CHICAGO (WLS) — A restaurant that has long overlooked the city of Chicago has closed its doors.
A sign on the elevator outside the Signature Room at 95th, the former Hancock building at 875 N. Michigan Ave., said the restaurant would be closed starting Thursday.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of our beloved Signature Room at the 95th, effective Thursday, September 28, 2023,” the sign read.
The panoramic views of Lake Michigan from the restaurant atop one of Chicago’s most iconic skyscrapers are iconic and have become a staple on the Mag Mile.
SEE MORE: Seven Treasures restaurant in Chicago’s Chinatown closes after more than 40 years
The restaurant and bar cited difficulties since closures during the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the closure.
“For over 30 years, we have had the privilege and honor of serving Chicagoans and visitors from around the world,” the sign read. “We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your years of support.”
It is not the tallest skyscraper in the city. But upstairs, with its location near the lake and overlooking the Magnificent Mile and the Gold Coast, the former John Hancock building offers perhaps the most picturesque view.
And that view is one of the reasons why the Signature Room on the 95th floor is so popular.
Future couple Andrea Rossi and Eric Jara said they had already paid thousands of dollars in full for their wedding reception, which was scheduled to take place at the venue next Sunday.
“We found out today that the Signature Room was closed when we saw it on Facebook,” said bride Andrea Rossi. “They didn’t contact us at all. We have not received a call or an email. We tried calling them but we got no answer.”
The bride even received an email from her wedding coordinator on Wednesday evening telling her everything was fine.
“She wrote ‘Good evening Andrea, we’re looking forward to Sunday evening.’ “She just confirmed some details about the tables we will have in the room and the size,” Rossi said.
Less than 24 hours later, a relative sent the Signature Room couple a Facebook post announcing the restaurant’s immediate closure.
“They have a great reputation,” Rossi said. “I could never have predicted this.”
“This is in addition to this series of closures there, particularly retailers like GAP and Macy’s, T-Mobile and others along the Mag Mile that have closed during the pandemic,” said Danny Ecker of Crain’s Chicago Business.
The closure of the 95th floor restaurant adds 30% to the vacancy rate along the dwindling Magnificent Mile.
It was reportedly one of the highest-grossing restaurants not only in Chicago but also in the United States
“I think it’s a shock when you look at an institution like that that so many people knew. locals and out-of-towners, abruptly closing its doors,” said Danny Ecker of Crain’s Chicago Business.
According to Crain’s, the vacancy rate on Michigan Avenue is now nearly 30%, and foot traffic in the tourist mecca has also declined significantly.
The owners of Signature Room recently extended their lease on the property through 2031. The building is now looking for a new tenant.
“Everyone knows that you have some of the coolest views of the city from up there, and I think there is someone interested in occupying that space,” Ecker said.
360 CHICAGO released a statement Thursday saying, “Like many of us, all of us at 360 CHICAGO were shocked and saddened by the sudden closure of the Signature Room. For 30 years, we have not only shared our own elevators with the Signature Room, but they have been wonderful neighbors and partners, and their presence in the building will be missed,” said Nichole Benolken, executive director of 360 CHICAGO.
“At 360 CHICAGO, just one floor down from the Signature Room, business will remain as usual. Although there was some confusion at times, the Signature Room and 360 CHICAGO are two completely separate entities with different owners. We are open from 9am We continue to operate our cocktail lounge – CloudBar and Thrill Ride – TILT, host a variety of events and offer the very best views of Chicago. For more information about 360 CHICAGO, visit our website at 360CHICAGO.com or @360CHICAGO.”
“This is in addition to this series of closures there, particularly retailers like GAP and Macy’s, T-Mobile and others along the Mag Mile that have closed during the pandemic,” said Danny Ecker of Crain’s Chicago Business.
The closure of the 95th floor restaurant adds 30% to the vacancy rate along the dwindling Magnificent Mile.