An international hotel chain with more than 200 locations across 60 countries will be opening its first U.S. location in Chicago's Aqua Tower Nov. 1.
Owned by the Carlson hotel group, Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts is launching a $125 million development project to open North America's first Radisson Blu Hotel in the tower that was named ‘Skyscraper of the Year’ by Emporis in 2009. The tower's renowned architect Jeanne Gang was recently honored with a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant" for her work, which is recognized as challenging "the aesthetic and technical possibilities of the art form."l
The hotel will feature 334 guest rooms with designs inspired by fashion, including two "Lakeshore" suites where guests can choose a room based on decor. An 80,000-square-foot green roof will include landscaped gardens, a fire pit and an outdoor running track. Amenities include a fully equipped movie theater and two private party suite with separate catering kitchens, according to a release.
Interior, public spaces in Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel were designed by Jim Hamilton of Graven Interiors, and Swedish hospitality designer Christian Lundwall designed the guest room interiors.
PREVIEW digital renderings of the completed hotel as envisioned by developers:
Radisson Opens First U.S. 'Blu' Hotel In Aqua Tower: Exclusive Design Renderings
Flickr photo by S.Zelov