Pilsen Hotel

• Location Chicago, Illinois
• Design 2001
• Construction Not built
• Client HCF Development

Located in one of the last large open parcels close to downtown Chicago and anchored by a prominent Mexican Hotel chain the Pilsen Hotel was conceived to become a Hispanic landmark within the Pilsen community. The site’s appeal rests in its adjacency to the Chicago River, its proximity to the international McCormick Convention Center and the dramatic backdrop provided by the Chicago skyline.

The main project idea stems from fusing the traditional Hispanic low rise, open, patio-articulated spaces with the Chicago high rise tradition. From the many terraces, gardens and walkways four slender stone and stucco towers emerged. Programmatically the towers hold all the room accommodations and the different lower volumes articulated the support spaces and other hotel functions. This guaranteed the views to the downtown area and allowed the rooms to be in a separate, discreet environment.

At the base the project presents a constant exploration of the relationship between exterior and interior, private and public, and natural and manmade environments achieved through the articulation of gardens, pools, open areas, patios and walkways.