Road to Riches

The Magnificent Mile is the embodiment of fun and excitement in the city of Chicago. Whether it is to take in a show, visit a museum, cruise along the Chicago lakefront, or have a night out on the town the possibilities are endless on the Magnificient Mile. With some of the highest concentration of high rise buildings anywhere in the world, this section of Michigan Avenue from Chicago River to Oak Street in the Near North Side Community area, is the most happening place in the city with its concentration of trendy entertainment, cultural, residential and commercial areas and fashionable hotels. The city’s major media firms are also concentrated there. The grand wide boulevard and the concept of the Magnificient Mile was the brainchild of architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham. In keeping with his plan Michigan Avenue was expanded to create a boulevard to accommodate the increasing traffic and to uplift the area which was lined with factories and warehouses. Michigan Avenue Bridge built in 1920 was inspired by the Pont Alexander III in the city of Paris and was a beautiful addition to the developing cityscape helping create a new commercial district. In 1947, by which time North Michigan Avenue had become one of Chicago’s most prestigious avenues, real estate developer Arthur Rubloff dubbed it the Magnificent Mile. The moniker became well known and was trademarked in 2001.

Magnificent buildings that line the boulevard include the John Hancock Centre, a one hundred storey residential skyscraper opened in 1969; Water Tower Place, with in excess of 100 shops, restaurants and theatres was opened in 1976. 900 N Michigan Avenue and Park Tower followed in 1989 and 2000 respectively. The most ancient building on the street is the Old Water Tower constructed in 1869. Extensive renovation to the corridor including the widening of sidewalks took place in the late 1970s up to the mid 1990s. Now thanks to the expansive beautiful boulevard, magnificent landmarks and the avenue’s great vistas the Magnificent Mile is indeed a very special place. Thousands of tulips bloom along the sidewalks of the Mile in spring, a pleasure to behold. The Magnificent Mile has been named one of the ten best shopping avenues of the world.

Perfectly located with ready access to the business and leisure areas of the Magnificent Mile combined with exceptional facilities and amenities, The Peninsula Chicago is the obvious place to stay for many travellers. The extremely pleasant atmosphere of the hotel, seamless attentive service and attention to detail to make guests comfortable puts this Chicago hotel downtown high in the estimation of its guests. As a premier luxury hotel Chicago the Peninsula Chicago has become an integral part of the city’s lifestyle.