McCormick Place completes installation of bird-safe windows

Improved response to large-scale collisions reported in October 2023; will reduce bird collisions during migration season

Submitted by Jonathon Sadowski of Hawthorne Strategy Group

Chicago — The Metropolitan Marina and Exhibition Authority (MPEA), owner of McCormick Place, announced today that it has completed the installation of bird-safe window film at the Convention Park’s Lakefront Center ahead of the fall migration season.

The film was installed in response to a massive collision at Lakeside Center in October 2023 and is designed to reduce bird collisions by helping birds differentiate between windows and the open air. The MPEA sought a window film solution based on recommendations from meetings with numerous local, national and international bird and animal advocacy groups, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chicago Bird Collision Monitor and Never Collide. Minimize collisions.

“MPEA remains committed to being a good neighbor and environmental steward on and off campus,” said MPEA CEO Larita Clark. “We have long been involved in the Chicago Lights Out initiative, but when we learned of the events reported last year When a large-scale collision occurs, we know we need to make additional improvements quickly to protect the local and migratory birds that pass through McCormick Place.”

Film installation is scheduled to begin in June 2024, once weather conditions allow the product to properly adhere to the windows of Lakeside Center’s two football fields. Crews worked two shifts, five days a week, throughout the summer to complete the installation before the fall move.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service applauds the MPEA for its quick response to the massive collision, seeking expert guidance and collaborating to improve windows and interior lighting to reduce migratory bird collisions at McCormick Place,” said Regional Assistant Brian Brian Smith, the service’s migratory bird director for the Midwest region. “MPEA leadership was receptive to suggestions and transparent with us as they made quick and significant changes to lighting and existing windows to reduce risks to birds in future migratory seasons. We hope their actions will inspire lakeshore, Chicago and others throughout the flyway take steps to reduce bird collisions at their facilities.”

In addition to window film, the MPEA took immediate action after a collision was reported. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to the “Lights Out Chicago” program when the building is unoccupied, began turning off nonessential exterior lights, and instituted a policy requiring Lakeside Center to close curtains at night to prevent light from escaping.

“For more than four decades, Field Museum researchers have documented bird collisions at Lakeside Center, and due to new window treatments and policies enacted by the MPEA, we expect these numbers to decrease significantly this fall migration season,” said Dr. Zhu Leanne Seggers, president and CEO of the Field Museum. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the MPEA, which will provide a model for other buildings to reduce bird collisions in Chicago and around the world.”

About the Metropolitan Marina and Exhibitions Authority (MPEA)

The Metropolitan Marina and Exhibition Authority owns McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, the largest exhibition and convention facility in North America, as well as the Hyatt Regency McCormick Center and the Chicago Marriott Marquis. The North, South, West Building and Lakefront Center provide a total of 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space. Located on Chicago’s lakefront, McCormick Place features 173 meeting rooms, the 4,249-seat Ari Crown Theater and one of the largest ballrooms in the world.