Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel Breaks Ground on Phase II of Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

Set against the dramatic skyline on the banks of the Chicago River, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, 1 West Wacker Drive, will begin the second phase of renovations October 2015. Set to be completed by March 2016, Phase II will include the addition of a brand new ballroom with breathtaking views of the Chicago River, an additional 4,000 square feet of meeting space, and introducing one of Chicago’s hottest bars with inspiring city views. The $8 million dollar renovation is part of the globally recognized Renaissance Hotel brand’s focus on discovery, provoking both guests and locals’ interests to explore the Windy City.

Debuting just in time for the warm weather, Renaissance’s sleek new terrace bar will put a chic spin on the city’s booming outdoor dining scene. Located on the 3rd floor of the hotel, the indoor/outdoor destination will invite the vibrant energy from the city streets below. Fire pits and authentic design features including glass, iron, greenery, and reclaimed wood elements will fill the space, which seats 160 guests. The terrace bar will feature 14 taps boasting local beer selections and a variety of exclusive wines, as well as a Chicago-influenced menu created by Executive Chef Daniel Perez. The bar’s additional event space, Urban Blue, allows for private events.

Spring of 2016, Chicago will have a stunning new option for weddings and special occasions. The Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel’s elegant, 3,000 square-foot Looking Glass Ballroom will feature floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking views of Chicago’s cityscape. A cutting-edge space set in a hip and urban ambiance, the Looking Glass Ballroom provides an innovative approach to traditional weddings.

The Renaissance Chicago Downtown is also refreshing the junior ballroom space, Cloud Gate Ballroom, increasing the space from 4,000- 5,000-square-feet. As a continuation of the art design on the first floor, the third floor breakout rooms will be renamed Adler, Lyric, and Improv – all paying homage to historical landmarks and art in Chicago.

Reflecting the urban energy and captivating history that is Chicago, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel completed Phase I in April 2015, with the unveiling of the $24 million lobby and guestroom transformation. The revamped lobby’s high-low design approach pairs luxurious high-end finishes with raw, gritty, concrete and graffiti-inspired surfaces. Experiential works of art by homegrown artists are placed to intrigue; CTA bus-inspired windows from the early 1950s serve as a gateway into the chef’s display kitchen at Staytion Market and Bar; the hotel’s first floor dining concept.

In addition to Staytion, the revamped lobby offers ample opportunity for our Marriott Rewards Elite Members to enjoy the R-Lounge. The Artist Studio and The Library also capture the high energy, whimsical character, and ebullience of Chicago. 

Merging the business of the Loop with the pleasure of State Street shopping and Chicago’s Theater District, the hotel invites discovery at every turn. Located in the middle of the lobby is the Renaissance Navigator, situated at the communal Navigator Table – a cheeky twist on the traditional concierge desk, designed as an interactive place to explore new ideas, touch and feel new technologies, or simply engage with the Renaissance Navigator on new finds that only a local would know.

Stair seating creates a perfect perspective for the hotel’s signature Renaissance Events, part of the brand’s long-standing multimedia entertainment program and its commitment to supporting emerging artists. Renaissance Events will include everything from live performances by local musicians, mixology demos, wine tastings, art exhibitions, book signings, and more.  

Discoverers will have the opportunity to unwind and revitalize their minds and bodies in one of the 520 recently renovated guestrooms and 40 suites, boasting stunning views of downtown Chicago.   

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