Chicago Construction News staff writer
Governor JB Pritzker announced a public-private partnership Thursday to restore the historic Hotel Florence and key buildings at the Pullman State Historic Site, leveraging $21 million in state funding to unlock more than $83 million in private investment for a project valued at over $100 million.
The agreement will rehabilitate the 1881 Hotel Florence, its annex, portions of the Pullman Car Works building, and surrounding grounds, converting the site into a boutique hotel, dining destination, and cultural and performing arts hub. The project is led by a development team headed by Scott Henry of Celadon Construction Corp. and represents the first major public-private partnership undertaken by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“Pullman is a treasured piece of Illinois’ story, and with this public-private partnership, we’re breathing new life into an incredible site through significant capital improvements,” Pritzker said. “This investment is a chance to reinvest in our community and give a boost to local residents, workers, and small businesses — all while allowing new generations of visitors to learn about Pullman’s rich history.”
The state funding comes from $21 million appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly to support rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements at Pullman, while the private sector has committed $83.6 million in initial investment. Additional private capital is expected over a 75-year agreement to ensure long-term preservation and operations.
“This partnership is good for taxpayers, good for the Pullman community, and good for Illinois,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “By combining public leadership with private expertise and capital, we are preserving an irreplaceable historic site while driving economic growth.”
Henry, a Roseland native, said public engagement will be central to the project. “Pullman’s residents and stakeholders will be central to this project from design through operation. This is about building with the community, not just in it,” he said.
Mercedes Miley, president of Farr Associates and a Pullman resident, said the project will transform the neighborhood while honoring its history. “Beyond the buildings, the project includes expanding neighborhood amenities and cultural programming that honors the contributions of the Pullman porters and Chicago’s industrial, civic, and cultural heritage,” she said.
The project team also includes Ramsey Historic Consultants, Skender Construction, Wiss, Janey, Elster Associates, and Art of Culture, combining expertise in historic preservation, architecture, construction, and cultural programming.
Pullman played a defining role in American labor and Black history. It was home to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first Black labor union recognized by a major U.S. corporation. Hotel Florence, built in 1881 as lodging for visiting dignitaries at George M. Pullman’s railcar factory, has been state-owned since 1991. The surrounding Pullman Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, remains a cornerstone of heritage tourism on Chicago’s Far South Side.
State lawmakers and local officials welcomed the announcement. State Rep. Nick Smith said the project will create jobs, community spaces, and opportunities for small businesses, while State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. called it a “momentous opportunity that will breathe new life into the Hotel Florence, transform the Pullman Historic Site, and strengthen our broader community.”
Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, said the restoration will strengthen the hospitality industry while honoring Pullman’s unique character.
The restored Hotel Florence is expected to attract new visitors, support local restaurants and retail, and help fill a hospitality gap on Chicago’s Far South Side.
