The Blackstone – Presidential Opulence in Chicago
With its Beaux-Arts architectural style, the Blackstone, in Chicago, Illinois, provides a stark contrast to the more industrial style of architecture that the city is known for. Having played host to the city’s socialites, politicos and mob bosses, the Blackstone has a reputation for providing elegance and grace in a blue-collar city.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the hotel’s history is the fact that its 10th floor presidential suite has been a rest stop for 12 American presidents. In 2007, both the Presidential suite and the VP suite, which is on the 9th floor, were preserved within the hotel’s $128 million renovation. While these two suites were preserved in their original style, the rest of the hotel was treated to a facelift consisting of modernist furnishings and fabrics that were meshed with restored chandeliers and filigreed balustrades. This style provides a contrast of opposites that somehow manages to work.
The hotel includes the Mercat a la Planxa, which is designed to be reminiscent of an outdoor market in Barcelona. The infamous Barbershop Meeting Room, where the likes of Al Capone and “Lucky” Luciano frequently stopped in for haircuts, and the 3,400-square foot Crystal Ballroom provide ample meeting space.
The Blackstone is truly a historical landmark and should be on every event planner’s short list.
Information: www.blackstonerenaissance.com
