Bedford Park, Illinois
Wintrust Sports/Expo Center Restaurant District Study; RFI; Governance; Management Selection
The Village of Bedford Park, Illinois, hired Hunden Partners for a market, financial, community, and facility analysis focused on the potential for a master-planned, mixed-use district near Chicago’s Midway Airport. Hunden assessed hotel and restaurant conditions, walkability factors, and other aspects, and recommended developing a destination anchored by a flexible sports, event, and exposition venue. Hunden also managed the Request for Information (RFI) process to identify possible operators and tenants. The Wintrust Sports Complex opened in Bedford Park in 2021.
Situation
Hunden Partners conducted a market, financial, community, and facility analysis for a potential master-planned, mixed-use district near the Midway Hotel Center by Chicago’s Midway Airport. The study identified opportunities to leverage existing assets, including hotels, the Southwest Airlines expansion, and ongoing airport investment, into a walkable destination anchored by a flexible event, sports, and exposition venue with complementary development.
Approach
The project emphasized convertible convention convertible convention and multipurpose space for meetings, sports, and entertainment. Hunden evaluated hotel and restaurant conditions and recommended developing a restaurant and entertainment district and a sports and exposition center to generate events, enhance hotel synergy, and meet demand for indoor sports tournaments and group gatherings.
Hunden also managed the Request for Information (RFI) process to identify potential operators and tenants. As part of this process, the team conducted a governance analysis and advised on the selection of the management organization for the facility.
Impact
The Wintrust Sports Complex at Bedford Park opened in 2021 following $32 million in development costs. The 116,000-square-foot venue includes eight hardwood basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, a bar and lounge with a full kitchen, an arcade, laser tag, and flexible event space. Building on its success, the complex is now expanding. In 2024, the Chicago Sky, in partnership with the Village of Bedford Park, broke ground on a $38 million, 40,000-square-foot practice facility adjacent to the complex, scheduled to open before the 2026 WNBA season. This expansion contributes to the larger master-planned mixed-use district surrounding the Midway Hotel Center.
