This summer, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive, debuted a $2.5 million renovation of the hotel’s 63,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, which now includes 15 meeting rooms ranging from 400 to 16,000 sq. ft. This project is the culmination of a more than $60 million lobby-to-roof renovation of the entire hotel.

“This final piece of our five-year renovation unifies the meeting space with the contemporary feeling of the rest of the property, creating space that is both artistic, yet modern,” said Mark Huntley, regional vice president and general manager. “The look of our new space is appealing to meeting planners, as well as social catering clients, and provides the perfect backdrop for a business meeting, corporate event or social gala.”


The project was executed with an eye toward sustainability. From paint to furniture, most of the items for the project were sourced within a few hundred miles of Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. Low VOC paint, compact fluorescent lighting fixtures and carpeting manufactured with minimal environmental impact were all pieces of the holistic “green” approach to the renovation.

The renovation of the meeting space by renowned architects, Chicago-based Gettys Group, which specializes in creating sophisticated spaces with a focus on function and form, is meant to inspire creative and thoughtful meetings. The soothing neutral color palette includes custom wall coverings and plush window treatments that add depth and texture to the space. The unique carpeting has a tasteful design that is an abstract replication of the shimmering blue waters of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, as well as the stunning flowers at Millennium Park. New lighting with custom fixtures provides a balance of functionality with artistic flair. Majestic crystal chandeliers reflect the Fairmont’s history of elegance.

In addition to the enhancements of the existing meeting space, the project included the addition of Cuvee, a posh 1,360-sq. ft. event space located adjacent to the lobby, and a stately executive board room located on the 37th floor of the hotel.

Several commissioned pieces of original artwork were unveiled as part of the renovation. Grafitto and Confetti, by Atlanta-based artist Ryan Coleman, are abstract giclée on canvas pieces on display in the Gold Room. Glimmer Alert, another stunning giclée on canvas piece by New York City-based artist Eric Blum, is on display in the Regent Room. Additional original art installations have also been added throughout the hotel.

To celebrate the renovation, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park is offering a special Presidential Conference Package including one complimentary Grand Suite for every 200 room nights, an upgrade to a one bedroom suite for every 50 room nights, one complimentary round trip luxury SUV airport transfer for every 200 room nights, and a complimentary one hour sparkling wine reception. The offer is available for meeting planners who book now through December 31, 2013 for meetings taking place by April 1, 2014. For details call (312) 565-7400 or email rfp-chi@fairmont.com.