[6] The podcast "And That's Why We Drink" used stories of the haunted activity of the hotel as a topic in their February 19, 2018 episode (episode #55). When it opened there were … [10], On 15 June 2003, about 130 members of UNITE HERE Local 1 went on strike to protest a proposed seven percent wage cut. Congress Hotel Ghosts: Just the Facts Posted on November 27, 2013 May 8, 2018 by adam Having published that last article on the truth about the “Hand of Mystery,” I see that there are a LOT of web pages about ghosts at the Congress Hotel. Two of Chicago’s most historic hotels are also its most haunted. The murals were various popular scenes around Chicago at the time. [8][9], Events that have been held at the hotel include the 1963 Prohibition Party National Convention on August 23, 1963. A Historic Chicago Hotel Our Story. In June, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the Congress Plaza when the 1912 Republican National Convention was held in Chicago. 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. Over the years the Congress has welcomed many presidents as well as hosted major events. I'm Anna, and I'm obsessed with everything spooky — so when I got the chance to stay the night at Chicago's most haunted hotel, the Congress Plaza, you bet your ass I went for it. The first section, or north tower, was designed by Clinton Warren, with Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler serving as consultants. [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. 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. At this same time, part of the hotel was used as the location for a Benny Goodman NBC Radio Show. The strike went on to claim the fortunate honor as the longest hotel strike in history, leaving in its wake a hotel haunted by pulled proms, boycotted conventions and an estimated loss of 700 million dollars in revenue. [11] On 16 June 2007, Barack Obama, then running for the presidency, briefly stood by the picket line and promised to return as president, but he did not. Discover our history. See original pics - learn ghostly secrets. 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. Lots and lots of gruesome stories can be traced to it, and ghost stories do circulate. Calling all Art Deco … The two buildings were linked by a marble-lined underground passage called Peacock Alley. “Peacock Alley,” a celebrated feature of the new hotel, was an underground marble passageway that connected the new annex with the Auditorium Hotel. Here are five of my favorite historic Chicago hotels. [13] No concessions were given by management. ", 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. Visit The Shared Wall on Rent.com now! Grell also painted a large white Peacock that was mounted above the bar next to Peacock Alley. The design and construction of these two additions were overseen by the firm of Holabird & Roche. Back to that rich history. The Congress Plaza Hotel has played a prominent role in some of Chicago’s most important and famous political conventions. These are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation. It is one of the most haunted places around and in Chicago. Its eleven story edifice was originally designed by architect Clinton J. Warren as an annex to the Auditorium Theater across the street. 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… Walk along the streets that H. H. Holmes, Chicago’s first serial killer wandered as he stalked his prey. Today glass covers the thirteen lunettes where the murals could be hiding. 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. And many, many ghosts. The hotel was originally called the Auditorium Annex when it opened to house the throngs of visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus discovering America. The Drake Hotel. The South Tower construction included a magnificent banquet hall, now known as the Gold Room, which would become the first hotel ballroom in America to use air-conditioning. Your first stop is the Congress Hotel, known as the most haunted hotel in Chicago. From famous architects to Presidential speeches, the Congress Plaza Hotel has enjoyed a colorful and interesting past. Its eleven story edifice was originally designed by architect Clinton J. Warren as an annex to the Auditorium Theater across the street. New Merry-Go-Round Bar Opened at Congress Hotel. Located on South Michigan Avenue, the hotel has been around for more than a … The Congress Plaza Hotel is located on South Michigan Avenue across from Grant Park in Chicago at 520 South Michigan Avenue. 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. Chicago Tribune, May 12, 1933. 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. At this time, John J. Mack was president of the Michigan-Congress Hotel Corporation. Enjoy your stay. Over the years, there have been countless additions, renovations, closings, and re-openings. 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. Field Museum of Natural History and John G. Shedd Aquarium are not to be missed. The hotel didn't actually become The Congress Plaza until 1908. This is certainly one place with a very colorful past! CHICAGO, IL — The iconic landmark Congress Plaza Hotel is considered the most haunted spot in Illinois. 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. [14], In 1940, Louis Grell (1887–1960), a Chicago-based artist, was commissioned to paint thirteen murals for the lunettes that are an architectural feature surrounding the grand lobby. Life Span: 1927-Present Location: Michigan Avenue and Congress Architect: Holabird & Roche. This historic Chicago hotel offers stunning city and lake views, on-site dining options, and free WiFi. The next 50 years brought a succession of owners and improvement programs to the Congress Hotel. Another ballroom, called the Florentine Room, was added to the North Tower in 1909. The 1950-52 renovation involved the creation of a mural-encircled lobby, new front desk, new corridors, new third floor public rooms, new Congressional and Presidential Suites, and a new supper club called the Glass Hat. In 1945, a group of Chicagoans banded together to purchase the hotel and reopened it to the public. In the early 1930’s, the former Elizabethan Room on the ground floor was transformed into a stylish nightclub featuring a revolving bandstand. BY AL CHASE. Following the outbreak of World War II, the Government purchased the Congress Hotel and used it as a headquarters for U.S. Army officers. Even the name has been changed. Over a hundred protestors from the National Women's Party demonstrated in favor of women's suffrage with a silent protest. Located on South Michigan Avenue, the hotel has been around for more than a … Each wall had a main central Greek/Roman mural, however, Grell decorated the entire wall with various patterns of flora and custom design. Read about the Congress Plaza Hotel, one of Chicago’s most haunted places. The south tower, constructed between 1902 and 1907, was designed by renowned architectural firm Holabird and Roche. 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 … Beautiful historical hotel, comfortable beds and overall clean. Built for the World’s Fair in 1893, the Congress Hotel’s famous, and spooky, history lays claim to many ghastly stories. For more than 140 years, Chicago’s Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, has been treating guests to opulent and gracious hospitality. [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. Guests at The Congress who see Captain Lou’s ghost wandering the halls of the hotel, looking for his long lost love. Originally constructed in 1893, the Congress Plaza Hotel featured cobbled streets, gaslights, and horse drawn carriages. Auditorium Building and Theatre and Museum of Contemporary Photography are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Fine Arts Building and Buckingham Fountain. In 1912, former President Teddy Roosevelt’s comment to the local media coined the famous “Bull Moose” nickname for his newly created Progressive Party. [3], Another modernization project began in the 1960s, which added a ballroom and escalators. 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). Over the years, various owners have updated the hotel in continuous efforts to keep pace with the conveniences offered by modern accommodations properties. A Historic Chicago Hotel Our Story. [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? This "Landmark of Chicago Hospitality" was originally built over a hundred years ago to accommodate visitors coming for The Chicago World's Fair. The south tower was constructed between 1902 and 1907, desig… In order to differentiate the now successful hotel from its original form, the owners renamed it the Congress Hotel (derived from its location on Congress Street, across from the celebrated Congress Plaza section of Grant Park) in 1911. ", 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? Congress Plaza Hotel. Visit Website. The 871 guest rooms and suites of The Congress Plaza Hotel are notable for providing posh accommodations—and incredible views—for visitors to Chicago. 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. The hotel is frequently noted as one of the most haunted buildings in Chicago. While we fondly look back, we invite you to be a part of our exciting future. Stevens Hotel Conrad Hilton Hotel (1957), Chicago Hilton & Towers. In fact, the Congress Plaza Hotel was once known as the “Home of Presidents” among Chicago hotels. Lady Liberty was found in one mural holding the Chicago River "Y" on her lap. Five years later, Pick Hotel Corporation purchased the property and embarked on a multi-million dollar remodeling and modernization program. 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. 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. The Auditorium Annex was built by famous hotel developer R.H. Southgate. 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. 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. The Palmer House. It has been owned by a group of investors led by Albert Nasser of Tel-Aviv, Israel, since 1987.[1][5]. Congress has a history of being haunted-so we were properly freaked out when we all swore we heard a woman whispering outside elevators. Since its 1919 opening, Hotel Congress has seen it all—most infamously, the fire that led to John Dillinger's capture in Tucson, AZ. With visits from America’s first serial killer to a one-legged ghost, the hotel has many ghost stories to sort through. This "Landmark of Chicago Hospitality" has delighted business and leisure travelers for over a century. Step inside and experience an extraordinary piece of living history during your next visit to downtown Chicago at the Congress Plaza Hotel. 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. 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. Step inside and experience an extraordinary piece of living history during your next visit to downtown Chicago at the Congress Plaza Hotel. 2018 W North Ave. Chicago, IL 60647. The Drake Hotel has been welcoming visitors from its perch at the beginning of … In 1932, the hotel was back in the limelight serving as the command post for President-elect Franklin Roosevelt and the Democratic Party. (872) 315-3050. Guests can rest easy knowing that there's carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, … 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. Enjoy unparalleled value and gracious hospitality at one of downtown Chicago’s most legendary hotels. If All Hallow’s Eve finds you in our fair city, consider booking a room in one of these spooktacular hotels. And one of the places I briefly talked about was the famous Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago. By 1908, the hotel had created an identity of its own as it housed more than 1,000 guest rooms. 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. These two famous public rooms combined with the Elizabethan Room and the Pompeian Room to host Chicago’s elite social events of the day. Since 1910, The Blackstone has attracted celebrities, socialites, and politicians. Check Into Living History on Chicago’s Michigan Ave. 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. 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. [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. CHICAGO, IL — The iconic landmark Congress Plaza Hotel is considered the most haunted spot in Illinois. [3], The hotel is not currently affiliated with any national chain. The original bathroom plumbing fixtures were replaced in a 1923-24 renovation. A 1916-17 guestroom enhancement project altered the lighting scheme by substituting electrical outlets and desk lamps for cumbersome hanging chandeliers. Hold on, though, I’m getting ahead of myself. [2] The hotel now features 871 guest rooms and suites. 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. Without any doubt, the most haunted hotel in Chicago, IL has to be The Congress Plaza Hotel – known simply as ‘The Congress’ to locals. Many memorable interviews, caucuses, and deliberations were staged here. The Robey. Additionally, in 1955 Pick commissioned Grell once again, during one of the many renovations, to paint three walls for the newly decorated Pompeian Room which also had a magnificent Louis Comfort Tiffany glass fountain in the center of the vast room. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms. This "Landmark of Chicago Hospitality" has delighted business and leisure travelers for over a century. Appropriately named “The Hotel of Presidents,” this historic Chicago hotel has hosted several heads of state, from Teddy Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter. Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler served as consultants during the building phase. Through the 1930s the hotel was run by hotel industry pioneer Ralph Hitz's National Hotel Management Company. The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago was originally constructed in 1893. Hotel Congress is a historic hotel featuring Cup Cafe, bars, nightclub, music venue, and events venue in the heart of downtown Tucson, Arizona 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. Since 1910, The Blackstone has attracted celebrities, socialites, and politicians. In the city centre, Congress Plaza Hotel is in Chicago's The Loop neighbourhood, an area with good shopping. This video will highlight our experiences there and explain why we believe that this location has so many paranormal claims. Chicago Tribune article about the death of Adele Langer. 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. [12] The strike, one of the world's longest, ended May 30, 2013 after nearly 10 years. 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. Looking … If you get a chance to visit The Congress Plaza Hotel yourself, keep an eye out for any apparitions and uneasy feelings. Chicago is a wonderful city and Congress was cherry on top. The Congress Plaza Hotel opened in 1893, just in time for the many visitors of the World’s Columbian Exposition. the Congress Plaza Hotel (Chicago) On (FRIDAY) April 13, we traveled to Chicago and spent the weekend at the Haunted Congress Plaza Hotel. See original pics - learn ghostly secrets. 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. Indeed, the ghosts of the Congress … 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 two buildings were linked by a marble-lined underground passage called Peacock Alley. 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. Oh, and did I mention the deaths? Support Nope! © The Congress Plaza Hotel 2020 | Designed by TravelClick, 520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605, Email: reservations@congressplazahotel.com. 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.

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