the1860society: The University Club of Chicago (1887)

The University Club of Chicago was chartered in "1887 by university graduates for "the promotion of literature and art, by establishing and maintaining a library, reading room and gallery of art." The "the club's first home was on the third and fourth floors of the Henning & Speed Building at 22 West Madison Street. The second club home was a stand-alone building at 30 North Dearborn." Their current location on 76 East Monroe Street designed by Martin Roche was completed in 1908 where the club encompasses 13 floors overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.

The club has overnight rooms, workout facility, ten squash courts and weekly bar service on the second floor and 13th. The club often has a piano player on the 2nd floor during happy hour. A platinum club, the service is excellent, food impressive along with the well maintained facility. Valet parking is available.

My favorite aspects of the club is the warm library overlooking the park on the 7th floor. A beautiful fireplace along with large deep leather chairs accompany small writing desks along the periphery. The club has a picturesque dining facility on the 13th floor overlooking the park and one of the best views in Chicago. The Club's symbol is the owl reflecting the founder's ties to Harvard and the Order of the Owl Society is for members who have sponsored five or more members. Cathedral has is the club's most impressive room where they have dinner and special events. Modeled after the Crosby Hall in London the hall has stain glass of the famous colleges of the United States. The Club hosts weddings and special events in the hall including a yearly boxing contest and squash tournament aptly named The Windy City Open.

TBC's review: 5/5