Our History On the National Register of Historic Places, the Reliance Building is now Hotel Burnham
"Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably will not themselves be realized." –Daniel Burnham
What was an historic but forgotten architectural landmark has been transformed into one of the most inviting downtown Chicago hotels, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Truly a landmark hotel in a landmark city.
In 1895, Daniel Burnham, John Root and Charles Atwood, visionary architects, revolutionized their world and our downtown Chicago. Using a radical steel and glass design, they created the Reliance Building, ushering in a new era and setting the precedent for the modern skyscraper.
After years of neglect and disrepair, the century-old Reliance Building was reborn in October 1999 as Hotel Burnham, a Kimpton Hotel, after a sweeping $27.5 million refurbishment and renovation. Returning to its rightful place as one of Chicago's most significant architectural landmarks, our National Historic Landmark building celebrates 113 years this year.
Hotel Burnham building designed in "the Chicago style"
During the late 1800s, a commercial architectural style surfaced in Chicago, Illinois, later becoming known as "the Chicago style." Completed in 1895, the Reliance Building was not just a premier product of this school of architecture, it was the first direct predecessor to today's modern skyscrapers, and is a fundamental part of Chicago. The 14 floors of the building seem to defy gravity, thanks to an interior iron and steel frame construction and delicate glass and terra cotta façade.
At the urging of the partners who own the building, along with the City of Chicago Planning and Development Department, complete renovation and restoration work began. The result — portions of the interior replicated from the original building. Renovation included meticulously reconstructing the mosaic floor, multi-colored marble ceiling and walls, and ornamental metal elevator grills, stairways and archways to resemble the lobby as it once existed. Historic building is transformed into a luxury Chicago hotel
Hotel Burnham
Designated a Chicago landmark in 1975 and now on the National Trust's list of Historic Hotels of America, the Reliance Building's Hotel Burnham is unique in that it is a 'living' architectural landmark that guests can experience overnight. Supported from the start by Mayor Daley, the restoration of this historic property as a signature hotel is also a progressive step toward bringing State Street back to its original splendor and confirming it as a major destination for visitors to Chicago.
Named after famed city planner and architect Daniel Burnham, the 122-room European-style Hotel Burnham brings to life the luxury and history of Chicago. We are located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the Magnificent Mile's retail and theatre district, and only three blocks from Chicago's newest attraction, Millennium Park.
