Kinzie Hotel in Chicago now boasts a successful rebrand following a three-month, multimillion dollar renovation that began last December. Renovations include the guestrooms, Chicago-centric design and artwork, and meeting spaces.
.jpg)
Completed last February, phase one overhauled all guestrooms and elevator lobbies beginning on the second floor. In order to continue serving guests throughout the renovation process, one floor was completed at a time. The original Amalfi Hotel was initially designed as a layover property for pilots and flight attendants, so each floor was constructed with soundproof walls.
Chicago-based Gettys Design Group led the redesign. Vintage imagery of 19th-century Chicago maps and compasses are displayed on the guestroom wall coverings. The navigational branding is in keeping with the hotel’s tagline, “Chicago Starts Here.”
In the elevator lobby, bold navy blue and cool gray colors showcase deep tones on one wall side and lighter accents on the other to recall the city’s architecture, lake, and modernity.
The final phase of the project renovated the hotel lobby in addition to its three meeting spaces. Gettys worked closely with the hotel team to create a lobby inspired by 19th century Chicago. The harmonious blend of color, form, and texture pays homage to the architectural details of the city.
The lobby, meeting spaces, and common areas feature a rotating display of artwork commissioned by local artists. A gallery component in the lobby features artist interpretations of Chicago’s urban landscape, highlighted by a five- by nine-foot duct tape canvas displaying the ‘L’ train in black, gray, and white.
