We love a good brick lattice! A few years ago we provided black, Norman-size Summit Brick for Cerise, the “cherry on top” of Virgin Hotel‘s Chicago location. Pocket doors slide into the void between two wythes of alternating brick, creating a pleasing visual transition between the patio and indoor spaces of this popular downtown bar.
Designed by a famous pair of theatre architects (Rapp & Rapp — known for their lavishly ornamented movie palaces, including the Chicago and Uptown theaters), this 1928 skyscraper was originally known as the “Old Dearborn Bank Building.” The historic structure felt like a natural choice for the first-ever location of Virgin Hotels, whose cheeky, 1970s aesthetic pairs nicely with the quirky terracotta gremlins and grotesques found lurking on the intricate front façade.
Many of the building’s original details were preserved and incorporated into the new interior design, resulting in an artful mashup of old and new. The ultra-modern black brick accents at the rooftop are no exception, pairing nicely with the vintage exterior masonry surrounding them. Even the skyline views from the outdoor deck reveal a combination of glassy towers and Art Deco architecture!
Next time you’re in the area, pay the 26th floor of this highly-rated hotel a visit. Cocktails + cool brickwork? Yes please!
LOCATION: 203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
ARCHITECT: Booth Hansen
INTERIOR DESIGN: Paola Navone, Rockwell Group
DEVELOPER: The John Buck Company
GC: McHugh Construction
PRODUCTS SUPPLIED: Summit Brick
