Kimpton’s latest property, the Gray, has opened its doors in Chicago’s former New York Life Insurance Building on Monroe Street. A simple modern design from Los Angeles-based studio Beleco (working with Kimpton’s global senior vice president of design and creative director, Ave Bradley) is juxtaposed with the hotel’s Georgia gray marble and original early 20th-century architecture. Gensler’s Morristown, New Jersey office also amplifies the structure’s regal qualities by incorporating historical elements and accents into its architectural design.
Each of the 293 guestrooms features blue accent colors inspired by the city’s flag, locally sourced artwork, and custom materials such as bathroom wall art reading “Relax, It’s Just Garlic”—a nod to Chicago’s namesake native garlic chicagoua plant.
In addition to almost 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the Gray includes two onsite dining options. Located on the hotel’s 15th floor, South American venue Boleo features a restaurant, bar, and 4,000-square-foot rooftop under a massive open-air, retractable glass roof. The ground-floor eatery Steadfast includes a woodfire rotisserie, shaved ice crudo bar, and charcuterie room. The lobby is also equipped with the bar Vol. 39, which showcases a vintage encyclopedia collection discovered inside the property during renovations. Petrosino’s Parlor salon is located on the second floor.
The hotel has also partnered with several brands, such as men’s accessories distributor the Tie Bar and the fitness brand Iron & Oar, to engage visitors in unique programming opportunities that highlight Chicago during their stay.
