Claridge House (Photo: Nicholas James Fochtman)
The transformation of a Hotel Indigo brand into a luxury lifestyle hotel after a US$9 million renovation program is the focus of our latest TOPHOTELDESIGN.
The Windy City has embraced the multi-million dollar transformation of this heritage building with open arms.
new chapter
Oxford Hotels & Resorts, the hotel management company wholly owned by Oxford Capital Group, announced the successful opening of Claridge House in Chicago’s Gold Coast in May 2018. The property, rebranded from IHG’s Hotel Indigo brand, has undergone a $9 renovation. Millions of dollars but remained open throughout the ambitious renovation.
Investor Interwest Capital worked closely with Oxford Hotels and Resorts to implement this strategic brand change. This renovation saw all spaces in the classic 1923 building, designed by Chicago architect Walter Ahlslager, transformed into a modern oasis.
The new hotel features 165 guest rooms and the on-site Juniper Spirits & Oysters restaurant. Each space has been designed to reflect the atmosphere of the Gold Coast neighborhood and provide a space for locals and visitors to come together.
Hirsch MPG was responsible for the architectural design element for this project and the interior designs were handled by Gettys Group – Chicago.
Back to full circle
The Gettys Group incorporated the idea of a “full circle” into the design by using rings, spheres, and other circular images to represent how the property, formerly known as the Claridge Hotel, returns to its roots.
In the hallway, this design appears in a custom chandelier made of silk-wrapped rings, suspended above a communal table for relaxing, working, and interacting beside a marble fireplace. Globe pendants light up the lobby bar and lounge, along with mixed round sconces designed by Kelly Wearstler.
Adding to the residential feel of the property, meanwhile, travel photos of the people involved in building and operating the hotel adorn one wall of the lobby.
Guestrooms provide the feel of a city apartment, with more artwork and photography representing the hotels upscale lifestyle identity. These benefit greatly from the inclusion of inviting amenities such as Samsung HDTVs, Keurig coffee makers and ergonomic workstations – each space overlooking the stunning architecture of the Gold Coast or Lake Michigan.
Additional facilities within the property include a fitness center, boutique spa, business center and Da Vinci event room.
For more information on this scheme, and to view a comprehensive gallery of high-resolution photos, check out the Claridge House project page on the TOPHOTELDESIGN website.