Located directly across the street from Wrigley Field, Hotel Zachary was inspired by the original architect of Wrigley Field, Zachary Taylor Davis. Studio K set out to create a lobby that would act as a warm and inviting community space with a respect for its history. The goal of the project was to establish an approachable, versatile home base for visitors looking for a genuine Chicago neighborhood experience.
Creating a space versatile enough for guests to enjoy a cozy breakfast, important business lunch or hip happy hour all within the same central area was the driving force of the space plan. The lobby had to move seamlessly from day to night and incorporate any type of group. To achieve this transition, Studio K worked meticulously with lighting designers to get the levels correct for different hours and functions, effectively creating varying atmospheres depending on the time of day. An additional solution was creating different pockets for gathering as one moves through the space using a variety of furniture and lounge seating. Since the location is across from Wrigley Field, another challenge was accounting for heavy foot traffic on game days. The central bar was designed with 360 degree functionality in mind so guests can order their drinks from all 4 sides, creating an intuitive flow into the other spaces.
After developing a close relationship with Zachary’s family, Studio K brought their history to life by infusing the design with their stories and family heirlooms: original photographs were scanned and painted over by local artists to become central art pieces; dinner plates were monogrammed with Zachary’s wedding anniversary and childrens birth dates; golf books were scattered throughout as a nod to his lifelong love of the sport and the two portraits of Zachary and his wife Alma that welcome guests into the lobby are recreations of the couple’s original portraits that hung in their home. Hotel Zachary is a truly authentic design that represents a piece of Chicago history.
Design Brief:
With a location across the street from Wrigley Field, the client envisioned a hotel inspired by the original architect of the ballpark, Zachary Taylor Davis. They approached Studio K with the desire to create a lobby that would act as a warm and inviting community space which felt authentic to Chicago’s history. The goal was to establish an approachable, versatile home base for visitors looking for a classic Chicago neighborhood experience.
Design challenges:
The greatest design challenge was creating a space adaptable enough for guests to enjoy a cozy breakfast, important business lunch or hip happy hour all within the same central area. The lobby had to move seamlessly from day to night. To achieve this transition, Studio K worked meticulously with lighting designers to get the levels correct for different hours and functions, effectively creating varying atmospheres depending on the time of day.
Design results:
The lobby’s charming floor plan feels like a beautiful, private estate. The central bar creates an intuitive path that takes guests on a walk reminiscent of Davis’ own home by incorporating his family heirlooms, repurposing his architectural sketches into key art pieces and paying homage to his love story with details that honor his wife, Alma, and their children. Hotel Zachary is an authentic design that represents a piece of Chicago history.
