Chicago’s nearly 90-year old historic London Guarantee Building has been transformed into a state-of-the-art 452-room luxury hotel that opened yesterday, as the LondonHouse, after undergoing a 3-year comprehensive restoration and redevelopment.
The entry at 85 E. Upper Wacker Dr. Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer
Built on the site of Fort Dearborn, on the southwest corner of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue, in 1923, the historic London Guarantee Building has been designated both a local and national landmark.
Once a lively center of trade and home to the famous London House jazz club that was host to notables such as Ramsey Lewis, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Marian McPartland, Dave Brubeck, and others, the Beaux Arts structure had fallen on hard times and neglect for over a decade.
The guestroom design is inspired by the luxurious automobiles of the 1920s– clean, sleek, and elegant using a color palette of warm greys and crisp whites.
The hard times came to an abrupt halt when Oxford Capital Group, LLC, a national real estate investment, development and management firm, had the vision to transform the property into a hotel that draws on the unique history and location of the building (as they have done with other Chicago properties including the Cass, Felix, Godfrey and Essex).
The 23rd floor original Cupola is available for private dining events and weddings.
Working with a design team led by Simeone Deary Design Group, the building was completely gutted to create a space fit for the new Millennium, while respecting the past by preserving the building’s historic roots–and paying tribute to the future with a new 22-story Modernist tower addition.
Drinks of the expansive 3-level rooftop. Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer
In addition to the guest rooms, the hotel offers a show-stopping three-level rooftop for al fresco dining, a gateway arrival lobby leading to the spacious second floor check-in lobby and bar, a junior and grand ballroom, multiple board and meeting rooms, a destination spa and a fitness center.
The second floor Bridges Lobby bar offers small bites and beverages. Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer
Overlooking the Chicago Riverwalk and the historic Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, the Marina City Twin Towers and the Trump Tower–the views from every room and floor of the hotel offer a showcase for the city’s architecture.
LondonHouse rooftop. Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer
When looking down on the city from the 22nd floor LH Rooftop it is easy to see why the lobby bar has been named Bridges.
Looking west from the rooftop one gets a birdseye view of Chicago’s famous bridges. Photo: Carole Kuhrt-Brewer
To learn more about this addition the Chicago’s exciting city scene or to make room or dining reservations, click here.
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Filed under: Chicago Restaurants.
Tags: LondonHouse Chicago
