Walk down the Magnificent Mile on a Saturday afternoon and you’ll get hit by a wall of noise, tourists, and towering limestone. It's easy to get lost in the shuffle. But if you stop right at the corner of Michigan and Illinois, you're looking at 505 N Michigan Ave Chicago IL, a spot that carries a lot more weight than your average luxury skyscraper. Most people just call it the Hotel InterContinental. Or, if they’re old-school, they remember it as the Medinah Athletic Club.
It’s huge. It’s ornate. Honestly, it’s one of those buildings that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1920s, mostly because, well, you have.
The thing about 505 N Michigan Ave Chicago IL is that it represents the weird, ambitious, and slightly chaotic energy of pre-Depression Chicago. It wasn’t built to be a hotel for weary travelers. No, it was originally a playground for the Shriners. We're talking about a private men's club with a miniature golf course on the 23rd floor and a swimming pool that remains one of the most beautiful indoor spots in the entire country. If you've ever seen those photos of a gold-leafed, Olympic-sized pool that looks like something out of a Roman palace, that’s here.
The Architecture is Basically a History Lesson
Most skyscrapers pick a theme and stick to it. This place? It’s a mess of styles in the best way possible. Architect Walter W. Ahlschlager basically took a "more is more" approach. You’ve got Mesopotamian figures carved into the limestone exterior. Then you step inside and see Celtic, Byzantine, and Italian Renaissance influences. It’s a bit overwhelming. But it works.
The building was completed in 1929. Bad timing, right? The Great Depression hit almost immediately after the doors opened. The Shriners lost the building in the 1930s, and it went through a bit of an identity crisis for a few decades. It served as a Continental Hotel and even a Sheraton before the InterContinental folks took over in the 80s and poured a fortune into restoring it.
You can really feel that restoration when you walk through the lobby. It doesn't feel like a modern, sterile corporate hotel. It feels heavy. The wood is thick, the marble is real, and the history is palpable.
Why 505 N Michigan Ave Chicago IL Still Commands the Mag Mile
Location is everything. If you’re staying at or visiting this address, you are effectively at the center of the city’s gravity. You have the Wrigley Building directly to your south and the Tribune Tower right across the street. It’s the "Gateway to the Magnificent Mile."
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But there’s a practical side to this address that people often overlook.
- The Proximity Factor: You are seconds away from the Chicago Riverwalk.
- Retail Therapy: Nordstrom is basically your neighbor.
- The Food Scene: You have Michael Jordan's Steak House right inside the building. It’s not just a gimmick; the food is actually solid, especially if you’re into high-end cuts of meat and a pretty legendary garlic bread.
It’s also surprisingly accessible. Even if you aren't staying there, you can usually wander in to see the lobby or grab a drink. The "Center Court" area is a great place to people-watch without feeling like you're in a crowded mall.
The Pool Everyone Obsesses Over
Let's talk about the pool. It’s on the 14th floor. It’s officially the oldest pool in the city, and it’s arguably the most famous. Johnny Weissmuller—the guy who played Tarzan—used to train here.
It’s an indoor pool, but it feels massive because of the high ceilings and the intricate tiling. There’s a fountain of Neptune. There are rows of spectator seats. It feels like a place where serious business used to happen in swimsuits. Today, it’s a bit more relaxed, but it still maintains that "Old World" luxury that’s hard to find in the newer glass-and-steel towers popping up in the West Loop or along the river.
What People Get Wrong About This Landmark
A lot of people think 505 N Michigan Ave Chicago IL is just another overpriced tourist trap. I get it. Michigan Avenue can feel that way. But the InterContinental is one of the few places that actually lives up to its own hype because of the sheer level of preservation.
They have two towers: the Historic Tower (the original 1929 structure) and the Executive Tower (built in the 1960s).
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If you want the "real" experience, you stay in the Historic Tower. The rooms are smaller—because 1920s luxury meant something different than 2020s luxury—but the details are much richer. The Executive Tower is fine, but it’s a standard hotel experience. If you’re coming here for the soul of Chicago, go for the old side.
Another misconception? That it's inaccessible. While it's a luxury hotel, the staff is generally used to architectural enthusiasts coming in just to gawk at the carvings or the elevators. As long as you aren't causing a scene, it's one of the best free "museums" in the city.
The Logistics of the Address
Navigating this part of Chicago can be a nightmare if you aren't prepared. The "lower" levels of Michigan Avenue are a labyrinth. If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft to 505 N Michigan Ave Chicago IL, make sure they stay on the upper level. If you end up on Lower Michigan, you’re going to be wandering through a dark, concrete tunnel looking for an elevator that may or may not be working.
Parking is another story. It’s expensive. Expect to pay upwards of $70 for valet. Honestly? Just take the "L." The Red Line stops at Grand and State, which is a very short walk away. You’ll save money and avoid the soul-crushing traffic that defines this stretch of the city during rush hour.
Actionable Tips for Visiting or Staying at 505 N Michigan Ave
If you're planning to spend any time at this historic landmark, don't just wing it. To get the most out of the experience, follow these steps.
Book the Historic Tower specifically. When making a reservation, double-check that your room is in the original 1929 wing. You’ll get the ornate crown molding and that vintage vibe that makes the price tag worth it.
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Visit the 11th floor. There’s a terrace area and some historical displays that give you a better sense of what the Shriners were actually doing here back in the day. It’s a quiet escape from the noise of the street below.
Check the pool hours early. Because the pool is such a draw, it can get crowded with families. If you want that serene, cinematic experience, go as soon as it opens in the morning.
Eat at Michael Jordan's Steak House, but sit at the bar. The main dining room is great, but the bar area has a much better energy for a quick bite or a drink. The "MJ’s Delmonico" is the move if you’re hungry, but even just the blue cheese garlic bread is a local legend for a reason.
Use the Pedway if it’s winter. Chicago winters are no joke. You can actually access parts of the Chicago Pedway system not far from here, allowing you to navigate toward the Loop without having to face the wind off the lake for the entire trek.
Look up at the facade. Before you enter, stand on the opposite side of Michigan Avenue and look at the carvings. You can see the evolution of different civilizations depicted in the stone, moving from the bottom to the top. It’s a literal timeline of human history according to 1920s architects.
This building isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a survivor. It made it through the Depression, the decline of the Mag Mile, and several ownership changes. Today, it stands as a reminder that Chicago doesn't just build things; it builds things to last. Whether you're an architecture nerd or just someone looking for a bed in the heart of the action, 505 N Michigan Ave is a spot that actually deserves its iconic status.