The Langham Hotel
The legacy of a legendary Chicago architect lives on and is overwhelmingly acknowledged in the form of the soon to be open Langham Hotel. Conveniently located at 330 N. Wabash, this astonishing Mies van der Rohe creation was originally built from 1966 – 1972 as IBM’s regional office. Transforming a designated city landmark into an appealing, luxury hotel is no easy task, but the Langham Hospitality Group managed to accomplish this quite convincingly. Declared a Chicago landmark in 2008, this Langham hotel mirrors the original, grand Langham-London, built-in 1865.
As the apprentice grandson of the late Mies van de Rohe, Dirk Lohan delivered a very sincere and insightful speech to this curious crowd just before exploring the hotel on their hard hat tour. Credited with designing the ground floor, Dirk carefully explained the history of the building in connection to his grandfather’s inspirations and motives regarding the interior lines and designs of the last office building Mies ever created.
As an added feature, we privileged guests were given a marvelous sneak peek of some of the hotel’s spacious rooms, (including the extravagant suites), the Langham Club, Chuan Spa, and an extraordinary restaurant – bar designed by David Rockwell. As a significant Chicago Landmark entered in the National Register of Historic Places, this astonishing hotel boasts 316 spectacular rooms, (including 48 suites), and a surplus of exciting amenities. Perfectly located between Wabash and State St., this hotel innovation offers breathtaking views of the Chicago River (to the West) while being just steps away from Michigan Ave. (on the East).
The unprecedented Langham Club Lounge encompasses 5,000 square feet while indulging guests with complimentary breakfasts, casual refreshments throughout the day, and personal check-in/out, all accompanied by superior service. Determined to satisfy everyone from road-weary travelers to corporate clients, the Langham showcases 15,000 sq. ft. of designated event facilities: ranging from the exquisite “Devonshire Ballroom” (with its 4,725 sq. ft. and 22 ft. ceilings) to the practical and strategic 27 x 24 ft. Langham Board Room.
Not to be overlooked is the remarkable Chuan Spa, specializing in holistic treatments and centered on practices of ancient Chinese medicine. Relaxation techniques, foot, and hand therapy, and an oversized swimming pool along with a Jacuzzi are just some of the eye-opening amenities a visitor will find at this refreshing spa, designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Brilliant designs, a mouth-watering gourmet cuisine menu, and an expo kitchen greet all customers at the new restaurant at the Langham; while terrific views and uncommon woodwork smoothly blend the restaurant interior into the intriguing bar – lounge area.
The spirit of a magnificent world-renowned architect definitely lives on without any compromises at this particular re-creation of a stellar Mies van de Rohe skyscraper and will certainly make the city and all of its visitors stand up and take notice !!
