News
Raising the Rooftop Club
August 11, 2010
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| Last night, the architects of two of Chicago's newest hotels gave insight into the inner workings of The Dana and The Wit at the AIA. Eckenhoff Saunders' Walter Eckenhoff said The Dana's small footprint was a challenge and the developer's desire to spruce up its section of State Street. His solution? The Vertigo, named one of Chicago's top outdoor spaces, atop the 26-story hotel. It brings in about 40% of the The Dana's revenue, Walter says, along with the hotel's other two restaurants. | |
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| Jackie Koo and Associates' Jackie Koo designed her first hotel at The Wit, home to The Roof, another popular rooftop destination. Jackie designed the distinctive building with the lightning bolt on one side to play off of the drama of the nearby Theater District. She also drew elements from the outside world of the Lake Street L station, like exposed metal stairs and an open, visible quality to the lobby of the building. She says one of the greatest perks of the Wit's location is the views. In fact, some bathroom designs even have panoramas including Marina City, the lake, the Chicago Theater, and the Loop. |
