Historic Hard Rock Hotel To Light Up Michigan Avenue Following Completion of $106 million Renovation / October 2007

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Historic Hard Rock Hotel To Light Up Michigan Avenue
Following Completion of $106 million Renovation

Chicago: October, 2007� In celebration of the completion of its $106 million renovation, the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago will permanently light the gold leaf trimmed tower of its landmark building, the Carbide and Carbon Building, at 230 North Michigan Avenue on Friday, November 16th at 5:00 p.m.

Built in 1929 and designed by the sons of legendary Chicago planner and architect Daniel Burnham, Hubert and Daniel Jr., the building housed offices prior to its conversion to a hotel. It was one of the world�s first colored skyscrapers and was designated an architectural landmark by the Chicago Architecture Foundation in 1996.

�We�re proud to be stewards of this Chicago treasure,� said Charles Becker, developer and majority owner. �We�ve worked very hard to restore the building to its original glory, and the lighting is just another way to share our landmark achievement with all of Chicago.�

Designed to resemble a champagne bottle, the building features a black marble and granite base, green terra cotta facade and bronze trim. During the renovation, more than 7,700 terra cotta tiles were removed, restored and then re-anchored.

�They�ve done a wonderful job restoring one of the great facets of Chicago�s architectural legacy,� said Lynn Osmond, President and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. �The permanent lighting will create even more excitement and beauty on North Michigan Avenue.�

Hard Rock Hotel
Carbide and Carbon Building
FACT SHEET

The Carbide and Carbon building is a combination of classic architecture and modern amenities. Completed during the prohibition era, it�s an Art Deco masterpiece inspired by a champagne bottle. Following are some interesting facts about this iconic landmark:

Historic Facts

� The Building was completed in 1929 - the same year as the start of the Great Depression

� Daniel and Hubert Burnham, sons of legendary architect Daniel H. Burnham, designed the building

� Legend has it, the building�s architects chose its dark green and gold colors based on a gold-foiled champagne bottle seen at an office holiday party

� The ground floor was originally designed to display products of the Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation's subsidiaries whose offices were in the building

� The building was one of the world�s first colored skyscrapers

� The building was designated as an architectural landmark by the Chicago Architectural Foundation on May 9th, 1996

Architectural Facts

� This 40-floor building rises 503 ft. up into the air

� The base of the Carbide and Carbon Building consists of black granite with black marble and bronze trim. The shaft is clad in dark green and gold terra cotta

� The building�s tower features gold-leaf trim

� More than 7,700 terra cotta tiles were removed, restored and re-anchored on the building�s terra cotta façade

� The original design of the building included a lobby that took up two floors

Today, the hotel features 381 rooms, 20 suites, China Grill restaurant, BASE bar, cutting-edge conference and meeting facilities, 24-hour fitness center, concierge and free in-room internet access.

Hard Rock Hotel Chicago�s convenient location is just steps away from many of Chicago�s greatest attractions, including Millennium Park, The Magnificent Mile and the Theater District. The building was designated a Chicago landmark May 9th, 1996.

The Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and enjoys a AAA four-diamond rating.

Contact:

Samantha Rubenstein
Eiseman Associates
312-920-9802

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Also See:

Sol Meliá and the Rank Group Open the 381 room Hard Rock Hotel Chicago / January 2004

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