Chicago’s legendary Magnificent Mile, once the undisputed crown jewel of the city’s retail landscape, is receiving a high-stakes, $50 million adrenaline shot of wonder. On April 18, 2026, the doors to the historic McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St. will officially swing open, marking the debut of The Hand & The Eye—a sprawling, five-level, 36,000-square-foot immersive theater experience designed to redefine the city’s nightlife and inject much-needed vitality into the surrounding district. Funded by healthcare entrepreneur Glen Tullman and crafted by the world-renowned Rockwell Group, this venue represents a bold pivot away from traditional retail, betting heavily on the ‘experience economy’ to pull visitors back to downtown Chicago.
Key Highlights
- Experiential Landmark: A $50 million, 36,000-square-foot facility housing seven theaters, six bars, and dining experiences within the historic McCormick Mansion.
- Design & Pedigree: Interior design by the Rockwell Group, led by David Rockwell, featuring a blend of Gilded Age opulence and modern theatrical mechanics.
- The ‘Magic’ Philosophy: Rather than passive stage viewing, guests rotate through a bespoke, multi-room journey featuring close-up magic curated by Jeff Kaylor.
- Economic Catalyst: Part of a concerted effort to anchor the Magnificent Mile’s recovery, transitioning the area from a pure shopping corridor to an entertainment-heavy destination.
The Revival of an Icon: Reimagining the McCormick Mansion
The narrative of The Hand & The Eye is inextricably linked to the building that houses it. The McCormick Mansion, a structure of immense architectural and cultural significance, stood as the home of the famed Lawry’s Prime Rib for over four decades, serving as a bastion of traditional Chicago fine dining. When the restaurant closed in 2020, it left a void in the social fabric of the neighborhood. Now, the space has been meticulously gutted and reimagined, with the preservation of its original 1899 exterior and grand features acting as a canvas for the surreal.
Architectural Alchemy
David Rockwell and his team were tasked with a unique challenge: marrying the heavy, historical weight of a Victorian-era mansion with the fluid, ephemeral nature of stage magic. The resulting design is a masterclass in atmospheric engineering. The mansion has been divided into over 37 rooms, including a 30-seat circular ‘Coliseum’ for intimate performance, a subterranean ‘Vault,’ and a 10-seat Red Herring bar. The aesthetic leans into a ‘Gilded Age Noir’ vibe—think dark wood, gilded accents, plush velvet, and hidden doorways. The design isn’t just a backdrop; it is an active participant in the performance. Guests aren’t just sitting in an audience; they are walking through a labyrinth of illusions where the walls themselves seem to shift and whisper.
From Retail to Resort
For the past several years, the Magnificent Mile has struggled with high vacancy rates and the relentless shift toward e-commerce. Local leaders have long argued that the district needed to evolve beyond clothing boutiques and electronics stores if it hoped to compete with the vibrancy of other global cities. The Hand & The Eye is the physical embodiment of this argument. By anchoring the district with a high-ticket, reservation-only destination, developers are effectively trying to reprogram the behavior of the average tourist and local. They are betting that if you offer an experience that cannot be downloaded, shipped, or replicated on a screen, people will physically manifest in the city center. This is a bet on the ‘destination economy,’ where the goal is to keep patrons on-site for hours, dining, drinking, and wandering through multiple levels of entertainment.
The Anatomy of the Immersive Experience
What sets The Hand & The Eye apart from a traditional magic show, like those found in Las Vegas or on Broadway, is the structural rejection of the ‘proscenium arch.’ In most theaters, the barrier between the performer and the audience is absolute. At the McCormick Mansion, that barrier is dismantled. The venue is curated by Jeff Kaylor, who has been instrumental in selecting a roster of resident and guest magicians who specialize in close-up, ‘sleight-of-hand’ performance.
The ‘Curator of Magic’ Approach
Kaylor’s philosophy is rooted in intimacy. By limiting the capacity of the theaters—some holding as few as 10 to 30 people—the magician can perform tricks that are technically impossible to execute on a larger stage. There is no camera projection, no LED screen, and no hiding. The card is in your hand; the coin vanishes from your own palm. This level of interaction requires a specialized breed of performer: someone who is part conjurer, part improvisational actor, and part host. It is, by all accounts, an ‘adult’ experience, with a strict dress code and a sophisticated cocktail program overseen by Levy Restaurants. This exclusivity is a deliberate move to foster a high-end, membership-club atmosphere that mirrors private venues like London’s Magic Circle or the private parlors of the late 19th century.
Economic and Social Implications
While the spectacle is the draw, the economic impact is the objective. Creating roughly 200 jobs, the venue is a massive labor undertaking for a single-themed entertainment destination. Its success or failure will likely dictate the next wave of development for the Mag Mile. If The Hand & The Eye thrives, we can expect a flurry of similar ‘experience-first’ developments—perhaps other mansions or underutilized retail shells being converted into immersive art galleries, permanent escape rooms, or boutique performance venues. It marks a shift from Chicago being a place where people go to buy things, to a place where people go to feel things.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Is The Hand & The Eye open to children?
No, the experience is largely designed for adults. While there may be future plans for family-friendly weekend brunch performances, the current programming, atmosphere, and late-night hours are tailored for an adult audience (21+).
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, reservations are strictly required. Due to the intimate nature of the performances and the timed rotation of guests through different rooms, the venue does not accommodate walk-ins. Tickets should be booked well in advance.
What is the dress code?
The venue enforces a ‘Dress with Elegance’ policy. The management emphasizes that this is an upscale, immersive environment, and guests are encouraged to dress in attire that matches the sophisticated, Gilded Age-inspired aesthetic of the mansion.
How long does an experience typically last?
Because the experience is structured as a choreographed journey through multiple rooms and levels, guests typically spend several hours on-site, rotating between dining, cocktail service, and various magic performances.
