Located in the heart of Chicago’s bustling River North neighbourhood – in a space currently occupied by the Amalfi Hotel – Kinzie Hotel will open in February 2014. The upscale property’s urban design scheme was inspired by Chicago’s rich history and landscape.
The design project, led by Chicago-based Gettys Group, has been inspired by the city’s first settler and renowned explorer, John Kinzie. All elements, from branding to design, pay tribute to John’s historical role. Vintage imagery of 19th century Chicago maps and compasses are subtly displayed throughout guest room wallcoverings, paying tribute to the hotel’s exploratory namesake. The navigational branding also speaks to the hotel’s tagline, Chicago Starts Here, encouraging guests to explore the city as John Kinzie once did in the early 1800s.
“The Kinzie Hotel is a quintessential Chicago hotel,” says Ben Nicholas, design director at Gettys Group. “Inspired by the explorer and early settler John Kinzie, along with the city itself, the hotel incorporates Chicago concepts throughout the design, from intricate vintage map work in the guest rooms, to the carpeting which features a modern interpretation of the city grid.
“We are excited about the opening of this city-centric hotel – a place where guests can experience a little bit of Chicago with every turn.”
