Chicago Construction News staff writer
Nicholas Family of Companies (NFOC) and its sports and recreation division Spectate Group have started interior work at the Elk Grove Ice Arena, a new 86,261-square-foot, two-rink facility under development on Meacham Road.
Construction on the project sarted last August. The facility is being built by Nicholas & Associates, the company’s construction arm, which also built the Rosemont and Mount Prospect rinks and will serve as general contractor for the upcoming Westfield Ice Facility.
Company officials, along with Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson, gathered May 21 for a ceremonial signing of a structural support column inside the facility, which is scheduled to open in fall 2026.
The project is NFOC’s third ice arena development in the Chicago area in just over a year, following the Rosemont Ice Arena and the acquisition of Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills. The company also owns the Mount Prospect Ice Arena at Nicholas Sportsplex and is developing the Westfield Ice Facility in Indiana.
“This is an exciting moment for this project as we celebrate our construction progress to date and the fact that we’re on track for our planned opening this fall,” said Nick Papanicholas Jr., chief executive officer and managing director of Nicholas Family of Companies. “Like many local hockey rinks, the Elk Grove Ice Arena is firmly rooted in community thanks to the support and collaboration we’ve had from the Village of Elk Grove throughout this process.”
Designed by ARCON Associates, the facility will feature two ice sheets along with eight general team locker rooms and eight dedicated locker rooms for Chicago Mission teams. Additional amenities include viewing areas with floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking both rinks, a second-floor restaurant with private dining space and rooftop terrace, an elevated grab-and-go food concept, and a physical therapy clinic.
A restaurant and entertainment venue known as Hatty’s Club, featuring rooftop access, is also planned as part of the development.
The project site was previously occupied by a Staples office supply store, which was demolished to make way for the development.
