Installing a retractable roof system like the one at IO Urban Roofscape takes much planning and preparation. Libart North America’s recent blog post explains how architects took a special retractable roof course with Libart Project Manager Jeff Manger prior to construction of The Godfrey Hotel Chicago.
Libart Project Manager Jeff Manger taught architects about retractable roof systems. (libartusa.com)
IO Urban Roofscape encompasses approximately 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, with 10,000 square feet of lounge and event space – named for its captivating Indoor/Outdoor ambiance. Get started at the indoor bar with plush banquettes and a VIP area. Breeze through the sliding glass wall and you’ll find yourself sipping drinks at the outdoor bar during the day, after work, at night or on weekends in front of the commanding views of Chicago.
Indoor/outdoor paradise with our retractable roof system.
Experience IO Urban Roofscape, where you can enjoy the day and dress the night. Follow on Twitter and Instagram at @iogodfrey, or plan your next event. You can even see some of the various daytime or evening events we have hosted in the past by clicking here.
You’re standing in The Godfrey Hotel Chicago’s lobby with your friends, and you’re trying to decide where to eat dinner. Not one of you is from Chicago, so who do you ask for help? We have our in-person hotel concierge and our on-site touch screens to help you with these questions, but thanks to UrbanBuddy, you can now also download a unique, mobile concierge app directly to your phone.
Get more information about UrbanBuddy on The Godfrey Hotel Chicago touch screens. You can scan the QRC code to download the app.
We talked to UrbanBuddy’s Paul Brogna about the vision behind their company, and how it helps travelers get the most out of visits to new cities:
Q: How did UrbanBuddy come about? What was the inspiration?
A: Our story began in Barcelona, Spain, where Pete and I spent a semester abroad in 2007 studying architecture. Barcelona is where we learned how valuable knowing a local really is, which became the catalyst to create UrbanBuddy. The inspiration came from one local named Keyan Pak, who was our go-to source for local information and really showed us the local way throughout our entire abroad experience.
Q: What are some of the best tips you would provide guests looking for something to do in Chicago? And in River North? We’ve noticed UrbanBuddy is great with hyper-local questions.
A: UrbanBuddy is a resource for hyper-local and on-demand information. For guests looking for something to do in Chicago, I would recommend downloading the app and ask our expert locals! After all, the service is about real-time information and not based on reviews or static content. For the best tips on what to do in Chicago, ask your UrbanBuddy and chat in real-time.
Q: Why should guests try using UrbanBuddy?
A: I think The New York Times put it best: “[UrbanBuddy is] like an in-the-know friend whispering in your smartphone.” Every traveler has questions, needs and a desire to be wowed and to seek out a local’s perspective. UrbanBuddy provides travelers with the platform and community they need to find the best answers.
UrbanBuddy co-Founders Paul Brogna (left) and Pete Stam (right).
It’s Throwback Thursday (or #ThrowbackThursday or just #TBT) and we want to take a look back at the construction and progress of I|O Urban Roofscape. From the beginning, the team envisioned what I|O Urban Roofscape is today: a rooftop lounge with uninterrupted views of Chicago’s southern skyline. I|O’s rooftop lounge offers panoramic views, a fire pit, shimmering water elements, a video wall and our famed retractable roof. It boasts approximately 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.
But first, it was simply a blank canvas. Take a look at this #TBT photo below from Feb. 15, 2013 (more than one year ago), which shows I|O Urban Roofscape in the beginning. This was from one of our many #SiteVisits and you can see parts of the impressive skyline view as initial surveying is completed.
Flash forward to Dec. 5, 2013 and you can see our one-of-a-kind retractable roof being installed. A photo is below:
Then, take a look at I|O Urban Roofscape today – an indoor bar with plush banquette seating, a VIP area and more. Guests and Chicagoans can step outside and walk past the sliding glass wall to the outdoor lounge. It makes for the perfect place to sip cocktails at the outdoor bar or enjoy lunch while taking in Chicago’s skyline. No matter the weather, I|O Urban Roofscape offers the perfect escape and is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night bites. To view I|O’s menu, please click here.
Following are photos showing how the breath-taking rooftop lounge has evolved into Chicago’s newest hotspot:
The entry of I|O Urban Roofscape at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago.The indoor bar at IO Urban Roofscape at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago.
It all comes together when you take a look at the photos from start to finish – and of course, we hope to see you soon at The Godfrey’s I|O Urban Roofscape.
#ThrowbackThursday – A look at how I|O Urban Roofscape evolved from a blank canvas to Chicago’s rooftop lounge with a retractable roof, fire pit and shimmering water elements.
During the first six weeks at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, we’ve hosted some amazing IO Urban Roofscape events – all extremely unique in tone. From styling details to room setup, we can accommodate any party or event request.
Kehoe Designs hosted a beautiful birthday party in the Truss Room, with lots of pink notes and an overall theme of love.
Birthday part setup in the Truss Room for Kehoe Designs.
We converted our space into a press room for The Godfrey Hotel Chicago’s official ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with a beautiful lunch setup complete with orange floral centerpieces at IO Urban Roofscape.
IO Urban Roofscape set up for a press conference with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.Sophisticated table settings greet Mayor Emanuel and attendees of the ribbon cutting ceremony for The Godfrey Hotel Chicago.
Akira Chicago hosted a fashion show and party, and we delivered a comfortable viewing space for guests to take in all the new trends.
IO Urban Roofscape even accommodates a runway for an Akira Chicago evening fashion show.
Finally, Choose Chicago joined us for one of our first lunch events and we were able to show off our rooftop lounge during the bright, sunny daytime hours. Our red and white floral table designs completed the look.
Choose Chicago dined with IO Urban Roofscape for one of our first lunch parties.We can customize your table settings for any season or occasion.
With spring approaching, now is a great time to book your next meeting, party, lunch, dinner or fundraiser with The Godfrey Hotel Chicago and IO Urban Roofscape! Our retractable roof will open as the temperatures rise – you won’t believe our truly amazing view of the magnificent Chicago skyline. Click here for more information on special events.
If you missed the release of I|O Urban Roofscape’s awesome time lapse video this weekend, you can watch it here. The video captures the entire construction process for the nightlife hot spot, showing the installation of the retractable roof. We’ve also been snapping some awesome photos of guests having a blast at I|O Urban Roofscape since we opened – you can see them in the video, too. Come see us soon and make sure to tag photos of you and your friends with @iogodfrey on Twitter and Instagram, or visit us on Facebook.
I|O Urban Roofscape is Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge and is open year-round. We offer unobstructed skyline views, a gourmet bar menu, innovative mixology cocktails and more. To learn more, please visit www.iogodfrey.com. Curious about the menus? Our food and drink offerings are available here.
Building The Godfrey 