Chicago, IL - Bismarck Hotel, Palace Theater - Metropol1tian Office Building" ADVERTISING:  The Bismarck Hotel, Palace Theater, and Metropolitan Office Building form a historic, interconnected complex built in Chicago's Loop between 1924 and 1926.

Origins and Construction

-  Founders: German immigrant brothers Emil and Karl Eitel originally opened the first Bismarck Hotel nearby in 1894 to serve visitors of the 1893 World's Fair.

-  The Grand Complex: To expand, the Eitels hired architectural firm Rapp and Rapp to design a massive new complex at Randolph and LaSalle Streets.

-  The Structure: Completed in 1926, it combined a 19-to-20-story hotel, the 22-story Metropolitan Office Building, and a 2,500-seat vaudeville house known as the Palace Theater

-  World War I Name Change: Due to anti-German sentiment during WWI, the hotel was temporarily renamed the Randolph Hotel before reclaiming the Bismarck name.

Entertainment and Social Hub

-  The Golden Era: The complex became a vibrant social center. The Palace Theater hosted top-tier vaudeville acts and big bands, while the hotel featured famous dining spots like the Swiss Chalet.

-  Prohibition Milestone: The hotel notably hosted Chicago's first legal draft beer pour toward the end of Prohibition.

-  Political Powerhouse: During the 1970s and 1980s, the Bismarck served as the informal headquarters for the Cook County Democratic Party.

Later Years and Modern Rebirth

-  Decline and Sale: The Eitel family sold the property in 1956 to developer Arthur Wirtz, after which the complex gradually entered a period of decline and disrepair.

-  Renovation: Sold again in 1996, the block underwent a massive $31 million restoration.

-  Today: The former hotel reopened as the Kimpton (now operating as the Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago), and the theater operates successfully today as the Cadillac Palace Theatre under Broadway In Chicago.

This Linen Era (1930-45) Advertising postcard is in good condition.