Our strategic process uncovered that Chicago is made up of 77 distinct neighborhoods, each with their own flavor, culture and point of view. So we had to create a hotel that was common ground for them all, as well as a home base for domestic and international travelers. Our idea was to create a hotel that is “Common ground for the uncommon.” In this way, we could celebrate the diversity of the people of Chicago, while also recognizing the uncommon traits, personalities and beliefs that make us all interesting and original and create a completely unique hotel experience in the process.
We named the hotel, “St. Jane,” in honor of the legendary Chicago philanthropist, Jane Addams. She was the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. And if you listened to stories of those who knew her, she was indeed saint-like. Dedicating her life to bringing people of different backgrounds (often immigrants) together around the dinner table. This lifelong dedication to social good and unifying Chicagoans goes a lot further than just the name on the front door. We made sure this philosophy came to life through every element of this hotel’s experience.
We partnered with Chicago-based artist Morgan Ramberg to create a one-of-a-kind mural that celebrates the diversity and fun of the uncommon while showcasing stories and vignettes that tell the history of the hotel and Chicago itself. To pique interest, we filled three stories of the hotel’s windows with the illustration to tease the coming launch. And then we applied the artwork to 16 different key cards and collateral elements.
The philosophy of “Uncommon” can be found throughout the hotel, from the one-of-a-kind artwork to the collateral designs that are a convergence of contemporary illustration and historical art deco elements, to the diversity in furniture choices, every touchpoint was carefully considered to ensure an iconic and timeless building had an iconic and timeless brand living within it that embodies the spirit and diversity of Chicago.
When city planners were designing Chicago, their vision was a “Paris on the Prairie” which led to the building of a true café culture. This communal culture helped to influence all of the spaces from St. Jane’s restaurant, Free Rein, featuring modern Midwestern fare with French influences and two Michelin-starred chefs to The Nobel, a Champagne-and cocktail-focused lounge that will provide an intimate indoor/outdoor space to relax, connect and entertain located on the 24th floor of the hotel. Both spaces have an ambience that feel like a Parisian café where “uncommoners” can socialize and discuss the joie de vivre in one of the oldest buildings in Chicago.
