Art Deco Opulence Reigns at Pendry Chicago

A redesign by Studio Munge revives the historic Carbide & Carbon Building with contemporary character
Published: June 22, 2021
Pendry Hotels & Resorts continues its U.S. expansion with the launch of Pendry Chicago. The 364-key hotel is housed within the Carbide & Carbon Building, an Art Deco landmark, which has been revitalized by designer Alessandro Munge of Toronto-based Studio Munge to embody modern luxury. Drawing inspiration from the vibrancy of its position in the Loop, Pendry Chicago welcomes both visitors and locals alike with public spaces that accentuate the architectural legacy of the 91-year-old structure. An extensive art collection infuses character across the property, which features a fitness center and 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Black and white tiles span the floors of the hotel’s public spaces for uniformity, while artwork by Dutch artist Arnout Meijer explores the interplay of light and perception in the lobby, accenting the juxtaposition of classic and new. On the ground floor, a 4,000-square-foot contemporary brasserie, Venteux, evokes warmth and elegance, and features a Champagne and oyster bar. Bathed in soft amber light, circular banquettes populate the dining room, where 40-foot floor-to-ceiling windows frame vistas of iconic Chicago architecture. An airy indoor-outdoor café is also attached. “We are bringing Chicago a flavor of France and Provence—going beyond clichés,” Munge says. “It is about creating an informal sense of familiarity and comfort with materials and design details that make the guests feel like the venue has been established forever.” Accessed through heavy drapery, the dark and moody Bar Pendry also showcases an art collection, anchored by a double-sided fireplace. Furthermore, Château Carbide sits atop the Pendry Chicago on the 24th floor to provide a convivial outdoor summer pop-up accented by striped loungers. More from HD: 17th Annual HD Project Awards Finalists Pendry Debuts Los Angeles Property What I’ve Learned Podcast: Joe Gebbia, Airbnb Pendry Hotels & Resorts is continuing to expand across the U.S., and has announced plans to launch Pendry Chicago in spring 2021. The forthcoming 364-key hotel will occupy the Carbide & Carbon Building, an Art Deco landmark, which will be renovated and reimagined to evoke modern luxury by designer Alessandro Munge of Toronto-based Studio Munge. Drawing inspiration from the vibrancy of its position in the Loop, Pendry Chicago will welcome both visitors and locals with public spaces that accentuate the architectural legacy of the 91-year-old structure. An extensive art collection will infuse character across the property, which will also include a fitness center and 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space. In addition to a signature restaurant and bar concept, a lobby lounge and rooftop bar will round out the hotel’s onsite F&B options. Furthermore, each accommodation will be restored and reinvigorated with a contemporary palette of warm minimal tones and soothing finishes.