Carved into the lower floors of the McGraw-Hill Building — a 1929 Art Deco tower by Thielbar and Fugard that rises above North Michigan Avenue with the characteristic limestone-and-terra-cotta authority of Chicago's pre-war commercial ambition — The Gwen takes its name from the sculpted female figures, known as the Gwen reliefs, that ornament the building's facade. The property's 311 rooms were refurbished in a renovation that brought interior designer Bill Rooney's vision of calibrated urban glamour to what had previously operated as a Marriott property, translating the building's period bones into a contemporary luxury register. The guest rooms layer geometric patterned carpets in warm grey with upholstered platform beds, brass-detailed nightstands, and custom wall murals featuring fluid botanical and figurative line drawings that echo the sculptural vocabulary of the building's exterior ornament. Blush barrel chairs and multi-arm black floor lamps in a mid-century idiom provide counterpoint to the neutral ground. Downstairs, the bar deploys bouclé lounge chairs alongside green velvet barstool seating with gilt cage bases, the back bar framed in arched rattan panels that soften an otherwise dark-lacquered surround. The rooftop terrace, with the Wrigley Building's illuminated clock tower composing the skyline behind it, arranges leather bucket chairs around fire pits beneath oversized drum-shade heaters — a layout that understands Michigan Avenue as the spectacle it has always been.

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The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, a one MICHELIN Key hotel, is a sculptural masterpiece blending 1930s Chicago glamour with contemporary elegance. With seasonal activations and celebrations, it stands as an iconic Art Deco landmark, crafted by trailblazing sculptress Gwen Lux. Located at 521 North Rush Street between Grand Avenue and Illinois Street and can also be accessed through The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue. Walking distance to The Loop, Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and Navy Pier. Located within the renowned Magnificent Mile, The Gwen is steps to over 460 retailers, restaurants, and nightlife venues. A standout among rooftop terraces & lounges in downtown Chicago, Upstairs at The Gwen focuses on the art of craft cocktails paired with all-day dining and cityscape views from among the Art Deco-infused architecture. Open year-round.