Chicago ยท South Michigan Avenue
Congress Plaza Hotel
Built in 1893 for World's Columbian Exposition visitors, facing Grant Park, with ghost stories about Al Capone and Room 441.
- Built
- 1893North tower built 1893 as the Auditorium Annex for World's Columbian Exposition visitors; south tower built 1902-1907; renamed the Congress Hotel in 1911 (official history).
- Architect
- Clinton J. Warren (north tower)
- Type
- Grand hotel
- Area
- South Michigan Avenue
- Credentials
- Local landmark
The story
Developer R. H. Southgate opened the hotel in 1893 as the Auditorium Annex, with a north tower designed by Clinton Warren, to house visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition; an underground ‘Peacock Alley’ linked it to the Auditorium Hotel. The south tower followed in 1902-1907, and its banquet hall became the first ballroom in America to use air conditioning, per the hotel. It was renamed the Congress Hotel in 1911. During World War II the federal government bought it to house army officers, and the Pick Hotel Corporation remodeled it in 1950-1952.
The ghost story
Choose Chicago reports lore that Al Capone's ghost is seen near his old suite, that a spirit called Peg Leg Johnny turns lights and electronics on and off, and that a female ghost in Room 441 'kicks guests awake from the foot of the bed.'
Source: www.choosechicago.com
Good to know
- Address: 520 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605
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Sources (2)
Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.