The Gwen — Chicago, USA
After completing an expansive renovation of the space that used to be a Conrad Hotel, The Gwen has recently re-emerged fully transformed on Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile. First, the rebranding sees the hotel take on the name of pioneer Chicago-born sculptor Gwen Lux, whose work can be seen on the façade of this iconic McGraw-Hill Building. In fact, with local outfit Simeone Deary Design Group at the helm of the revamp, the property is now more closely tied to the art deco skyscraper it’s housed in.
The lobby is especially evocative of 1920s glamour, with plenty of visual layers thanks not only to a medley of texture but also to clever furniture groupings (separated by bronze screens) that create plenty of variety in the design stories throughout the space. Luxurious materials like velvet, leather, and faux fur (in bold navy and green) softens sharp surfaces like black marble, bronze metal, and carved glass. The adjacent bar is similarly rendered with historic allusions such as sculptural antiqued mirrors, an over-the-top metal mesh chandelier, and brass detailing everywhere.
The guest rooms are also swathed in lot of these art deco flourishes but with more subtlety. The palette is mostly slate grey punched up with soft pinks. Even the in-room carpet, which features geometric patterns, fall in line with this aesthetic as does the occasional brass-accented furniture. But to complete the homage to its namesake, the hotel adorned every room with a full-wall zodiac mural of Lux’s sculptures. They add a whimsical if obvious reference to the property’s landmark past.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
521 North Rush Street
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Sir Kenneth Grange’s influential industrial designs are chronicled in a new book
‘Kenneth Grange: Designing the Modern World’ explores the life and work of the pioneering British industrial designer
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Chin, chin! Asprey’s new Peninsula London boutique raises the bar
Asprey barware designs from the house’s joyful, jazz-era back catalogue are available at its new boutique in The Peninsula, London
By Caragh McKay Published
-
Step inside Precious Okoyomon’s post-apocalyptic forest in Madrid
In Madrid, Precious Okoyomon and Hans Ulrich Obrist reconvene for Obrist’s annual site-specific curation for Fundación Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
By Will Jennings Published
-
Fried chicken fever? Coqodaq knows how to do it
Devoted disciples of Korean fried chicken can worship at Manhattan’s Coqodaq, designed by the Rockwell Group
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Enjoy lakeside dining at the Village Supper Club in Wisconsin
DMAC Architecture and Interiors has transformed the 55-year-old Village Supper Club beside Delavan Lake
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
HOK-designed Thompson Houston takes over the city’s historic Fourth Ward
Thompson Houston by Hyatt is a 36-storey landmark in scenic Buffalo Bayou Park
By Daniel Scheffler Published
-
The Hollywood Roosevelt’s penthouse suites get a sumptuous refresh
The Hollywood Roosevelt tapped designer Kevin Klein to imbue the suites with both contemporary finishes and historical details
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Bondst Hudson Yards promises intimate Japanese dining in NYC
Bondst inaugurates its second location, facing the Hudson River, following the success of its flagship location in NoHo
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
The Jay Hotel pays homage to John Portman’s San Francisco
The Jay Hotel’s interiors, designed by AvroKO, pay tribute to the building’s architect, John Portman, as well as lesser-known figures from the city’s past
By Dan Howarth Published
-
Sip, savour and stay in Santa Monica during Frieze LA and beyond
Your stay in Santa Monica begins with a cinematic hotel, a Kelly Wearstler-designed spa, a casual shrine to seafood, and a cool tapas bar
By Timothy Anscombe-Bell Published
-
Jac’s on Bond channels 1990s New York cool
Jac’s on Bond is a new NoHo bar boasting Gachot Studios interiors, Awake NY uniforms and Janette Beckman photographs
By Sofia de la Cruz Published