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CHICAGO (July 28, 2020) – Today, Hyatt Place Chicago Medical/University District and Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District, the first combined Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels located in Chicago, celebrated their openings. Located in the Beaux-Arts classical-style landmark formerly the site of the 106-year old Cook County Hospital at W. Harrison St. on the Near West Side, the hotels expand the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands’ footprint in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members.

The 342,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project is part of a $150 million multiphase plan spearheaded by Murphy Development and SOM, in a design-build collaboration with Walsh Construction, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., and KOO. Featuring more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space, open concept public spaces, a 24-hour fitness center, a food hall, medical offices, and a museum paying tribute to the hospital’s legacy, the hotels are operated by Aimbridge Hospitality.

“We are excited to introduce the first dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels to the Chicago area, while also paying homage to such an incredible landmark,” said General Manager, Nilesh Pandey. “Our guests can appreciate the contemporary design and spacious layout of the brand’s guestrooms – from the separate spaces to sleep and work, including the Cozy Corner at the Hyatt Place hotel, to the apartment-style suites with real kitchens at the Hyatt House hotel – our guests can choose the space that fits their needs.”

An inspired design by Paul Gerhardt, the Cook Country Hospital created a statement amongst the various other medical buildings surrounding it in the district. Both the exterior and interior of the building suffered severe deterioration due to deferred maintenance and exposure to the elements once it closed down. With Ionic columns, along with faces of lions and cherubs emulated throughout, it communicated the ideation of power and strength especially for those less fortunate, a feeling that remains true to the space today.

The project restores and preserves the historical pieces that have been rooted there for more than 160 years, which includes the original Beaux-Arts masonry detailing and terracotta of the exterior, the wood-framed windows, interior decorative plaster work, the double height main lobby and 106-year old restored marble stone staircase, elevator cores, as well as double loaded corridor and interior terrazzo flooring.

Located in the epicenter of one of the most robust medical districts in the world, Hyatt Place Chicago Medical/University District and Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District are located in the heart of the Illinois Medical District. With close proximity to the United Center, Fifth Third Arena – Chicago Blackhawks Community Ice Rink, UIC and Rush University, the hotels serve both the medical district as well as business and leisure travelers.

Hyatt Place Chicago Medical/University District offer the following, with safety guidelines in place to adhere to the health and well-being of all guests:

• 103 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper
• Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms
• Necessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free
• Event Spaces with more than 4,000 square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space
• Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens and free ear buds

Hyatt House Chicago Medical/University District offers:

• 107 guestrooms, including apartment-style Kitchen Suites featuring fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living rooms and spacious bedrooms with complimentary skin and haircare amenities
• Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms
• The Commons, a comfy lounge with an open and welcoming space for guests to relax, gather and socialize, and the Outdoor Commons, which includes an outdoor fire pit and BBQ grill
• 24-hour Workout Room to keep fitness routines going
• Borrows Menu with often-forgotten items from phone chargers to razors
• A Very Important Resident (VIR) program, including a complimentary welcome amenity, H Bar dining credit, laundry credit, and other personalized perks for guests staying 21 or more consecutive nights
• Additional conveniences, including 24-hour Guest Laundry
• A pet-friendly policy that welcomes dogs or cats

These hotels are part of the Cook County Hospital’s transformative $150 million renovation led by Murphy Development and Walsh Group. The multiphase project will also include the opening of Dr. Murphy’s Food Hall, a 100,000 sq. ft. dining destination led by Hospitality HQ and Akhtar Nawab, the award-winning Chef, restauranteur, TV personality and food hall veteran, along with medical offices, a daycare center and a museum paying tribute to the hospital’s legacy.

For more information or to reserve a stay at Hyatt Place Chicago Medical / University District and Hyatt House Chicago Medical / University District, please visit the hotels’ websites or call 312-341-1234.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness