Grand Pacific Hotel, Historic hotel building in Chicago, Illinois
The Grand Pacific Hotel was a large structure occupying an entire block between Clark, LaSalle, Jackson, and Quincy streets, containing around 460 rooms across its many floors. The building offered accommodations at different price points, ranging from modest rooms to luxury suites for various types of guests.
This hotel was built in 1873 following the Great Chicago Fire, costing approximately one and a half million dollars as a replacement for the earlier Pacific Hotel. Its construction was part of the city's rapid recovery after the devastating disaster.
The dining room served as a gathering place for Chicago's social elite, hosting regular dinners that featured international cuisine and drew substantial press coverage. These events made the hotel a cultural center of the city.
Access to and viewing of the building may be limited or unavailable due to its age and current condition, so checking ahead about public access options is recommended. Tours or interior viewing opportunities may be restricted to certain areas or times.
On October 11, 1883, railroad officials gathered within this hotel to establish the Standard Time System for the United States. This meeting became a turning point for national timekeeping practices and transformed the location into a place of significant historical importance.
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