Laura Ratliff, TimeOut Chicago, 10/20/25
• See inside the $50 million magic venue coming to downtown Chicago, Rachel Herzog, Crain’s Chicago Business, 10/16/25
• A massive $50M magic mansion for adults is opening near the Magnificent Mile, Jack Grieve, Crain’s Chicago Business, 5/15/25
• Details Revealed For Magic-Based Experience On Michigan Avenue, Ian Achong, Chicago YIMBY, 5/19/25
• $50 Million, Adults-Only Magic Theater Coming To Former Lawry’s Prime Rib Downtown; The Hand & The Eye is slated for a spring 2026 opening. It will have 37 magic rooms, seven theaters, live jazz music and more, Melody Mercado, Block Club Chicago, 5/16/25
• Chicago’s Miniature Puppet Opera, Annika Kohrt, Chicago History Museum, 4/26/24