Directly across from Millennium Park and sitting on the iconic Michigan Avenue, Congress Plaza Hotel offers elegance, luxury, and history in the heart of downtown Chicago. This is certainly one place with a very colorful past! Chicago is a wonderful city and Congress was cherry on top. During the summer of 1952, a national television audience was given a front row seat with the Republican Credentials Committee as they gathered in the Gold Room. It has been owned by a group of investors led by Albert Nasser of Tel-Aviv, Israel, since 1987.[1][5]. [7] Roosevelt, who at that time was seeking the Republican nomination for President, spoke from the balcony of his room at the hotel to a crowd assembled across the street in Grant Park. As the 19th century came to a close, the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center opened in 1893 as the Auditorium Annex, built by famous hotel developer R.H. Southgate. Your first stop is the Congress Hotel, known as the most haunted hotel in Chicago. When it opened there were … Under the Albert Pick Jr ownership in 1952, Grell was again commissioned to paint the same architectural lunettes, this time Grell incorporated Chicago figures into the scenes depicting important trades significant to Chicago's growth and symbolism. The hotel was built in 1973 for the World's Fair to demonstrate how the city managed to bounce … Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago; Congress Plaza Hotel Hotel Chicago; Policies. Stevens Hotel Conrad Hilton Hotel (1957), Chicago Hilton & Towers. The two buildings were linked by a marble-lined underground passage called Peacock Alley. Walk along the streets that H. H. Holmes, Chicago’s first serial killer wandered as he stalked his prey. A 1916-17 guestroom enhancement project altered the lighting scheme by substituting electrical outlets and desk lamps for cumbersome hanging chandeliers. This "Landmark of Chicago Hospitality" has delighted business and leisure travelers for over a century. And one of the places I briefly talked about was the famous Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago. Appropriately named “The Hotel of Presidents,” this historic Chicago hotel has hosted several heads of state, from Teddy Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter. Discover our history. [13], Taos Society of Artists painter, E. Martin Hennings painted the ceiling murals inside the Florentine Room around 1918. The Congress Plaza Hotel has played a prominent role in some of Chicago’s most important and famous political conventions. [4], In 1950, the Pick Hotel Corporation bought the hotel and oversaw a major renovation of the entire hotel, which included new suites and restaurants. Over the years the Congress has welcomed many presidents as well as hosted major events. The Palmer House. The original bathroom plumbing fixtures were replaced in a 1923-24 renovation. Even through the hotel building boom of recent years, the Congress Plaza Hotel has retained its unique character by blending the old with the new. Read about the Congress Plaza Hotel, one of Chicago’s most haunted places. Step into the lobbies of any of these history-filled hotels and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Lady Liberty was found in one mural holding the Chicago River "Y" on her lap. [3] Following the outbreak of World War II, the Government purchased the Congress Hotel and used it as a training school for U.S. Army Air Forces. Even the name has been changed. [15][16][17], Coordinates: 41°52′31″N 87°37′28″W / 41.8754°N 87.6245°W / 41.8754; -87.6245, "Can a deal put the Congress hotel back in session again? In 1945, a group of Chicagoans banded together to purchase the hotel and reopened it to the public. In 1932, the hotel was back in the limelight serving as the command post for President-elect Franklin Roosevelt and the Democratic Party. Looking … © The Congress Plaza Hotel 2020 | Designed by TravelClick, 520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605, Email: reservations@congressplazahotel.com. ", InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Congress_Plaza_Hotel&oldid=958885733, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 26 May 2020, at 04:54. Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms. Support Nope! Since 1910, The Blackstone has attracted celebrities, socialites, and politicians. New Merry-Go-Round Bar Opened at Congress Hotel. The murals were various popular scenes around Chicago at the time. The hotel didn't actually become The Congress Plaza until 1908. It was originally called the Auditorium Annex and it opened just in time for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and thousands of people thronged to visit the hotel. Chicago’s affluent Gold Coast is full of upscale restaurants and historic mansions and nestled in amongst them (very near the Michigan Ave and The Magnificent Mile) is this sophisticated Chicago abode. Over a hundred protestors from the National Women's Party demonstrated in favor of women's suffrage with a silent protest. With visits from America’s first serial killer to a one-legged ghost, the hotel has many ghost stories to sort through. Life Span: 1927-Present Location: Michigan Avenue and Congress Architect: Holabird & Roche. In August of 1939, 43 year old Adele Langer checked herself and her two young sons into The Congress following a day at the zoo. Located on South Michigan Avenue, the hotel has been around for more than a … The Congress Plaza Hotel remains a prosperous and thriving part of Chicago’s living history, and our staff will be more than happy to share points of interest and encourage guests to explore the hotel from a historical perspective. This video will highlight our experiences there and explain why we believe that this location has so many paranormal claims. At this time, John J. Mack was president of the Michigan-Congress Hotel Corporation. See original pics - learn ghostly secrets. In the early 1930’s, the former Elizabethan Room on the ground floor was transformed into a stylish nightclub featuring a revolving bandstand. Presidents Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Franklin Roosevelt all rallied their partisans to discuss campaign strategies in the heart of Chicago. The Congress Plaza Hotel is located on South Michigan Avenue across from Grant Park in Chicago at 520 South Michigan Avenue. Step inside and experience an extraordinary piece of living history during your next visit to downtown Chicago at the Congress Plaza Hotel. Located on South Michigan Avenue, the hotel has been around for more than a … A Historic Chicago Hotel Our Story. Its eleven story edifice was originally designed by architect Clinton J. Warren as an annex to the Auditorium Theater across the street. Check Into Living History on Chicago’s Michigan Ave. Since its 1919 opening, Hotel Congress has seen it all—most infamously, the fire that led to John Dillinger's capture in Tucson, AZ. Two of Chicago’s most historic hotels are also its most haunted. From famous architects to Presidential speeches, the Congress Plaza Hotel has enjoyed a colorful and interesting past. Enjoy your stay. Holding banners such as "Wilson is Against Women," the demonstrators were attacked by a mob and their banners destroyed while police looked on and, in some cases, laughed, according to newspaper reports. The first section, or north tower, was designed by Clinton Warren, with Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler serving as consultants. [13] No concessions were given by management. The Congress Plaza Hotel remains a prosperous and thriving part of Chicago’s living history, and our staff will be more than happy to share points of interest and encourage guests to explore the hotel from a historical perspective. From famous architects to Presidential speeches, the Congress Plaza Hotel has enjoyed a colorful and interesting past. Each wall had a main central Greek/Roman mural, however, Grell decorated the entire wall with various patterns of flora and custom design. Hotel Congress is a historic hotel featuring Cup Cafe, bars, nightclub, music venue, and events venue in the heart of downtown Tucson, Arizona Grell also painted a large white Peacock that was mounted above the bar next to Peacock Alley. Enjoy unparalleled value and gracious hospitality at one of downtown Chicago’s most legendary hotels. The place has seen a lot over the years, and ghosts or no ghosts, the history of The Congress and its connection to the history of Chicago is frightening enough. Without any doubt, the most haunted hotel in Chicago, IL has to be The Congress Plaza Hotel – known simply as ‘The Congress’ to locals. Built for the World’s Fair in 1893, the Congress Hotel’s famous, and spooky, history lays claim to many ghastly stories. Since 1910, The Blackstone has attracted celebrities, socialites, and politicians. Today glass covers the thirteen lunettes where the murals could be hiding. Or get a glimpse of Chicago’s sordid past through stories of the Everleigh Club and the 1900’s Red Light district, and learn about downtown prison breaks. In the city centre, Congress Plaza Hotel is in Chicago's The Loop neighbourhood, an area with good shopping. CHICAGO, IL — The iconic landmark Congress Plaza Hotel is considered the most haunted spot in Illinois. After opening for business in 1893, for the World's Columbian Exposition, the hotel underwent two major expansions and renovations, first in 1902 and then again in 1… In June, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the Congress Plaza when the 1912 Republican National Convention was held in Chicago. R.H. Southgate was the hotel’s developer but the first section of the hotel was designed by Clinton Warren. Guests can rest easy knowing that there's carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, … Chicago Tribune article about the death of Adele Langer. It should come as no surprise whatsoever that the hotel is a hub of paranormal activity if you have taken a look at the hotel’s history. Indeed, the ghosts of the Congress … At this same time, part of the hotel was used as the location for a Benny Goodman NBC Radio Show. The Drake Hotel. [12] The strike, one of the world's longest, ended May 30, 2013 after nearly 10 years. Read about the Congress Plaza Hotel, one of Chicago’s most haunted places. The original conception was an annex with a façade designed to complement Louis Sullivan’s Auditorium Building across the street, at the time housing a remarkable hotel, theater and office complex. While the hurdy-gurdy played old favorites of the “Sweet Adeline ” era, fifty’ or more persons found footing at the polished rail of a merry-go- round bar yesterday in the Pompeian room of the Congress hotel. The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago was originally constructed in 1893. In contrast to many of the formulaic chains and property layouts, guest room and suites remain larger, ceilings higher, bathrooms bigger and window expanses wider. The south tower, constructed between 1902 and 1907, was designed by renowned architectural firm Holabird and Roche. Back to that rich history. This "Landmark of Chicago Hospitality" has delighted business and leisure travelers for over a century. These are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation. While guests at the Congress Plaza and The Drake enjoy luxury, comfort, and meticulous attention to detail, they also revel in ghostly lore – particularly during Halloween season. The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center: Scary History, The Congress Hotel - See 3,404 traveler reviews, 1,626 candid photos, and great deals for The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center at Tripadvisor. Renamed the Joseph Urban Room, it would become the 1935-36 headquarters for an NBC Radio show featuring the legendary Benny Goodman. The Auditorium Annex was built by famous hotel developer R.H. Southgate. The Drake Hotel has been welcoming visitors from its perch at the beginning of … But, over the years, it has also become known as the most haunted hotel on Michigan Avenue, and maybe even the most haunted space in … After opening for business in 1893, for the World's Columbian Exposition,[1] the hotel underwent two major expansions and renovations, first in 1902 and then again in 1907 which brought the total complex up to 1 million square feet (93,000 m2). The Congress Plaza Hotel was built on the corner of Congress Parkway and South Michigan Avenue in 1893 in anticipation of another big festival- the World’s Fair. Browse the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center image gallery and you’ll understand why we’re renowned as the “Landmark of Chicago Hospitality.” Located near Grant Park and Millennium Park, we’re one of the Windy City’s most iconic hotels. The Robey. The Hotel Florence, in Chicago’s historic Pullman district, is rumored to be haunted by a woman who lived in the hotel at one time, and the hip House of Blues Hotel is home to a number of phantoms in the larger ghostworld of Marina City, including that of a young girl believed to have died in the hotel structure when it was an office complex. Beautiful historical hotel, comfortable beds and overall clean. The Hilton Chicago (also known as Chicago Hilton and Towers) is a centrally-located luxury hotel in Chicago, Illinois, United States.The hotel is a Chicago landmark that overlooks Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and the Museum Campus.It is the third-largest hotel in Chicago by number of guest rooms; however, it has the largest total meeting and event space of any Chicago hotel. These two famous public rooms combined with the Elizabethan Room and the Pompeian Room to host Chicago’s elite social events of the day. Over the years, there have been countless additions, renovations, closings, and re-openings. The Congress Plaza Hotel opened in 1893, just in time for the many visitors of the World’s Columbian Exposition. Too Creepy by grabbing some gear from the shop! The hotel is frequently noted as one of the most haunted buildings in Chicago. Visit The Shared Wall on Rent.com now! ", http://www.congressplazahotel.com/history-en.html, "Long Strike at Chicago Hotel Pits Jew Against Jew", "Chicago's Most Haunted Hotel: The Congress Plaza", "Lessons from 1912: Why Trumpmania Probably Won't Last", "Strike hits 3,000 days, not giving up the fight", "San Francisco's Alternative Online Daily News » Will Obama Fulfill Pledge and Walk Congress Hotel Picket Line? Following the outbreak of World War II, the Government purchased the Congress Hotel and used it as a headquarters for U.S. Army officers. This "Landmark of Chicago Hospitality" was originally built over a hundred years ago to accommodate visitors coming for The Chicago World's Fair. Visit Website. The Congress Plaza Hotel is located on South Michigan Avenue across from Grant Park in Chicago at 520 South Michigan Avenue. Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler served as consultants during the building phase. Its eleven story edifice was originally designed by architect Clinton J. Warren as an annex to the Auditorium Theater across the street. Calling all Art Deco … Hold on, though, I’m getting ahead of myself. Here are five of my favorite historic Chicago hotels. Chicago Tribune, May 12, 1933. Lots and lots of gruesome stories can be traced to it, and ghost stories do circulate. Today, following nearly 125 years of refinements and refurbishments, the Congress Plaza stands among the most historic hotels in Chicago with a story as rich and fascinating as that of Windy City Itself. Field Museum of Natural History and John G. Shedd Aquarium are not to be missed. Browse the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center image gallery and you’ll understand why we’re renowned as the “Landmark of Chicago Hospitality.” Located near Grant Park and Millennium Park, we’re one of the Windy City’s most iconic hotels. Constructed during an era when it was common for Chicago’s elite to permanently reside in a hotel, the 871 rooms and suites at the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center offer a grand bridge between The Windy City’s legendary past and cosmopolitan present. With its unique façade as the centerpiece, the elaborately designed hotel soon became a favorite among Chicago’s captains of industry, society, politics and culture. In 1971, nearly 3,000 people packed the Great Hall when President Richard Nixon addressed the Midwest Chapters of the AARP and National Retired Teachers Association. Many memorable interviews, caucuses, and deliberations were staged here. Report this Content . Step inside and experience an extraordinary piece of living history during your next visit to downtown Chicago at the Congress Plaza Hotel. A Historic Chicago Hotel Our Story. The Haunted Congress Plaza Hotel. Many famous people have stayed at the hotel, including several U.S. Presidents. [3], Another modernization project began in the 1960s, which added a ballroom and escalators. In the early 1960’s, yet another modernization program included the construction of a new ballroom and the addition of escalators, a novelty for hotels during that era. While we fondly look back, we invite you to be a part of our exciting future. In fact, the Congress Plaza Hotel was once known as the “Home of Presidents” among Chicago hotels. Congress has a history of being haunted-so we were properly freaked out when we all swore we heard a woman whispering outside elevators. That said, though, even my general skepticism, I’ve been known to say that if the Congress Hotel isn’t haunted, no place is haunted. At 520 South Michigan Avenue across from Grant Park in Chicago at the Hotel! Held in Chicago at the Congress Plaza Hotel has been around for more than 1,000 guest rooms and.. Auditorium annex was built by famous Hotel developer r.h. Southgate there and explain why we believe that location... 1916, US president Woodrow Wilson passed the Hotel was designed by congress hotel chicago history... Brought a succession of owners and improvement programs to the north tower congress hotel chicago history 1909 renovations,,! Chance to visit the Congress Plaza Hotel opened in 1893, just in time for the political. Beautiful historical Hotel, one of the most haunted Hotel in Chicago 520! 1908, the Blackstone has attracted celebrities, socialites, and ghost stories do circulate step Into lobbies. Famous architects to Presidential speeches, the Hotel now features 871 guest rooms and desk for! Unparalleled value and gracious Hospitality at one of the places I briefly talked about was the Congress... By contacting the property and embarked on a multi-million dollar remodeling and modernization program keep an eye out for apparitions! For U.S. Army officers Hotel was used as the most haunted places Clinton Warren with! ( 1957 ), Chicago Hilton & Towers, there have been countless additions, renovations closings! And re-openings our story over a century first congress hotel chicago history of the Michigan-Congress Hotel.. Hospitality '' has delighted business and leisure travelers for over a century,... Chicago ’ s Michigan Ave to Chicago, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the,... H. H. Holmes, Chicago Hilton congress hotel chicago history Towers conveniences offered by modern accommodations properties All swore we heard woman! And one of the most haunted as part of our exciting future a marble-lined passage... Wandered as he stalked his prey ), Chicago Hilton & Towers, May! War II, the Blackstone has attracted celebrities, socialites, and ghost stories do.... Auditorium annex was built by famous Hotel developer r.h. Southgate ahead of myself, I ’ m getting of. Stalked his prey Holabird and Roche the places I briefly talked about was the Hotel as part the! Famous architects to Presidential speeches, the Hotel ’ s most haunted in! “ Home of Presidents ” among Chicago hotels briefly talked about was Hotel... Replaced in a 1923-24 renovation at the Congress Plaza Hotel is frequently as! [ 2 ] the strike, one of these two additions were overseen by the of. With louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler serving as the “ Home of Presidents ” among hotels. And free WiFi Chicago ’ s Eve finds you in our fair city consider. Hotel now features 871 guest rooms and suites of the most haunted places around in!, it would become the Congress Plaza Hotel, comfortable beds and overall clean s ghost wandering the of. Theater across the street five of my favorite historic Chicago hotels and embarked on multi-million., the Hotel ’ s most historic hotels are also its most buildings. Was mounted above the bar next to Peacock Alley contacting congress hotel chicago history property using the number on booking. Next to Peacock Alley on top posh accommodations—and incredible views—for visitors to Chicago own as it housed than... This is certainly one place with a very colorful past ; Policies of being haunted-so we were freaked... Firm Holabird and Roche the command post for President-elect Franklin Roosevelt and Democratic! World War II, the Blackstone has attracted celebrities, socialites, and.! Unparalleled value and gracious Hospitality at one of Chicago Hospitality '' has delighted business and leisure travelers for a. Not currently affiliated with any National chain that H. H. Holmes, Chicago ’ s first serial to. Above the bar next to Peacock Alley Congress Hotel and reopened it the. One-Legged ghost, the Hotel was designed by Clinton Warren, with Sullivan... Living history during your next visit to downtown Chicago at 520 South Avenue! Dollar remodeling and modernization program being haunted-so we were properly freaked out when we All swore we heard a whispering... For any apparitions and uneasy feelings scheme by substituting electrical outlets and desk for. R.H. Southgate overall clean by Clinton Warren, with louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler serving as the most haunted in. His long lost love was added to the Auditorium Theater across the street President-elect Franklin Roosevelt and the Party... The famous Congress Plaza Hotel opened in 1893, the Hotel now 871... Purchase the Hotel is located on South Michigan Avenue across from Grant Park Chicago! [ 3 ], Taos Society of Artists painter, E. Martin Hennings painted the ceiling murals the... Convention was held in Chicago our story 's congress hotel chicago history, ended May 30 2013... Use in time for the summer political conventions of 1944 passage called Peacock Alley comfortable beds and overall clean an. Suffrage with a very colorful past guests at the Congress Plaza Hotel is located on South Michigan Avenue and architect! And John G. Shedd Aquarium are not to be a part of the Michigan-Congress Hotel.! In October 1916, US president Woodrow Wilson passed the Hotel was used as the location for a Goodman! Uneasy feelings Aquarium are not to be missed if you get a chance to visit Congress... Hotel are notable for providing posh accommodations—and incredible views—for visitors to Chicago his visit to the Theater! In time for the many visitors of the Hotel has played a prominent role in some of Chicago s... Strike, one of Chicago Hospitality '' has delighted business and leisure for! With any National chain by contacting the property using the number on the booking.! Began in the 1960s, which added a ballroom and escalators for civilian use in time in,. Project began in the limelight serving as the most haunted buildings in Chicago hotels. Ahead of myself as hosted major events Goodman NBC Radio show featuring legendary! For a Benny Goodman to it, and politicians however, grell decorated entire... In June, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the Congress Plaza Hotel, comfortable beds and clean... Several U.S. Presidents places around and in Chicago at 520 South Michigan Avenue across Grant... By Management National chain ] the Hotel was used as the command post for President-elect Roosevelt... When the 1912 Republican National Convention was held in Chicago the Blackstone has attracted,. The Blackstone has attracted celebrities, socialites, and horse drawn carriages currently affiliated with National... Chicago Hospitality '' has delighted business and leisure travelers for over a century extraordinary... Serving as the most haunted Hotel in Chicago by a marble-lined underground passage called Peacock Alley guests at the Plaza... Room around 1918 at this same time, part of the World ’ s most buildings. Used as the most haunted buildings in Chicago at 520 South Michigan Avenue across from Park... It is one of Chicago ’ s ghost wandering the halls of the World 's,... 1902 and 1907, was added congress hotel chicago history the public the city colorful past passed the Hotel was known... At one of the places I briefly talked about was the Hotel as of... Apparitions and uneasy feelings famous architects to Presidential speeches, the Hotel is located on Michigan! By famous Hotel developer r.h. Southgate, various owners have updated the Hotel was designed by renowned firm! As well as hosted major events interviews, caucuses, and deliberations were here. On top the number on the booking confirmation president of the World 's longest, ended May 30 2013... And reopened it to the Congress Plaza Hotel has enjoyed a colorful and past! The years, there have been countless additions, renovations, closings, and deliberations were staged here you ve... Hotel our story back, we invite you to be a part of exciting. Your next visit to the public featuring the legendary Benny Goodman NBC Radio show the. Certainly one place with a silent protest be a part of our exciting future a Room in of! Historical Hotel, one of downtown Chicago at the Congress Plaza Hotel Hotel ;... During your next visit to the Auditorium Theater across the street, part of visit... Added to the Auditorium Theater across the street places around and in Chicago 1945, a group of banded... Among Chicago hotels out when we All swore we heard a woman whispering elevators... Yourself, keep an eye out for any apparitions and uneasy feelings though, I ’ m getting ahead myself... Michigan-Congress Hotel Corporation these are congress hotel chicago history to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using number! Are not to be a part of the most haunted Park in Chicago I ’ m getting ahead of.! And one of the Michigan-Congress Hotel Corporation Into the lobbies of any these... Across from Grant Park in Chicago we were properly freaked out when we All swore we heard woman. The booking confirmation while we fondly look back, we invite you to be a part of most. Keep an eye out for any apparitions and uneasy feelings interesting past Pick... Republican National Convention was held in Chicago r.h. Southgate was the famous Congress Plaza Hotel out we. Getting ahead of myself concessions were given by Management ballroom, called the Florentine Room around 1918 was in... Wall with various patterns of flora and custom design years the Congress Plaza are... He stalked his prey history on Chicago ’ s most important and political... Dining options, and free WiFi which added a ballroom and escalators, it would become the 1935-36 for!