Featuring 364 guestrooms and suites, plus public spaces designed by Alessandro Munge and Studio Munge, Pendry Chicago has reinvented the iconic Carbide & Carbon Building.

The transformation of Chicago’s Carbide & Carbon Building, the 1929 art-deco landmark, has provided a major boost to the city’s hospitality scene.

An eye-catching hotel debut

Pendry Chicago is now allowing visitors to check into its 364 redesigned guestrooms and suites in the heart of the Loop neighbourhood. The property also boasts 13,000 sq ft of event space, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a carefully curated art collection.

“We are pleased to cement Pendry Hotels & Resorts’ presence in the Midwest with the opening of our latest hotel in one of Chicago’s most recognisable landmark buildings,” said Alan J Fuerstman, founder, chairman and CEO of Montage International. “An embodiment of Chicago’s past, present and future, we look forward to joining this incredibly vibrant city.”

Reimagination of an architectural icon

Originally designed by the Burnham Brothers, the Carbide & Carbon Building is known for its champagne bottle design composed of polished black granite, green and gold terracotta with bronze trim, and ornate cap of 24-karat gold leaf.

The building’s public spaces have been overhauled by Alessandro Munge and Studio Munge. A black-and-white striped floor now leads guests to the luminescent reception parlour, which features the work of Amsterdam-based artist Arnout Meijer.

“Reimagining this landmark building was an opportunity and an honour we approached with excitement and care,” said Michael Fuerstman, co-founder and creative director, Pendry Hotels & Resorts. “We are pleased to bring contemporary art and design, creative spaces and new dining experiences to the city.”

The hotel also partnered with LA-based fashion designer Heidi Merrick to create custom front desk and Bar Pendry uniforms, as well as an ‘SRF Pendry’ sweatshirt.

Vibrant new social venues

In terms of F&B, the ground-floor French brasserie, café and shellfish bar Venteux draws on the expertise of restaurant and nightlife pioneer Andy Masi, Clique Hospitality and executive chef-partner Donald Young, Chicago’s youngest Michelin-starred talent. And Bar Pendry celebrates the spirit of the classic Chicago bar, with cocktails and light bites offered in dark and moody interiors incorporating heavy drapes and a double-sided fireplace.

Set on the 24th floor, and due to open on 25 June 2021, Château Carbide will open up a space that’s never previously been accessible to locals, with a summer pop-up featuring Whispering Angel rosé, striped loungers and a picnic-style menu reminiscent of the Côte d’Azur. After dark, this space is to become Chicago’s newest nightlife venue.

Meanwhile, The Billiard Gallery is tucked away adjacent to the hotel’s lobby, with a rotating art programme and options for private events. The hotel’s event space, which includes an art-deco ballroom, Michigan Terrace and multiple gallery rooms and salons, can cater for groups ranging from 10 to 500 guests.

To work up a sweat, guests can head to a state-of-the-art fitness centre complete with Peloton bikes, head out on a custom Pendry Chicago bicycle through the hotel’s collaboration with State Bicycle Co, and even stay in a guestroom featuring on-demand in-room fitness.

Related Articles