SOPHY Hyde Park is not only the first luxury boutique hotel in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. It’s also one of the most design-forward.  That’s especially true in its restaurant, Mesler.

“SOPHY’s design pays respect to the rich history and diversity of architecture in Hyde Park, while celebrating new technologies and innovations,” says Greg Randall, a Principal of GREC Architects, the architect of the project. “The hotel is cozy and artful, yet provocative. We organized the ground floor to create an atmosphere of discovery for guests. From the warm, inviting front entrance, to the secluded, landscaped outdoor terrace, SOPHY creates a meaningful environment for hotel guests and the Hyde Park community.”

Brick masonry appears as a common theme, used in SOPHY’s facade, which is clad in Norman brick, similar to the elongated masonry module employed by Wright on the Robie House. The punched windows of dark metal and glass pay homage to Chicago’s progressive industrial era. Mesler Kitchen, as well as the lobby lounge and bar was designed to anchor the restaurant and make it a neighborhood destination.

“SOPHY stands apart from bustling downtown Chicago as a sophisticated sanctuary reflective of surrounding Hyde Park,” says Michael Suomi, Principal, Stonehill Taylor, the firm responsible for the hotel’s interiors. “Each space in the hotel celebrates the arts, sciences, music and literature. We combine upscale materials with sinuous forms to achieve an elegant aesthetic throughout and crafted expansive public areas and oversized guestrooms, layering in textures and a prominent art package. Our goal is to create luxurious yet intimate spaces reminiscent of the neighborhood’s residential interiors.”