Honoring a master: RIU Plaza Chicago dedicates its design to architect Lucien Lagrange

Recently, friends, family and fans gathered to celebrate renowned architect Lucien Lagrange at the dedication of his most recent project, the RIU Plaza Chicago Hotel at 150 E. Ontario Street. This 28-story neo-classical structure is located in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood. The project marked the entry of the Spanish-based RIU Hotels & Resorts into the urban U.S. market, expanding beyond their traditional Mediterranean and Caribbean portfolio.

The beloved architect focused his fine eye and imbued his unlimited elegance into the hotel’s design that features a classically inspired white masonry façade with terraced setbacks, a bifurcated crown with prominent cornices and dark metal trimming. A distinctive feature is the 27^th floor rooftop terrace with a cantilevered glass balcony, offering panoramic city views (opens April 1). The interior includes 390 modern guest rooms, a fully equipped gym, a restaurant and a lobby bar.

Lagrange is a French-born architect known for his work in high-end residential and commercial buildings, particularly in Chicago. After moving to the U.S., he worked with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill before founding Lucien Lagrange Architects in 1985. His designs blend classical European influences with modern luxury, contributing to Chicago’s skyline with projects like The Ritz-Carlton Residences, 65 East Goethe and the Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Lagrange’s work is celebrated for its elegance, craftsmanship and attention to detail, making him a key figure in contemporary urban architecture.

Some of his most notable projects include:

Residential & Mixed-Use Buildings:

• Waldorf Astoria Chicago (formerly Elysian Hotel & Residences) – 11 E. Walton St.
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences – 118 E. Erie St.
• Park Tower – 800 N. Michigan Ave.
• The Residences at St. Regis Chicago (collaborated on early designs) – 363 E. Wacker Dr.
• 65 East Goethe – 65 E. Goethe St.
• The Pinnacle – 21 E. Huron St.
• The Fordham – 25 E. Superior St.
• Lincoln Park 2550 – 2550 N. Lakeview Ave.
• Ten East Delaware – 10 E. Delaware Pl.

Commercial & Office Buildings:

• Erie on the Park – 510 W. Erie St.
• The Legacy at Millennium Park – 60 E. Monroe St.

The Riu Plaza Chicago Hotel project was developed by The Prime Group, with W.E. O'Neil Construction Company serving as the general contractor. Construction commenced in mid-2022, and the hotel opened its doors in the summer of 2024.  (Riu Plaza Chicago, 150 E. Ontario, riu.com, 312. 363.3480)