Explore CAA

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Built in 1893 for the private Chicago Athletic Association.

Part 1.

The building

  1. Built in 1893 for the private Chicago Athletic Association.
  2. Designed by Henry Ives Cobb, with a facade by Louis Christian Mullgardt.
  3. Venetian Gothic, after the Doge's Palace in Venice.
  4. It opened amid the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
  5. A men-only club until 1972.
  6. The club closed in 2007.
  7. Restored and reopened as a hotel: architecture by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, interiors by Roman & Williams.
  8. Patterned brick, carved limestone, arched windows, custom stained glass, ornate plaster, and mosaic and marble floors.
  9. Views over Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
  10. A contributing building in the Historic Michigan Boulevard District. The designation date is reported inconsistently and is deliberately not published.

From Sara + Tyler Tyler's brief 2026-09-04

Part 2.

The spaces

The spaces below are the candidates from the venue kit.

Sara + Tyler are still writing this:

which room hosts the ceremony, the cocktail hour, and the reception is not confirmed.

  • White City Ballroom

    Floor-to-ceiling windows, vintage stained glass, an original Carrara marble floor, three 19th-century fireplaces, and 167 restored illuminated ceiling embellishments.

    Ceremony 220 · Dinner 220 · Reception 300

    These are the venue's own kit figures; Sara and Tyler have not confirmed them with the planner yet.

  • Madison Ballroom

    Original walnut parquet, historic crystal chandeliers, millwork, stained glass, and city views.

    Ceremony 220 · Dinner 120 · Reception 250

    These are the venue's own kit figures; Sara and Tyler have not confirmed them with the planner yet.

  • Stagg Court

    The club's original basketball court and gymnasium: original flooring, hoops, and an elevated running track.

    Ceremony 300 · Dinner 250 · Reception 350

    These are the venue's own kit figures; Sara and Tyler have not confirmed them with the planner yet.

  • The Tank

    The club's former swimming pool: original pool tile and marble pillars.

    Ceremony 175 · Dinner 130 · Reception 225

    These are the venue's own kit figures; Sara and Tyler have not confirmed them with the planner yet.

Part 3.

Look for this

A self-guided list for the hour before things start. The rooms have their own lists on their pages.

  1. Patterned brick on the exterior.
  2. Carved limestone.
  3. Arched windows, the Venetian Gothic tell.
  4. Custom stained glass.
  5. Ornate plaster ceilings and cornices.
  6. Mosaic and marble floors.
Part 4.

Eat and drink without leaving

These are the hotel’s own places as listed on its website. Hours and menus change, so each link shows the day we last checked it; confirm with the official page before you plan around it.

Part 5.

Getting here, parking, accessibility

Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603. Directions are on The Wedding.