An artfully designed hospitality destination is cementing the buzz of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighbourhood. The Robey, one of the stateside properties from Mexico-based Grupo Habita, is located far away from the din of the city’s congested downtown, yet has managed to generate an air of excitement that is all its own.
As the only skyscraper for miles around, The Robey commands attention at this creative ‘hood. Based in the 12-storey art deco Northwest Tower, the 69-room hotel was transformed by Belgian design firms and occasional collaborators Nicolas Schuybroek Architects and Marc Merckx Interiors, and is fully dialled into the history of its landmark home. Schuybroek, the brains behind sophisticated designs such as JJM House in Brussels, is a deft hand at balancing warmth and minimalism, rawness and refinement.
‘Every floor tells a story,’ says Merckx. ‘It’s all about comfort and feeling at home, embracing the creative vibe and heritage of the neighbourhood.’ As such, minimalist furniture, hardwood flooring and intelligent lighting by Chicago-based Filament 33 impart a mood of simple luxury, both in rooms and in the French-American-style Café Robey. ‘The design was conceived as a subtle balance between Americana style and pared down, timeless, almost Belgian interiors,’ adds Schuybroek. ‘A harmony between old and new, European and American, unpretentious and elegant, timeless and warm.’
The property has been really on the up since its opening in 2017, offering visitors an opportunity for a taste of the Habita world as the group has managed to carve out its place in this blossoming corner of Chicago. And why Chicago? ‘For its authenticity,’ says Habita co-founder Carlos Couturier. ‘It’s a true community with unique values. It's the crossroads of America – trains, planes, roads merge in Chicago – and lastly, for its great past and amazing architecture. As Frank Lloyd Wright once said: "Eventually, Chicago will be the most beautiful, great city left in America.'
So impressed were we by The Robey's energy that we chose it as our location for our Next Generation shoot - a series of portraits of exciting, emerging architecture practices from the American Midwest, featured in our January 2022 issue of Wallpaper*. Read more here.
As originally featured in the January 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*214)
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
The Robey
2018 W North Ave
Chicago IL 60647
-
Inside the unexpected collaboration between Marni’s Francesco Risso and artists Slawn and SoldierNew exhibition ‘The Pink Sun’ will take place at Francesco Risso’s palazzo in Milan in collaboration with Saatchi Yates, opening after the Marni show today, 26 February
-
Lucie and Luke Meier exit Jil SanderWife and husband duo Lucie and Luke Meier are stepping away from Jil Sander after eight years at the brand. The news came today following their A/W 2025 show, unveiled this afternoon during Milan Fashion Week
-
Considered console tables: beautiful designs for every spaceWe gather ten of our favourite console tables, chosen for their originality, fine form and craftsmanship
-
West Hollywood restaurant Somni is as comforting as it is whimsicalChef Aitor Zabala relaunches Somni, orchestrating an artful blend of textures, flavours, and techniques for dreamlike dining
-
A local’s guide to Los Angeles by defiant artist Fawn RogersOregon-born, LA-based artist Fawn Rogers gives us a personal tour of her adopted city as it hosts its sixth edition of Frieze
-
Enter Marea Beverly Hills, an Italian restaurant with Californian gustoConceptualised by Nusla Design and led by chef PJ Calapa, Marea Beverly Hills brings in a sophisticated dining party ambience to flourishing Camden Drive
-
Enchanting culinary entertainment awaits at this fine dining restaurant in Santa MonicaChef Dave Beran returns to his fine dining origins with Seline on Main Street, not far from his French-themed Pasjoli
-
New York restaurant Manuela masters the art of contemporary diningThe latest restaurant from Hauser & Wirth’s hospitality arm, Manuela offers a masterclass in nourishing connections
-
Milanese modernism meets Eastside cool at this LA pizza parlourWildcrust dishes up Neapolitan flavours courtesy of chef Miles Okabayashi, and seductive interiors by Jared Frank Studio
-
Shop hyperlocal gifts, from Harlem to Hawaii, at R Finds’ global online storeWallpaper* goes shopping with R Finds, Renaissance Hotels’ digital marketplace, which connects travellers – and armchair travellers – with local makers and stores, one gift at a time
-
New York restaurant Locanda Verde’s second outpost will transport you to a different time and placeLocanda Verde’s expansive new Hudson Yards osteria exudes a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere overflowing with art treasures
