inside stories
Crimson Crossover
an eclectic chicago hot spot
One of the initial issues with the design plan was that
the building itself possessed landmark status; any plans to
seriously alter the exterior or foundation of the property
would be prohibited. The space was littered with immove-
able columns and the designers had to find a way to incor-
porate them into the floor plan. “The columns were used to
their fullest advantage by making them anchors for ornate,
floor-to-ceiling screens, which further divided the space
into intimate seating nooks,” Zaudke said. These nooks
can be used for VIP events, live music, bottle service or
for gatherings among friends. The distinct designs in these
private rooms create a separate environment and ambiance
for each one.
An eclectic mix of furnishings and patterns combined
The Hotel Sax, located on Dearborn Street in Chicago,
with moody lighting gives the Crimson Lounge its edgy and
wanted to include a swanky nightspot in its $17 million
dangerous feel. The environment was carefully thought out
remodel of the former House of Blues Hotel. The result is
and planned and the 4,000-square-foot space will surprise
the Crimson Lounge, a decadent enclave that fuses Victo-
guests at every turn with its cacophony of ornate decora-
rian and Asian influences creating an intense rollercoaster
tions and extravagant furnishings. MCCARTAN designed
of style and taste. Both the hotel and lounge are owned by
most of the lighting fixtures, including the compelling floor
La Salle Hotel Properties and managed by Gemstone Ho-
candelabras. The amount of variety in the pieces is almost
tels & Resorts International. The lounge serves as a way to
overwhelming. “Guests will find ornate sofas atop Persian
draw publicity to the hotel through parties and gala events.
rugs juxtaposed against modern damask patterns and antler
It was designed from the floor up as the remodeling efforts
sconces,” she adds.
were going on at the Sax.
Oil paintings from Museum Editions with frames paint-
The initial goal for the Crimson Lounge was to create
ed bright gold add an elegant feel to the ambiance. The
a multipurpose space that provided guests with ample op-
drapes, supplied by Valley Forge Designs, are named Am-
tions in terms of seating and environment. The design firm
bition Valentine and dominate the scenery. They are deep
MCCARTAN, based out of New York City, was chosen to
red, with long cascading curves that flow from the tall ceil-
head the project. MCCARTAN, in addition to commercial
ings onto the hardwood floors. The blue sofas are regal in
interior design, manufacturers and designs its own line of
appearance and provide loungers with a comfortable place
furniture and lighting, and took a personal approach to ev-
to engage in converstaiton. The furnishings are lavish, the
ery piece in the lounge. DTM spoke with Jennifer Zaudke
design is stunning, the events are exclusive, unmistakably
of MCCARTAN and she explained the initial thoughts of
a welcome addition to the Chicago club scene.
the designers. “It was designed to be exotic, where influ-
ences from around the world come together in a shadowy
rade
T
and sultry place of intrigue,” she remarked. The owners
of the hotel wanted the lounge to make a statement on the
This room features a turned-leg coffee table from Art Co. and
esign
an ottoman from Astoria Imports. The blue chair from Old
Chicago nightlife scene — to create a new hot spot in the
D
Hickory Tannery is upholstered in fabric from Moore & Giles.
city. This was easier said than done, as challenges were
The drapes are from Valley Forge Designs and the cabinet is
quick to present themselves. from Murray’s Ironworks.
106
Form 4.indd 106HotelSax revise.indd 2-3 7/6/09 10:56 AM 6/29/09 9:25 PM
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