Why this building matters
Built in 1896 and designed by Peter J. Weber of D.H. Burnham & Company, the Silversmith Building was commissioned by jewelry and silver firms and rose in the heart of Wabash Avenue’s Jewelers Row. Its central light court flooded the upper floors with the daylight silversmiths needed for fine work. One of the few surviving Burnham-firm buildings to reflect the English Arts and Crafts spirit, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 and sensitively converted into a boutique hotel — terra-cotta facade restored, period-inspired interiors throughout.
Read the Silversmith's history on Historic Hotels of America → (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
- Genuine landmark character: 12-foot ceilings, oversized windows with cushioned seats, and warm Arts-and-Crafts-inspired interiors with dark oak and period detailing.
- A central Loop address on Jewelers Row — a four-minute walk to Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and the Chicago Theatre, with the L at the corner.
- The lobby’s Adamus Lounge for modern American plates and cocktails, and the quiet, residential feel once you’re upstairs.
What to keep in mind
- A late-1890s building — rooms and layouts vary
- Elevated tracks are nearby; request a courtyard-facing room for quiet
Best for Architecture lovers and history-minded travelers who want a genuine landmark stay in the heart of the Loop, within walking distance of the city’s cultural core.
Summary of guest reviews. Sources: The Silversmith Hotel, Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Preservation Chicago. Photography courtesy of Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown, used with permission. Details may change over time.