The Godfrey Hotel / Valerio Dewalt Train Associates

Architects
Valerio Dewalt Train Associates

Location
127 W Huron St Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Architects Personnel
Joseph Valerio, FAIA; David Jennerjahn, AIA; Louis Ray, AIA; Steve Droll, AIA;
Brad Pausha, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Kurt Volkman, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Robert
Webber, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Kathryn Soven, LEED AP BD+C; Lauren Shelton,
AIA, LEED AP

Area
53839.0 ft2

Project Year
2014

Photographs
Steve Hall - Hedrich Blessing

Manufacturers
ABH, ACM, Alliance Glazing Technologies, Altman, American Stair, BASF, BISON,
Bega, Bobrick, Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing, ClarkDietrich, Color Kinetics,
Construction Specialties, Creative Industries Terrazzo Products, Crossfield Products,
Delta Light, Detex, Dex-O-Tex, Dyson, EIFS, Elkay, GMS, GRACE, General
Partitions, Gerdau, Grohe, HK Lighting, Hager, Hohmann & Barnard, Hudec, Hufcor,
Hydrotech Garden Roofs, International Marble and Granite, Iris Lighting, Ives, Kaba,
Koala, Kohler, LIBART, LUM-TECH, Larsen's Manufacturing, Lawrence Hardware,
Mapei, MetalSpan, Moda, NanaWall, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Optolum, Otis,
Ozinga, PITTCO, Packaged Concrete, Panz Metal Ceilings, Pemko, Portfolio, Prarie
Material, Proflo, Rockwood Manufacturing, Saflok, Schlage, Sika, Sistemalux,
Siteline, Steel Construction Services, Stoet, Taco, Taymor, Tremco, Trout Glass &
Mirror, USG, Ushio, Von Duprin, Winona Lighting, Wire by Design, iLight

Project Manager
CR Daccord, Chicago, IL

 General Contractor
Lend Lease, Chicago, IL

Interior Design
The Gettys Group, Chicago, IL

Civil
V3 Consultants LTD, Woodridge, IL

Landscape Architect
Wolff Landscape Architecture, Chicago, IL

Structural Engineer
Structural Affiliates International, Nashville, TN

Mechanical
WMA Consulting Engineers, Chicago, IL

Plumbing
Great Lakes Plumbing & Heating Company, Chicago, IL

Fire Protection
Nova Fire Protection, Schaumburg, IL

Client
Oxford Capital Group & Quadram Group
From the architect. In early 2004, VDTA was commissioned to design a 16story
extended stay suites hotel at the corner of Lasalle and Huron Streets in Chicago
by the sites original developer, Duke Miglin. It was his desire to employ a
staggered truss structural framing system for the building something new to
Chicago for its speed and efficiency of erection. Construction began in 2007 but
the project fell victim to the economic downtown in 2008, topped out with just
the first components of exterior cladding installed. For three years the partially
constructed structure sat, a rusting, tarpwrapped reminder of the Great
Recession, an eyesore on the skyline dubbed The Mummy by the
neighborhoods residents.

In 2011, Oxford Capital Group examined the structure and saw potential in the
unique, forwardlooking staggered steel truss framed design. Working with The
Gettys Group, Oxford developed a new upscale boutiquelifestyle hotel concept
envisioned for repurposing the partially built structure. With this new concept inhand, Oxford engaged VDTA to make modifications to the original building design
while retaining the iconic design of expressive structural frame and assembly of
shifted, taut, rectilinear building masses. The hotel opened in February 2014.
Program

Realizing the flexibility of a staggered steel truss system's full building width
spans afforded by the staggered spacing of the trusses, the unfinished existing
structure was easily replanned for The Godfrey to provide 221 guest-rooms, spa
and fitness facilities, street level lobby and hotel support spaces. In addition, the
design team extended the utilization of the 4th floor level out onto the rooftop
over the parking podium to create a 15,000 SF indoor|outdoor urban roofscape.
All-in-all, the revised program is a significant change from the buildings original
extended stay suites/low amenity concept.
Design Expression

LaSalle Street starts at the Chicago Board of Trade in the heart of Chicagos
downtown and ends at the lakefront in Lincoln Park, one of the citys most
historic residential districts. The Godfrey is a marker on the Lasalle Street skyline
vista, separating these two very different areas. It is the last landmark of the
citys modernist precinct, reveling in the messy vitality of urban core, before the
more restrained fabric of Lincoln Parks neighborhood begins to dominate.
Modernism is all about dematerialization denying the expectation of the mass
of the building. This effect defines a certain sense that the world is
indeterminate, ambiguous, and filled with the unexpected, a view which gains
more and more currency every day. Over time modernism has come to be
symbolized by certain forms the cantilevered roof plane, the unsupported edge
of a floor deck, the horizontal ribbon window. What was once unexpected has
now become the expected and ordinary.

The design of the Godfrey Hotel is a continuing exploration of modernist forms,

but this experiment looks to a more muscular approach where the juxtaposition
of huge yet apparently weightless masses rest on a gracefully balanced
structural skeleton reasserting the indeterminate, an ambiguous condition of
modern times in what is a truly unexpected way. The taut metal skinned building
forms that shift inward and outward to reveal the expressive structural frame are
intentionally daring and honest, a real Chicago building, linking to the citys
rich past of architectural innovation.
Staggered Structural System

The form of the Godfrey Hotel is an expression of its staggered truss structural
system invented by William LeMessurier in 1966. In this system, story high steel
trusses span across the full width of the building and are staggered from floor to
floor. Precast planks span from the top chord of one truss to the bottom chord of
another truss on the floor above. This system is very light in weight, can be
erected rapidly and has a very low floor to floor height.
It also is a system where the deep trusses allow a remarkable freedom to express
the program of the hotel, where todays guest is looking for that unique room
satisfies their unique needs and preferences. From its base the building form is
offset three times, creating rooms of varying depths, creating 26 different room
types for a hotel with 221 keys. In addition, the long span trusses create large
clear span public and amenity spaces on the 4th floor.

The structural system allows the design to celebrate the human variability its
guests, expressing this fact with a form that seemingly defies gravity obeying its
own fuzzy logic. It is the exception, along LaSalle Street, that proves the rule that
all tall buildings should be boxes no matter what their function.
Rooms & Suites
Modern Hotel Accommodations in Downtown Chicago

You will Discover Your Element among our 221 stylish contemporary rooms and
suites including 182 graciously sized Guest Rooms, 12 Executive Kings, and 27
chic One-Bedroom Suites. Each vibrant guest room offers an array of amenities
and special extras such as a complimentary WiFi, a wet bar, comfortable sitting
chairs, large work stations and an ergonomic task chair.

Find the room you need to make Chicago your own.

Guest Room with King Bed

The sophisticated king bed guest rooms are designed so you Discover Your
Element. Each room offers a breathtakingly relaxing sitting chair, luxurious
linens, wet bar, plush bathrobes, L'OCCITANE bath products, complimentary WiFi, a large work station, task chair, 46 HD LED television, iHome docking station,
in-room safe, iron/ironing board and more.

Guest Room with Double Queen Beds

The spaciously sized double queen bed guest rooms are designed so you
Discover Your Element. Each room offers a breathtakingly relaxing sitting chair,
luxurious linens, wet bar, plush bathrobes, L'OCCITANE bath products,
complimentary Wi-Fi, a large work station, task chair, 46 HD LED television,
iHome docking station, in-room safe, iron/ironing board and more.

Executive King
The unique and stylish Executive King bed guest rooms are designed so you
Discover Your Element. Enjoy a little more elbow room among the many
amenities such as a breathtakingly relaxing sitting chair, luxurious linens, wet
bar, plush bathrobes, L'OCCITANE bath products, complimentary Wi-Fi, a large
work station, task chair, 46 HD LED television, iHome docking station, in-room
safe, iron/ironing board and more.

One Bedroom King Suite

The exclusive One Bedroom King Suite includes king bed accommodations and a
stimulating living area. The bedroom offers luxurious linens, plush bathrobes,
L'OCCITANE bath products, complimentary Wi-Fi, 46 HD LED television, iHome
docking station, in-room safe, iron/ironing board and more. The living area
offers a wet bar, a luxurious sleeper sofa, complimentary Wi-Fi, a large work
station, task chair, 46 HD LED television and more.

Luxury Lifestyle Hotel Amenities

What else is left to do when everythings been taken care of?
Inside your room or out and around the hotel, every facet of The Godfrey Hotel
Chicagos surroundings are sure to delight and inspire. At your service is an
attentive and personable staff ready to take care of your every request to create
a memorable experience during your stay.

Designed to delight, our room and suite amenities include:

Luxurious Sitting Chair
Daily Newspaper
Coffeemaker
Wet Bar
Plush Bathrobes
Iron/Ironing Board
Hair Dryer
L'OCCITANE Bath Products
Large 46 LED HDTV with Premium Channels
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Spacious Workstation
Task Chair

Cordless Phone
Luxurious Bedding
Computerized In-Room Safe
Valet Laundry
iHome Docking Station
Dry Cleaning Service

Hotel amenities include:

Stylish, Chef-Driven Restaurant & Lobby Bar
4th Floor I|O Indoor-Outdoor Urban Roofscape
SpaBoutique a relaxing On-Site Amenity Spa
Flexible Indoor/Outdoor Function Space Accommodating up to 750 Guests
Three Flexible Venues for Meetings & Social Events of up to 750 Guests
24-Hour Fitness Center
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Valet Parking or Two Floors of Self-Parking

Spa
Its amazing what you can accomplish when fresh and relaxed. A completely
centered mind and invigorated body are the surest paths to making sure you
Discover Your Element.
At The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, your sensory release awaits at Spa Boutique.
Whether you relax in one of our two private treatment rooms or prefer to be
indulged in the privacy of your room or suite, it has never been easier to
recharge for your evening in Chicago. Spa Boutique's massage and facial
services are delivered by our licensed spa therapists. Relaxation Treatment
rooms for single or couples treatments are available. Spa Boutique utilizes
products which are dedicated to the health and well-being of skin, which means
ingredients that can cause irritation aren't utilized, so your skin can focus on
looking younger and feeling healthier.
HOURS:
9am - 8pm Monday - Friday
9am - 7pm Saturday
9am - 6pm Sunday
Fitness

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago guests enjoy privileges at our state-of-the-art 24-hour
Fitness Center - which includes treadmills, elliptical trainers and strength and
weight training equipment.
HOURS:
24 hr access with your guestroom keycard.

Urban Chicago Rooftop Bar & Lounge

From the 4th floor at the epicenter of River North you find IO Godfrey, an urban
roofscape. Basking in the sunlight throughout the day and as late afternoon
yields to evening, uninterrupted views of the southern Chicago skyline radiate to
life setting a brilliant backdrop.
IO encompasses approximately 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space,
with 10,000 square feet of lounge and event space named for its captivating
Indoor/Outdoor ambiance.
Among the panoramic skyline views include a fire pit, shimmering water
elements, a video wall, retractable roof and more. IO has more space and unique
amenities to offer than any venue in the city.
Get started at the indoor bar with plush banquettes and a VIP area. Breeze
through the sliding glass wall and youll find yourself sipping drinks at the
outdoor bar during the day, after work, at night or on weekends infront of the
commanding views of Chicago.
Experience IO, where you can enjoy the day and dress the night.
Open Daily
Monday - Friday 2p - 2am
Saturday 11am - 3am
Sunday 11am - 2am

Creative Dining At Godfrey Hotel Chicago

Capturing the timeless spirit of Fellinis 1960s Rome, Dolce Italian truly brings la
dolce vita to life with its effortless charm and approachable sophistication. Dolce
sources the finest and freshest local ingredients, reflecting in a seasonally
focused menu featuring bold yet authentic flavors. Signature Dolce classics
range from handcrafted pastas, to elegant seafood risotto, meatballs over
creamy polenta, and a selection of specialty Neapolitan pizzas. The bar
showcases an extensive wine list and specialty cocktails such as a barrel-aged
Negroni and Aperol Spritz. Dolce Italian, winner of Bravos latest culinary series
Best New Restaurant, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Productivity Starts At The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

The Godfrey Hotel Chicago infuses the traditional downtown meeting experience
with a modern style and energy all its own. Our tech-savvy meeting rooms and
breathtaking indoor|outdoor urban roofscape have been designed to delight and
stir creativity.
At I|O, our 4th floor encompasses approximately 15,000 square feet of indoor
and outdoor space, with 10,000 square feet meeting and event space perfect for
receptions for 750. Plan a glamorous cocktail party in I|O, with panoramic views
of the Chicago skyline and intimate spaces for relaxing and socializing.
The meeting rooms are designed for small executive board meetings of 10 to
training seminars of 100; The Godfrey Hotel offers a chic and sophisticated
alternative to conduct cutting-edge presentations and meetings.
Trust The Godfrey Hotel Chicago to make sure you Discover Your Element and are
always on your game.
Our meeting facilities and services include:

Two meeting rooms featuring Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, High-Tech Sound

Systems and large LED HD Displays for Photo & Video Presentations, break out
meeting space and more.
Professional event planning and catering staff
8,500 sq. ft. of indoor outdoor rooftop event space at I|O Godfrey, perfect so
corporate functions and social events.

Local Attractions and Things to Do in Downtown Chicago

At the epicenter of Chicago, in the River North neighborhood, The Godfrey Hotel
Chicago is just steps from anything you want to see or experience in downtown
Chicago. Whether you're in Chicago to stroll along Navy Pier, shop on Michigan
Avenue, catch a Bears game at Soldier Field, or catch a show on Broadway on
Chicago, The Godfrey Hotel is the perfect place to stay while you explore
Downtown Chicago.
Come discover something different and remarkable at the intersection of W.
Huron and LaSalle, and experience the premier attractions and entertainment
Downtown Chicago has to offer:
attractions
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago Merchandise Mart
Field Museum
Holy Name Cathedral (Catholic)
John G. Shedd Aquarium

John Hancock Observatory

Lincoln Park Zoo
Loop Financial District
McCormick Place Convention Center
Michigan Avenue The Magnificent Mile
Millennium Park
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Science & Industry
Navy Pier
Oak Street & North Avenue Beaches
River North art gallery district
Rush Street dining & entertainment district
St. James Cathedral (Episcopal)
Theater District Broadway in Chicago
Tribune Tower
Willis Tower
Wrigley Building
Concerts
United Center
Allstate Arena
Chicago Theatre
Park West
Sports
Soldier Field Home of the Chicago Bears
United Center Home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks
U.S. Cellular Field Home of the Chicago White Sox
Wrigley Field Home of the Chicago Cubs