CHICAGO ATHLETIC CLUB
Looking for a Chicago venue for last week's Adaptive Path event, I found this place. We wanted a good location, affordable rooms and some character.
Holy crap, did we get character.
The C.A.C. was built in 1893. They've renovated one floor a decade. If you get a '40s floor, you're set. If you get a '70s, you're screwed.
My favorite amenities included:
- The pool - Looks just like FDR's White House pool. Though they let the ladies in (since '74), some members have yet to get used to it. There were lots of members hanging out.
- The Cherry Circle Bar - All mahogany card tables, walls covered in paintings of formerly wild game, and, unlike the dining room, you didn't have to wear a jacket.
- The boxing ring - I did what I could to get a Veen vs. Merholz match on the ticket - they had to answer email.
- The Wall of Dead Guys - No mention of who the hell they are.
Things I learned:
- Despite his 6'5" stature and 100+ miles a week cycling, if Veen says he sucks at basketball, believe him. (Congrats again, Peter.)
- Girls love sneaking into Men's rooms.
- These guys love aftershave, pomade, and tonic (all free, most made since1930).
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