06 Feb 2018
Details revealed for Equinox Hotel in Chicago's West Loop
BY Kim Megson
Chicago developer Related Midwest has revealed the first renderings of the 680ft (207m) skyscraper it is planning for the city, which will include an Equinox hotel and fitness club.
Details of the 58-storey project were revealed last week at a public meeting. The tower – which will flank the Kennedy Expressway at 725 W Randolph Street – will include 165 guest rooms, a spa and 370 rental apartments. At ground level, there will be retail space for shops and restaurants, public plazas and multiple entrances to the building’s different amenities.
According to Curbed, which reported on the meeting, the development team is hoping to break ground in mid-2019, with a completion date scheduled for 2021.
The publication added that Connecticut architecture practice Roger Ferris + Partners have designed the structure “as a bold architectural statement” for Chicago’s West Loop neighbourhood.
Studio founder Roger Ferris explained that clear glass will be used extensively to create a feeling of openness, while above the base the tower will pivot at an oblique angle to maximise views of the Chicago skyline.
A structural grid of steel, aluminium and glass will repeat across all elevations to unify the building’s design.
Related Co, which owns Related Midwest, is a major shareholder in Equinox and has ambitions of opening 75 fitness-oriented hotels across the world.
The first is planned for the forthcoming Hudson Yards development in New York, and is being designed by Yabu Pushelberg and Joyce Wang with a 60,000sq ft (5,600sq m) gym open to guests and Equinox members, swimming pools and a spa.
Equinox vice-president Aaron Richter has previously told CLADglobal that the hotel brand will be built around movement, nutrition and regeneration in an appeal to regular travellers who want to keep fit.
“Movement is something we do very well; we’re renowned for it, and it will be a key focus for our hotels,” he said.
“You’ll have access to amazing Equinox health clubs, you’ll be able to tie into local community events, to have a trainer if you want; and you’ll have access to exercise classes. We’re going to take away all the barriers to fitness that come with travel.”
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