The Challenge
Build a select service franchise hotel in an urban neighborhood on Chicago's South side that has been deprived of quality hospitality solutions for decades. As part of the award winning Harper Court Development, Olympia had to obtain entitlements and permits, design and build the hotel concurrently with the Harper Court Master Developer (Harper Court Partners and Canyon Johnson Urban Fund), while maintaining the best value for investors and other stakeholders.
Design & Construction
Olympia collaborated with the University of Chicago, Hyatt Hotels, Harper Court Partners and the community to design a hotel exterior that felt contextual in its orientation and design palette yet striking in the choice of finish material and detailed architectural elements. Olympia understood the importance of the hotel as a beacon to the Harper Court and designed a custom facade interspersing Italian porcelain tile and zinc shingles from Germany. A curtain wall internally illuminated with LED architectural lighting extended from the second floor to create an iconic architectural element - the Hyatt Place "blade."
As well as overseeing the competitive bid process, Olympia managed construction throughout the project. Construction was complicated by the fact that the hotel site was inside the Master Developer's site. Through careful negotiation and daily collaboration, both projects (the hotel and Harper Court) were completed on schedule.
A Unique Opportunity
The Olympia Companies is devoted to pursuing opportunities in the hospitality industry. We strive to leverage the commitment, strength, and intellect of our team members to explore and develop assets as well as prospects.
In addition to our Management, Design, and Development services, we posess expertise in developing Restaurants, Property Branding, as well as Acquisitions.