Chicago Athletic Association opens doors to public

CHICAGO (WLS) -- For over 122 years, the address 12 South Michigan has been one of the most exclusive in Chicago. But now, what was the very private Chicago Athletic Association is opening its doors to the public.

When you stroll Michigan Avenue just south of Madison, you have to see it: the old Chicago Athletic Association at 12 South Michigan. The facade is straight from Venice, and inside it's the perfect example of "they just don't build them like they used to." It was the ultimate in a "private club", but not anymore.

"Today, Frank, we're opening the doors of the Chicago Athletic Association to the public for the first time in its history as the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel," said Patrick Hatton, general manager of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.

That's right, it is now a hotel and we're all welcome. This classic structure that debuted in 1893 - along with the World's Fair - is now a combination of history and the future. The history is because of those famous founders.

"The original members were Marshall Field, Spalding, William Wrigley, and there's a little story here. Ah, Comiskey wanted to become a member and was on the waiting list and when his name came up. It was amidst the Black Sox Scandal and he wasn't allowed," Hatton said.

It's not known how much money John Pritzker and Commune Hotels are spending on the renovation, but the results are everywhere. Old drop ceilings have been removed and the original craftsmanship has been restored. The elevators are now lined with wood from the old fencing courts, the game room will feature bocce ball and the many games the old swells loved so well.

You didn't have to be a great athlete to belong to the Chicago Athletic Association but you did have to have lots of money and lots of connections. This was a very exclusive club.

"The old club was extremely exclusive with a 14-year waiting list. (But the new hotel?) Not exclusive whatsoever. Open to the public," Hatton said.

No, you don't need high society pedigree, but you do need plastic that works.