Hampton Inn, Chicago

Posted in Projects on 12 October, 2015

Making subtle allusion to its mechanical roots, Hampton Inn completes renovation and offer guests a unique experience. Hamish Kilburn writes…

Long considered one of the city’s finest Art
Deco skyscrapers, the Chicago Landmark building was designed by Holabird and Root to house the Chicago Motor Club. The hotel has since completed a major renovation paying homage to its mechanical roots. It served as the original American Automobile Association (AAA) affiliate’s headquarters. After 1985 it became an office block and in the 2000’s, the building fell out of favor with commercial tenants, and turned vacant – facing demolition.

Just in the nick of time, Hampton Inns, part of Hilton Hotels and Resorts – along with The Gettys Group – saved the building and had plans to convert it into a downtown hotel.

Many of the remaining historic elements of the building were restored, including silver-leafed plaster ornamentation of animals and floral motifs; and the centerpiece of the 33-foot-high lobby – the 29-foot-wide mural of popular road destinations by artist John Warner Norton.

Originally the Motor Club’s executive offices, the sixth floor features the hotel’s most architecturally significant guest rooms. The suites feature restored beamed ceilings, leather doors, decorative plaster, maple paneling and herringbone maple floors.

Image caption: The lobby area has been painstakingly crafted to reflect a relaxing vibe, while paying homage to the building’s prior role as the original American Automobile Assosiation (c) 2015 Hampton

www.gettys.com

www.hilton.com