This year's first big opening is a striking Cubist-inspired marvel which spent 2008-2012 dubbed "The Mummy of River North" while construction was stalled. At long last it will open February 1 2014; it was designed by Valerio Dewalt Train architects.

The former Amalfi Hotel is getting an aesthetic overhaul and will reopen as the Kinzie on February 4th. It may not add rooms to the construction boom, but it ups the game.

The Atlantic Bank Building got a $20M renovation to become the new Hotel Indigo Chicago-Millenium Park, which opens in spring 2014. The 101-year-old building first opened as the Federal Life Building; four floors were added for the Indigo, bringing it up to 16 stories.

Sir Richard Branson's new hotel is being built out in the former Dearborn Bank Building, built in 1928. We're told that they will restore and recreate significant historic and architectural elements of the 27-story building.

Designed by Gensler, This 1,200-room convention hotel won't open until late 2016, but the renderings are out and it is predicted to be a whopping 50 stories.

There is a new 52-story tower going in just one block north of the Chicago River and it will open in 2015.

The developer paid $3.7 million just for the parcel; the hotel has not released renderings yet, but have said it will be 18 stories.

A former 22-story office building is being adapted in to a Hyatt Hotel which will open in 2015.

Salita Development, led by Developer Eric Nordness, is known for the Carriage House and Bedford restaurants in Wicker Park. Now they planning the company's second hotel project, a 156-room, $40 million project with an opening slated for summer 2015. A hotel brand had not been named as of this map.

The details of this one are still sketchy, but last we heard there are plans in the works for a boutique hotel and actor Robert DeNiro is part of the development team. There will be a Nobu restaurant project by chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

This one is still in the early stages, but someone filed permits for a 72-room hotel. A tipster reports that the hotel seems to have a code name of "Jason Hotel" or "Jason No. 1 Hotel."

Renderings were released last fall for this 27-story hotel designed by GREC Architects. It is expected to open in spring 2015.

Just steps away from Mag Mile shopping, the building at Rush and Superior that houses a popular Giordano's restaurant was recently scooped up and the developer has stated intentions of replacing the pizza joint with a hotel.

The 217 room Four Points Sheraton in River North will be getting a makeover as the AC Hotel. Though not a new construction, the hotel's owner is hoping its new Euro styling will attract younger business travelers. Expect a Spring 2015 opening for the AC.

In addition the the new Marriott Marquis opening at McCormick Place, a second, smaller hotel is also planned for the new arena and entertainment district. This 500 room hotel will sit directly across from its bigger Marquis brother.