Chicago – May 25, 2017 – Autograph Collection Hotels and SMASHotels, an award-winning hospitality management company, today announced the official opening of Hotel EMC2 in downtown Chicago. Hotel EMC2 joins the diverse and dynamic portfolio of more than one hundred Autograph Collection Hotels around the world that are independent, one-of-a-kind and share the brand’s values of vision, design and craft.
Driven by the vision and passion of local real estate developer, leader and disruptor Scott Greenberg, President & CEO of SMASHotels, the innovative hotel, led by General Manager Christine Wechter, celebrates the convergence of art and science at every turn through its design, cuisine and guest experience. Expanding its mission beyond the hotel’s walls, direct bookings by guests will support the youth STEM programs of Chicago-based Project SYNCERE (Supporting Youth’s Needs with Core Engineering Research Experiments), an organization that combines art and science to create transformational experiences for youth within underserved Chicago communities. Autograph Collection Hotels is joining Hotel EMC2’s effort to support Project SYNCERE with a commitment of up to $50,000 this year in matching funds, contributing to a combined minimum annual donation of $90,000.
“I have always been fascinated by art and science, and I’m truly ecstatic to bring a hotel experience like this – geared toward both left- and right-brained guests – to Chicago,” said Greenberg. “At the core of our hotel is the idea of inspiration; we want to ignite guests’ imaginations while educating and challenging them to channel their inner explorative spirit. Through our partnership with Project SYNCERE, we are able to extend that passion even further.”
“We are thrilled to introduce Hotel EMC2 and the unparalleled creative spirit that provides guests with a standout experience that is exactly like nothing else,” said Julius Robinson, Vice President and Global Brand Lead, Autograph Collection Hotels. “Our brand is committed to making its mark on each destination by celebrating the community and supporting organizations that make a powerful impact; Hotel EMC2’s partnership with Project SYNCERE represents exactly that.”
A shining example of the brand’s value of having a role in the community, Hotel EMC2 and Autograph Collection Hotels’ commitment to Project SYNCERE will jump start the career exploration of 20 high school students by providing hands-on, real life engineering experience through its E-CADEMY program. The hotel will also collaborate with the organization on additional initiatives and will remain committed to the partnership beyond opening.
“We are honored to partner with Hotel EMC2 to expand our E-CADEMY program,” said Jason Coleman, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Project SYNCERE. “The hotel’s emphasis on art and science perfectly aligns with our organization’s mission, and we look forward to coming together to make a difference in the lives of these students.”
With interiors designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group, and architecture led by KOO, art and science are thoughtfully woven throughout every nook and cranny of the 21-story, 195-room hotel. A typographic design greets guests upon arrival featuring the commanding words of legendary Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci: “Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses – learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.” Da Vinci’s vision sets the stage for the experience to follow, guiding the design of the hotel: from the captivating pieces of artwork by nearly a dozen artists that were directly commissioned by the developer, to the well-appointed guestrooms subtly influenced by 1920s laboratories with freestanding bathrooms at the center resembling a “wet lab.” Each room is adorned with rose gold fixtures, luxurious furnishings and playful gramophones that project music from any mobile device.
The hotel’s 120-seat contemporary American restaurant, the Albert (a nod to the extraordinary scientist), presents seasonal, globally-inspired dishes from acclaimed Executive Chef Brandon Brumback. The dynamic opening menu has been meticulously created to celebrate the fresh flavors and aromas of spring; each dish features a specific ingredient not found in any other preparation on the menu. Rebecca Royster, the hotel’s Director of Food & Beverage, is the creative mastermind behind the impressive beverage menu, which demonstrates the true art of chemistry by combining ingredients and flavors that celebrate both original and classic cocktails. At the center of the Albert, a custom glass chandelier-like structure known as the “infusary” pours house-made infused liquors, sparking conversation among guests perched at the bar. The space also features a 20-seat chef’s table, allowing curious foodies to witness Brumback’s culinary canvas, firsthand, along with commissioned artwork from West Coast surrealist painter, Paul Bond, and local artist, Jonathan Plotkin.
Creative expression also extends to nearly 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Honoring Emmy Noether, one of the greatest math minds of all time, and the principle of symmetry, which underlies the convergence of art and science, the two multi-functional meeting and event spaces boast blackboard-style artwork installations and the show-stopping art of Dr. Eugenia Cheng (a British mathematician, musician, author, artist and Scientist in Residence at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago).
Hotel EMC2 is located at 228 E. Ontario Street. For details on reservations, please visit www.hotelemc2.com or call 884-205-3939. For further information about Hotel EMC2, follow @HotelEMC2 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more information about Autograph Collection Hotels, please visit: www.autographhotels.com.
