Chicago Luxury living has been redefined with the addition of the new Ritz-Carlton Residences on Michigan Avenue. Walking up, guests were greeted by 10 white gloved attendants waiting to usher us in. The new Ritz residences, the only highrise being constructed right now in the downtown area, held a preview gala April 19 presented by Traditional Home magazine to benefit the Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute of Chicago. Simply Magnificent pretty much sums up any descriptive words to describe the Ritz Residences.
The evening featured a tour and presentations by the individual designers of the five residences: Frank Ponterio of Frank Ponterio Interior Design-Lake Forest, Doug Atherley of Kinari Design and Kinari International, London-based Samantha Todhunter, and Julia Wong of Julia Wong Design, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo and Javier Martin Murielof Baltus, Spain. All five interior designers were tasked with executing a vision fit for a high caliber residence. I really connected with Mr. Muriel’s space the most-it had a Miami/oceanside feel to it and that was accentuated by the white furniture and accents
The Ritz Residence also features an exclusive private art collection featuring works by Nick Cave-that’s his piece in the background of the picture above(Toni Canada & Paulita Pike); The Chrysanthemum installation which adorns a section of the corridor was done by Carolyn Ottmers, both artists are affiliated with SAIC.
Nick Cave’s piece called “Untitled” which is fabricated from vintage sequined garment pieces to re-create a night sky filled with stars and wonder. Carolyn Ottmers conceived “Arcadia” specifically for the Residences Landmark Club. She cast hundreds of chrysanthemums in bronze to emulate a garden arbor in the clubs corridor.
I would highly recommend purchasing a TICKET and check this out for yourself it’s worth it even if all of us can’t afford to purchase a unit, one could live vicariously through the tour right?
The April 19 event was an exciting evening and benefit for The Art Institute of Chicago. Tours of the 5 Showcase homes continue through May 13 – don’t miss a chance to see incredible interiors by world-renowned designers. Tickets and info at: simplymagnificentshowcase.com