Somerset Hotel, Hotel in den Vereinigten Staaten
The Somerset Hotel is an eight-story building constructed in the 1890s in Romanesque Revival style, featuring curved bay windows, thick stone walls, and rounded arches designed by architect Jules De Horvath. The structure includes a south-facing light court and was positioned close to rail lines, making it convenient for arriving and departing guests.
Commissioned by doctor Frank Stringfield in 1892, the building was praised by 1905 for its value and modern conveniences like hot and cold running water in rooms. The hotel changed names multiple times, becoming Hotel Meyer in the early 1900s and later Hotel Roosevelt, before being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
The Somerset Hotel reflects the role of grand hotels in Chicago's early growth, serving travelers and connecting them to the city's rail network. Its presence in the South Loop shows how commercial districts developed around transportation hubs and how people moved through the city in that era.
The building is within walking distance of Chicago's city center and important locations, with proximity to rail lines for easy access. After extensive renovation in the late 1990s, it now features retail shops on the ground floor and rental apartments in the upper floors.
The building operated under multiple names throughout its history, a common practice for hotels seeking to refresh their image or attract new visitors. This pattern of renaming reflects how businesses adapted their identity to remain competitive in Chicago's rapidly changing landscape.
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