A magician might guard his secrets, but the creators of a new downtown Chicago venue are lifting the veil on theirs. The historic McCormick Mansion, an 1880s architectural gem just west of the Magnificent Mile, is in the midst of a $50 million transformation that will turn it into The Hand & The Eye—an immersive destination devoted to the art of magic, performance, and fine dining.

The project, led by Chicago entrepreneur Glen Tullman, reimagines the five-story, 36,000-square-foot mansion as a place where every visit feels like a new illusion. “From the instant you arrive, you’re transported into a world of elegance, surprise, and discovery,” Tullman said. “No two experiences will ever be the same.”

Designers from the Rockwell Group are blending the grandeur of the building’s past with modern theatrical flair. Deep jewel tones, lavish fabrics, and ornate furnishings will fill the rooms, each with its own personality and sense of mystery. Plans include a members-only dining room adorned with a reflective ceiling, hand-painted mural, and grand piano; a vault-inspired lounge below ground; and a rooftop retreat overlooking the city skyline.

Despite the sweeping redesign, the mansion’s historic essence will remain. Its carved plaster staircase, thick masonry walls, and original exterior lamps are being carefully restored to preserve the spirit of the original home.

For Rockwell Group founder David Rockwell, the project is both a design challenge and a tribute. “It’s an extraordinary honor to create a space that celebrates Chicago’s role in the world of magic and the legacy of the McCormick Mansion,” he said. “Every detail is meant to inspire wonder and invite discovery.”

When it opens next spring at 100 E. Ontario Street, The Hand & The Eye is expected to become the world’s largest venue dedicated to magic—an elegant playground for illusionists and guests alike, where history and imagination intertwine.