"An amazing gem in SE Chicago!" Pullman by rmdw

Pullman Travel Guide: 23 reviews and 45 photos

Pullman is a small area in SE Chicago that has some beautifully restored houses dating from the 1880's.

The community was conceived and built by George Pullman, founder of the Pullman Palace Car Company.

He located his railway car factory there to avoid the high costs of land closer to downtown. So in 1880 he purchased about 4,000 acres of land just west of Lake Calumet, hired architect Solon Beman and landscape architect Nathan Barrett, and over the next 4 years built Pullman, the first planned model industrial town.

Hotel Florence

The centerpiece of the community is the beautifully ornate Hotel Florence, named after George Pullman's daughter. It was closed in Oct. 2000 for renovations but is periodically open for brief tours. As the tour guide told us, "If someone happens by while one of us is here then we'll definitely give them a tour!"

If you'd like to hear some music from the era, played right on the patio of the hotel then click here (Quicktime required)

Old Hotel Florence sign

Here's and old sign from the hotel, currently stored inside. At the moment only the main floor can be seen, but there are plans to completely renovate the 2nd floor. Fire regulations may prevent the 3rd & 4th floors from ever being used again.

Intro Updated Oct 11, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (2)

Hotel Florence Things to Do (2)

The Hotel Florence is the centerpiece of Pullman. The establishment was namede for George Pullman's daughter, Florence.... more travel advice

Pullman, IL Things to Do (2)

Pullman is one of my new favourite places in Chicago! When originally built in 1880, it was a separate town, but... more travel advice

Comments (2)

Reply
- Report abuse
deecat Dec 26, 2006 at 5:41 PM

I certainly agree with you about Pullman, Robert. Excellent presentation.
Reply
- Report abuse
shekaago Oct 12, 2004 at 5:10 AM

Excellent page Robert! There is no competition. I have not even taken my film in to have a disc made yet! You've already put me to shame!