CHICAGO, 2014-10-16 — /Travel PR News/ — A magnificent celebration is taking place in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Chicago’s historic Warwick Allerton Hotel is beginning its 90th year by opening its doors for tours for the first time to its most iconic feature, Tip Top Tap Ballroom, as part of the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago. Warwick Allerton has been dubbed one of the Top 5 visits for the two-day event.
Open House Chicago is a free public festival that offers behind-the-scenes access to 150 buildings across Chicago, ranging from historic homes (including one designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright) and private clubs to businesses and sacred spaces The 2014 event is set for Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19. The Warwick Allerton is located at 701 N. Michigan Ave., and the Tip Top Tap Ballroom will be open Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. No tickets or reservations are needed for the tour.
Architectural discussions are at the top of the agenda these days at Warwick Allerton. Following its purchase by Warwick International Hotels this year, renovation plans are being drawn up for the public spaces and guest rooms.
Planned updates will be released soon, realizing the vision of the hotel as a “Current Classic”. Working from a philosophy of authenticity, experience and storytelling, architects are planning renovations that will preserve the historic features of the hotel while ushering in a new era of fresh sophistication and tasteful luxury.
Built in 1924, and named a historic landmark in 1998, the Allerton originally served as a residential “club” hotel with 1,000 rooms – for men only (floors for women were added six years later.) It was one of the first high-rises on North Michigan Avenue, towering over most of the buildings in the swanky Magnificent Mile neighborhood. Throughout its history, the hotel has attracted many internationally known personalities, from Bob Hope to James Stewart.
A glance skyward will reveal the hotel’s distinctive Tip Top Tap neon sign set atop the hotel’s trademark red brick tower. The Tip Top Tap was established in the 1940s and gained national fame during the 1950s via the Don McNeill Radio Show “The Breakfast Club” that was broadcast live and syndicated nationally. The space on the 23rd floor, with its striking panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, continues to be a popular venue for weddings, private parties, business and social gatherings.
“The Chicago skyline has dramatically changed since the Allerton first opened its doors 90 years ago, but the view is no less stunning,” said Richard Chiu, President for Warwick International Hotels. “We are excited to share this treasured hotel, the Tip Top Tap Ballroom, its legacy and romance of a true Chicago icon. From weddings to company parties to bridal luncheons, the Tip Top Tap Ballroom continues to maintain that aura of elegance and charm of a past era, perfect for all types of functions.”
Located on Michigan Avenue at Huron Street, within the prestigious Magnificent Mile district, the hotel is minutes away from world-class attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, The Second City Comedy Club and one of the best shopping districts in the country. The hotel offers 443 uniquely configured rooms, including 59 suites. Upscale dining for breakfast or lunch await at the M Avenue Restaurant, a chic and fashionable dining spot that offers guests the best of progressive American fare. The M Avenue Lounge is the perfect place to sip on specialty cocktails, like the Moscow Mule and local beers.
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Chicago’s historic Warwick Allerton Hotel starts its 90th year by opening its doors for tours to its most iconic feature, Tip Top Tap Ballroom