HOTEL REVIEW
Mies van der Rohe’s Chicago landmark has undergone a dazzling transformation courtesy of Goettsch Partners, Richmond International, Rockwell Group and the architect’s own grandson, of local firm Lohan Anderson.
The Langham Chicago Words: Alia Akkam Photography: Courtesy of The Langham Chicago
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ver since Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s 52-storey IBM Building was erected in Chicago in 1971, its imprint on the city’s skyline has been profound. Set in an elevated plaza overlooking the Chicago River, the Modernist tower – Mies’ final American skyscraper – was a stateof-the-art symbol of the nascent technology boom, a doubleglazed marvel flaunting bronze-tinted windows. Corporate tenants have come and gone through the landmark building in recent years, but last summer saw the surprising arrival of ultraluxe hotel The Langham. Situated on the first 13 floors, the 316-key property marks the fourth stateside venture – and crown jewel – for Hong Kongbased Langham Hospitality Group, known for its collection of hotels in Asia and Europe. For this significant renovation, which was managed by locally-based architect of record Goettsch Partners, an all-star lineup of designers were brought in to oversee different realms. Mies’ own grandson, Dirk Lohan, of local firm Lohan Anderson, was tasked with refashioning the ground floor lobby, which fell under the protection of the building’s landmark ordinance. To the exterior, Lohan added a flashy bronze sub-canopy. Inside the vestibule, one glass wall leads to the office lobby and another to the hotel’s hushed WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
MARCH / APRIL 2014
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