CHICAGO, July 27, 2017 — Journal Hotels, a management company, today announced the debut of Ambassador Chicago restoring the legendary property to its historic identity. Built in 1926, Ambassador Chicago draws inspiration from the city's Golden Age, having served as a local mainstay to celebrity icons such as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. With deep historical roots in the Windy City, Ambassador Chicago will pay homage to the city's storied past through thoughtful programming and elegant design.
Nestled within the illustrious Gold Coast neighborhood, Ambassador Chicago offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan with easy access to Chicago's main shopping boulevard, Michigan Avenue. The property features 285 spacious guestrooms, a 24-hour fitness center, two restaurants, local programming and amenities curated by Chicago-based artisans and chefs, in-room dining and other luxury comforts. Attached to the hotel is a legendary restaurant having served as a celebrity favorite during the Jazz Age, which is currently being reconfigured by Lettuce Entertain You Group to introduce invigorating, innovative design and cuisine concepts that play up the glamorous history of the space while simultaneously infusing modernity into the venue.
Taking cues from its early nineteenth century art-deco design, the property celebrates Chicago's vibrant history reflected in the intricate design details such as vaulted ceilings and original crown moldings, providing a unique environment for rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. Glass doorknobs, original mail-chutes, and ornate wrought iron juxtapose against modern furnishings and art installations of painting, photography and sculpture serve as reminders of Chicago's cultural presence and the hotel's rich past resulting in a contemporary, chic vibe.
"We're thrilled to add a legendary hotel such as Ambassador Chicago to our portfolio," said Stephen Brandman, Chief Executive Officer at Journal Hotels. "The rebranding will return an iconic Chicago property back to its roots through creative activations and allow Journal to not only grow in a critical market, but continue to celebrate iconic spaces that invite discovery."
Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises will be returning to this historic location to work with the Journal Hotels to operate all food and beverage in the new Ambassador Hotel. From the re-concept of the restaurant, which is projected to open late fall 2017, to creating new menus for room service, catering and private events and the lobby bar, Lettuce is excited to serve the Ambassador guests and Gold Coast neighborhood. The restaurant group previously ran the space from July 1976 – January 1998.
"Lettuce has a lot of history at this location. Our first restaurant here was exciting and so much fun that I'm thrilled to be doing it again in a more modern way," says Rich Melman, Founder of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
Ambassador Chicago will join Journal's collection of hotels which includes The Hollywood Roosevelt, Two Bunch Palms and Hotel G as part of Journal's rapidly expanding portfolio of storied hotels rich in cultural tradition and steeped in history. As with all hotels in the portfolio, Ambassador Chicago will maintain its distinct character while providing guests a truly memorable stay and authentic Chicago experience.
