CHICAGO—Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has collaborated with design firm, Rockwell Group Europe on its first property, Virgin Hotels Chicago.
Rockwell Group Europe and Virgin Hotels have completed phase one of the design; 250 guestrooms, known as Chambers, including 38 one-bedroom suites and The Commons Club, the social epicenter of the hotel.
Phase two, set to open in stages between mid-February and mid-April, will include Miss Ricky's, a hip street level diner; Two Zero Three, an old fashioned coffee and wine bar; two penthouse suites and The Spa, featuring a rustic design.
"Bringing to life the Virgin Hotel brand has been a fluid, collaborative process," said Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels. "While we came to the project with a specific notion of hospitality that builds on Virgin's innovative and playful spirit, Rockwell Group Europe helped us design a unique guest experience focused on customization and efficiency."
"Design is critical," Branson said. "There's just a feeling you get when you walk into a Virgin property. Design is what sets it apart."
Virgin Hotels Chicago is located in downtown Chicago in the Old Dearborn Bank building, a 26-story Art Deco landmark. Several of the building's original features have been restored and are showcased throughout, like a 1920s oak Cigar Bar that serves as the hotel's front desk and brass elevator doors.
"The Old Dearborn Bank building adds a lot of historic Chicago character to the hotel and allowed us to work with wonderful original details while bringing in contemporary design elements to underscore Virgin Hotels' vibrant identity," said Diego Gronda, managing & creative director, Rockwell Group Europe.
At the heart of Virgin Hotels Chicago, is the 11,000-sq.-ft. Commons Club, a social gathering place that is divided into four zones: The Commons Bar, The Shag Room, The Funny Library and The Kitchen. As guests depart the elevators, they are greeted by a "You are Welcome" metal sign. An oak wood floor in a herringbone pattern flows throughout the entire space, while North American manufactured custom furniture is featured in a variety of styles and groupings.
