What Happened to the London House in Chicago?

By Anna Duncan

On the night of January 8th, 2021, a historic building in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood went up in flames. The London House, a 21-story hotel and restaurant that had stood since the 1920s, was engulfed in flames that could be seen for miles around. The fire was so intense that it took over 200 firefighters several hours to bring it under control.

History of the London House

The London House was built in 1923 as an office building for the American Furniture Mart. In the early 1940s, it was converted into a hotel and renamed the London Guarantee Building. Over the years, it became a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, known for its stunning views of the Chicago River and its iconic rooftop bar.

The Fire

The fire at the London House began around 4:30 pm on January 8th. It quickly spread through the building’s upper floors and roof, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. As firefighters worked to contain the blaze, nearby streets were closed off and residents of neighboring buildings were evacuated.

Despite their efforts, however, firefighters were unable to save much of the building. By morning, all that remained was a charred shell with only a few portions of its façade still standing.

Aftermath

In the wake of this devastating fire, many questions remain about what will happen to this once-iconic structure. Officials have said that it is too soon to tell if any parts of the building can be salvaged or if it will need to be completely demolished.

While investigations into what caused this fire are ongoing, many people have expressed sadness at seeing such an important part of Chicago’s history go up in flames. For now, all we can do is hope that some part of this beloved landmark can be saved for future generations to enjoy.

Conclusion

The London House fire was a tragic event that has left many Chicagoans mourning the loss of this historic building. While it is too soon to tell what will happen to its remains, we can only hope that some part of it can be saved for future generations to appreciate.