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Rockwell Group Transforms Chicago's McCormick Mansion into Magic Venue The Hand & The Eye

architecture-design · 2026-05-04

The Hand & The Eye, a $50 million magic experience, has opened in Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion near the Magnificent Mile. Designed by Rockwell Group, the 36,000-square-foot, five-story venue features seven performance spaces, drawing rooms, parlors, and lounges. Founder David Rockwell, a Chicago native and magic enthusiast, preserved original features like gas lamps and the plaster staircase while adding secret passageways and rare 19th-century artifacts. The project was funded by healthcare entrepreneur Glen Tullman. Rockwell collaborated with Jeff Kaylor, EVP of Magic at The Hand & The Eye, to create intimate performance settings. The building's past includes a 1930s casino, the Kungsholm Grand Opera Puppet Theatre, and Lawry's restaurant. Rockwell cited Chicago's close-up magic traditions and his childhood in Mexico as influences. The venue aims to push the art of magic forward by providing purpose-built spaces for performers.

Key facts

  • The Hand & The Eye opened in Chicago's McCormick Mansion near the Magnificent Mile.
  • The $50 million project was funded by healthcare entrepreneur Glen Tullman.
  • Rockwell Group designed the 36,000-square-foot, five-story venue.
  • David Rockwell is the founder of Rockwell Group and a Chicago native.
  • The building previously housed a casino (1930s), Kungsholm Grand Opera Puppet Theatre (1940s), and Lawry's restaurant.
  • Original features preserved include gas lamps, plaster staircase, and masonry walls.
  • Jeff Kaylor served as EVP of Magic and collaborated with Rockwell on design.
  • The venue includes seven performance spaces, secret passageways, and rare 19th-century artifacts.

Entities

Artists

  • David Rockwell
  • Jeff Kaylor
  • Glen Tullman
  • Matt Schulien

Institutions

  • Rockwell Group
  • The Hand & The Eye
  • McCormick Mansion
  • Galerie Magazine
  • Broadway
  • Kungsholm Grand Opera Puppet Theatre
  • Lawry's

Locations

  • Chicago
  • United States
  • Magnificent Mile
  • Mexico
  • Guadalajara

Sources