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The Ohio House Motel, a 1960 Midcentury Modern motor-court motel in River North

Ohio House Motel

A genuine 1960 mid-century motor motel with a glowing
Googie sign and free parking — vintage Americana downtown.

1960Arthur Salk (Shayman & Salk)Midcentury Modern 600 N. LaSalle Drive, River North

Ohio House Motel. 1960, Arthur Salk (Shayman & Salk), 600 N. LaSalle Drive. Photo courtesy of Ohio House Motel.

The Ohio House neon sign
The motel's classic neon sign against the skyline. Photo courtesy of Ohio House Motel.
The Ohio House Motel
The retro motel in River North. Photo courtesy of Ohio House Motel.
A room with skyline views
A guest room with floor-to-ceiling skyline views. Photo courtesy of Ohio House Motel.
A guest room with a city view
A guest room with a city view. Photo courtesy of Ohio House Motel.
A guest room
A mid-century guest room. Photo courtesy of Ohio House Motel.

Why this building matters

Built in 1960 at the corner of LaSalle and Ohio, the Ohio House is a textbook piece of Midcentury Modern roadside architecture — clean lines, geometric forms, and a low-slung motor-court layout that once welcomed motorists pulling off the new expressways. As River North transformed from a warehouse district into a gallery-and-dining hotspot, the Ohio House endured, its googie-era charm (and its famous diner-style coffee shop) intact.

Read more about the Ohio House Motel's history → (booking directly with the hotel doesn't generate a referral fee that supports our preservation work — the button at right does)

What guests are saying

What guests love

  • An authentic, well-kept Midcentury Modern motel — a rare and charming downtown survivor.
  • Free on-site parking and honest rates in the heart of River North.
  • The beloved retro Ohio House Cafe for a classic diner breakfast.

What to keep in mind

  • A simple motel, not a full-service hotel
  • Basic rooms; a no-frills, vintage experience

Best for Road-trippers, design fans, and value seekers who love retro character and want free parking in the middle of downtown.

Summary of guest reviews. Sources: Ohio House Motel, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Preservation Chicago. Photography courtesy of Ohio House Motel, used with permission. Details may change over time.