McCormick Place

I decided to talk about the facility known to be playing host for the event. Those unfamiliar with the location might be surprised by the size comprised of 4 main buildings not including the parking area. Unsurprisingly, on their own calender, the G8/NATO summits are not listed. There is a good chance that either the calender has yet to be updated, or, not posted due to security concerns. After all, it would list the move in/move out dates as well as location in the complex.


One source of mine claims that one of the summits will be taking place in the West Building/Lakeside Center, which overlooks the Lake Michigan and some of the Chicago Skyline. How true that report is, is unknown. But, if it is true, it opens up another protest location using Northerly Island. I told this to a protester who requested not to be named that it opens the possibility of tethered balloon signs to get into their view or even boat-based protesting. An officer I spoke to claimed that it would be a security nightmare due to the large area that protesters will be able to access.


A simple map of the facility:
Layout

One of the best maps I've found that included the access points and streets in the immediate area would just so happen to the "Designated Smoking Locations" map:

Smoking Locations

As you can see, depending on where it's being held, most if not all locations should be accessible or have a way around. More then likely Lake Shore Drive might be the main thoroughfare for dignitary travel. Along with that end of I-55, Cermak Rd, and Martin Luther King Drive , and possibly Michigan Avenue. During that week, if you can make a detour, do it. Also, in the case of medical emergencies in the area, Mercy Hospital is just a short distance away, good news for all sides.

For Google Maps, just use this link: McCormick Place.

For informational use only.