Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang architecture and urban design practice is behind this 101-storey tower now recognised as the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect.
A landmark site
The landmark building housing the St. Regis Chicago is located in the idyllic Lakeshore East neighbourhood, providing easy access to the Chicago River as well as dining and retail areas, Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Magnificent Mile.
This structure showcases a distinct design made up of interconnected stacked frustum-shapes that move rhythmically in and out of plane and extend to various heights. The tower’s crystalline form draws inspiration from nature with green-blue glass that reflects the colours of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group led the interior design of the hotel’s public areas, Presidential Suite and The St. Regis Spa, with inspiration for each area taken from the city’s architectural history. In each of these spaces, metallic materials and colours meet geometric, angular lines.
Commenting on the debut, George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, said: “The debut of The St. Regis Chicago signals a significant milestone for the St. Regis brand as we grow our footprint in the United States and celebrate our first property in the American Midwest.”
“We are proud to open our doors in Chicago, an energetic and dynamic city that, like the St. Regis brand, is known for its rich history and pioneering design. Through The St. Regis Chicago we will debut a new icon within the city, sharing with our guests and local luminaries an architectural masterpiece that also represents the pinnacle of luxury hospitality today.”
Oliver Gibbons, General Manager, The St. Regis Chicago, commented: “We are excited to offer guests exquisite experiences that complement the city’s rich history all within the walls of the skyline-defining St. Regis. We look forward to bringing the brand’s celebrated traditions and rituals to life and to continuing the brand’s commitment to excellence across all sectors in hospitality.”
A place to meet and unwind
The St. Regis Chicago is home to 159 luxurious guest rooms and 33 suites, altogether spanning 11 floors. Gensler has designed these rooms and suites as a place of respite with a palette of natural stone and wood connecting guests to nature. All guests benefit from St. Regis Butler Service, which includes offerings like garment pressing and packing services.
During their stay, guests can dine at two venues by Chicago-based restaurant group, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. The all-day dining venue, Miru, will offer Japanese small plates, steak and seafood, as well as desserts by winner of Netflix’s School of Chocolate, Pastry Chef Juan Gutierrez, in an indoor-outdoor space designed by Rockwell Group on the 11th floor.
The Tuscan steakhouse, Tre Dita, from award-winning Chef Evan Funke, is now expected to open in the autumn of this year. This restaurant with interiors designed by David Collins Studio will specialise in fresh handmade pasta and Italian steaks like bistecca Fiorentina cooked on an open-hearth wood fired grill. The Coffee Bar on Eleven is also open daily for grab-and-go items.
Other gathering spaces throughout the property include The Drawing Room and Library lounge, with offerings including Afternoon Tea, evening Champagne Sabrage and signature cocktailsl. Here, events are hosted in 1,000 sq ft of event space encompassing the 4,721-sq-ft Astor Ballroom.
Guests can unwind in the 12,000-sq-ft The St. Regis Spa and make use of the wellness space’s fitness centre, outdoor sundeck, yoga studio and two private fitness rooms, as well as the heated indoor pool offering views over the city and Lake Michigan.
