MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton Worldwide today announced the addition of LondonHouse to Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global brand of distinctive upper upscale and luxury hotels, hand-picked for travelers who seek local discovery and authentic experiences. LondonHouse will be located in Chicago’s historic London Guarantee Building and new 22-story architecturally synchronized Modernist glass tower.
Built on the site of historic Fort Dearborn in 1923 at the corner of North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, the historic London Guarantee & Accident Building was home to the renowned jazz club “London House,” which hosted jazz luminaries including Oscar Peterson, Ramsey Lewis, Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, Marian McPartland, Nancy Wilson and Barbara Carroll before closing in the 1970s.
“LondonHouse will embody all the hallmarks of what connects Curio – A Collection by Hilton, to the energy and pulse of local communities,” said Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “With its rich history and combination of iconic 1920s architecture and its 21st Century Modernist glass tower addition in the heart of Chicago, LondonHouse will give curious travelers that authentic experience that has become synonymous with the Curio brand.”
One of four iconic 1920s buildings that flank the North Michigan Avenue Bridge, LondonHouse is scheduled to open in Spring 2016 following completion of a comprehensive restoration and redevelopment, coupled with its 22-story contemporary addition to create a high-design, 452-room luxury lifestyle hotel with two floors of upscale retail.
The hotel’s Chicago-based developer and manager, Oxford Capital Group, LLC, began work on the Alfred S. Alschuler-designed London Guarantee Building in 2013, followed up with construction of the new glass tower, designed by Chicago’s Goettsch Partners, beginning in December 2014.
“We’re thrilled that LondonHouse will be in such great company among a distinguished portfolio of hotels and resorts across the U.S.,” said John W. Rutledge, founder, president and CEO of Oxford Capital Group, LLC. “Becoming part of Curio will allow our guests the opportunity to enjoy a distinctive, independent hotel experience, while enjoying the benefits of Hilton’s renowned loyalty program.”
The new Modernist tower will host the hotel’s main entrance and feature a gateway arrival lobby leading to the grand second floor check-in lobby and bar. It will also include approximately 25,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space comprised of a junior and grand ballroom, and multiple board and meeting rooms. The hotel will also have a destination spa and fitness center. At the top of the hotel, the refurbished historic cupola and roof-top dining and outdoor event spaces will offer what Oxford believes will be Chicago’s only tri-level hotel rooftop, with dramatic panoramic views of the city.
The design scheme of LondonHouse, led by Simeone Deary Design Group, will speak to the London Guarantee Building’s roots with the use of historic detail, while adopting the progressive thinking of the 1920s to create modern and chic accents. The color palette will feature warm greys and crisp whites, punctuated by jewel tones and rich fumed eucalyptus woods. The guestroom design is inspired by the luxurious automobiles of that era – clean, sleek, and elegant. The hotel will be outfitted with modern furniture upholstered in lavish materials, paying homage to the opulence of the 1920’s. The lines of the furniture will be contemporary, but embellished with classic touches, providing an overall feeling of serenity and elegance.
As members of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, Curio hotels will offer guests the benefits of Hilton HHonors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program serving more than 44 million members. Hilton HHonors offers more ways to redeem points than any other guest-loyalty program. LondonHouse will participate in Hilton HHonors, the only hotel rewards program that offers Points & Miles® and No Blackout Dates.
As the property approaches opening in Spring 2016, customers will be able to book reservations by visiting www.londonhousechicago.com or www.curiocollection.com.
More information about Curio may be found at curiocollection.com. Media may access high resolution images and more information by visiting news.curiocollection.com.
