Emil Bach House - Chicago | The Way, Way Bach

Paul Banks, the 40-year-old lead vocalist of the rock band Interpol, offers a glimpse into his one-bedroom apartment located in Manhattan’s East Village. The apartment, situated in a converted textile factory, features distinctive 10-foot-high iron-frame windows, reminiscent of an artist's loft. Banks, who also engages in painting, explains that while he briefly resided in Jersey City, he consistently finds himself drawn back to this particular neighborhood. Banks elaborates on his creative process, noting that Interpol's songs are primarily written during rehearsals. However, he acknowledges that his apartment provides a suitable environment for making music, equipped with a device that allows him to connect a guitar and microphones to his laptop. He primarily uses this space for lyrical 'homework,' although he admits to doing more of this creative work at his beach house in Panama. He shares the unique story behind a rare Fender guitar he acquired in Panama. He discovered the instrument in an unconventional shop that also sold air-conditioners and lint filters. The guitar, a rare model with a triple humbucker, was an impulse buy for Banks, highlighting his appreciation for unique finds. Banks reveals his artistic pursuits, stating that he exclusively paints faces. His easel is positioned by the window, and his subjects are predominantly character actors from 1980s and 1990s B movies. He expresses a particular fondness for a painting of the antagonist from Sylvester Stallone's "Over the Top," drawn to the dramatic lighting and the expressive qualities of character actors. This contrasts with the prevalence of abstract modern art, showcasing his specific interest in portraiture, both as a creator and a collector. Reflecting on his teenage aspirations, Banks recalls never having a clear image of a rock star's home. Instead, his ideal setting was a desk by an open window overlooking the ocean. He vividly remembers experiencing this simple dream during a trip to Spain, finding contentment in a cheap hotel room with a sea view. This earlier aspiration reveals a preference for tranquility and natural beauty over the typical rock star lifestyle, and he emphasizes that he never envisioned city life, tour buses, or extensive travel as part of this dream. Banks addresses the common belief among some artists that the energy of a city like New York is essential for inspiration. He disagrees with this notion, asserting that he doesn't require the chaos of the city to fuel his creativity. He finds greater inspiration in sunlight and waves, candidly describing himself as a 'beach bum' at heart. Despite this, he admits that if he were to live anywhere other than a beach, New York would be his choice, clarifying that he is not critical of his hometown. His apartment, therefore, serves as a significant, albeit not exclusive, creative hub, blending urban living with personal artistic and musical endeavors, all while maintaining a connection to his preferred natural environments. #PaulBanks #Interpol #EastVillage #ApartmentTour #MusicianLife #HomeStudio #ArtisticInterests #RockStarHome #NewYorkCity

This article highlights a unique steel and concrete structure nestled in Society Hill, which was once the residence of entertainment impresario Larry Magid, co-founder of Electric Factory Concerts. Magid and his wife, Mickey, sold the home in 2009 to its current owners, Franz Rabauer and Brian Daggett. Rabauer describes the home as a "Bauhaus," a style influenced by modernism that emerged from Germany in the 1920s. Bauhaus architecture typically features flat roofs, smooth facades, and cubic shapes with neutral colors, all of which are evident in this property. Built in 1996, this Center City home was designed by Darroff Designs, with specific details contributed by renowned artists Ray King and Peter Pierobin. The house was custom-built for Magid. During its construction in the mid-1990s, human bones were discovered when builders blasted through an old concrete floor, revealing the site was once a church graveyard in the 19th century. Today, a 51-foot-wide contemporary home stands on the 600 block of Addison Street. Rabauer, a local realtor, was drawn to the home for its distinctive design and open floor plan. A striking feature that captivated him upon his first viewing was the "floating" staircase, positioned adjacent to a three-story wall of glass at the rear of the house. He notes that the staircase, constructed on-site, appears to float three stories high, supported by large steel beams that are painted to blend with the wall, making them almost disappear. This design, combined with numerous skylights, floods the 4,500-square-foot home with abundant natural light. Rabauer characterizes the home as a Bauhaus due to its emphasis on natural light and its clean facade, which primarily consists of rows of glass. The three-bedroom, four-bath residence offers several amenities, including a large family and media room, a garage capable of accommodating at least three cars, an elevator, and tigerwood floors. It also boasts two south-facing terraces and a three-story glass wall that provides views of a private garden. The master suite, occupying most of the third level, includes "his and her" dressing rooms and built-in televisions in the master bath. Custom built-ins, created by internationally acclaimed artist Peter Pierobin, are located in the dining room and media room, providing ideal spaces for Rabauer and Daggett to display their collection of 3D sculptures. The sidelights at the entrance were designed by Ray King, whose work is exhibited globally and includes the "Hello David" sculpture in Philadelphia. Rabauer and Daggett have also personalized the home with several changes, such as repainting the entire interior and exterior in shades of white with subtle hints of blue, gray, and a touch of ochre. They installed limestone and tigerwood floors and replaced the stone on the fireplace. Rabauer expresses his enjoyment of the Center City neighborhood, citing its cobblestone streets and ease of navigation as desirable attributes. #SocietyHill #BauhausArchitecture #LarryMagid #ModernHomeDesign #PhiladelphiaRealEstate #CustomBuiltHome #InteriorDesign #ArtisticDetails

The LondonHouse Chicago, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is a meticulously restored hotel situated in a landmark 1920s skyscraper at the DuSable Bridge, offering a blend of historical charm and contemporary design. It opened in spring 2016 after a detailed renovation that included the addition of a 22-story glass tower and a popular three-level rooftop lounge. The hotel's architecture and interior design, coupled with panoramic views of downtown Chicago and the Chicago River, provide a visually engaging experience. As a Curio by Hilton property, it combines expected Hilton services with a unique, individualized feel, allowing guests to earn and redeem Hilton Honors loyalty points. The hotel boasts an enviable downtown location, steps from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, making it convenient for exploring the city's attractions. Room rates are notably affordable, with standard rooms starting as low as $127 in the low season and $299 in high season. Vista Suites, which were comped for review, begin at $239 in low season and $419 in high season. These suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows that provide prime views of the Chicago River, the Wrigley Building, and the Trump Tower. Standard rooms also offer many similar features, making them a practical choice for business travelers and couples. The review highlights the comfort and modern aesthetics of the Vista Suite, which included a small living area with a flat-screen TV and a Nespresso machine. The bedroom featured a King-sized captain's bed with storage drawers and striking views. The bathroom was updated with dark grey hexagonal tiles, a black marble-topped vanity, and a white marble tiled shower, stocked with Malin + Goetz products and Frette robes. Although some minor wear was observed on the bathroom mirror frame, the overall impression was one of newness and quality. Guests are advised to request a north-facing room for optimal views. The hotel offers a range of on-site amenities, including a fitness center, a full-service spa, and five dining options. While some ground-floor businesses are independent tenants, the hotel's official dining includes a lobby bar serving all-day meals and LH, a main restaurant on the top floor focusing on contemporary American classics. A significant draw is LH on 22, the three-level rooftop bar, which offers some of Chicago's best views and is a popular spot, particularly in warmer months when lines form to access it. During colder seasons, the rooftop remains open for viewing, sometimes featuring a warm-drink pop-up bar. The ancient-Greek inspired cupola atop the roof provides a unique architectural feature and a romantic setting. Its central location places LondonHouse Chicago within walking distance of popular landmarks such as North Michigan Avenue's shopping, Millennium Park (home to The Bean), the Chicago Architecture Center, and the Art Institute. The recently completed Chicago Riverwalk, directly across the street, offers opportunities for jogging and features numerous waterfront eateries and bars with outdoor seating when the weather permits. The hotel is highly rated, receiving an 'awesome' 9.2 on Booking.com and ranking among the top hotels on Trip Advisor, with reviewers frequently praising its location, views, and staff. However, some guests have noted noise issues, particularly from outside and near elevators, suggesting that light sleepers might prefer rooms away from these areas due to the late-night activity of the rooftop bar. Recommended for business travelers, couples on weekend getaways, and Hilton Honors members, the LondonHouse Chicago also appeals to those attending events or seeking a crash pad after a night out. Notable features include the ornate, restored rotunda at the Michigan Avenue entrance with its gold-leaf ceiling and star, which pays homage to the building's history. The unparalleled views from the lobby, north-facing rooms, and especially the rooftop cupola are highlighted as a must-see. Prospective guests are advised that rooms in the original 1920s building may have smaller windows and potentially less desirable views, reinforcing the recommendation for north-facing rooms. While the rooftop bar's full service is seasonal, its viewing access remains a year-round attraction. #LondonHouseChicago #HiltonCurioCollection #ChicagoHotels #LuxuryTravel #HotelReview #DowntownChicago #RooftopBar #ArchitecturalLandmark