Governor Pritzker Announces Public-Private Partnership to Restore Historic Hotel Florence and Revitalize Pullman Site

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced a transformative public-private partnership to restore and redevelop the historic Hotel Florence and key buildings within the Pullman State Historic Site on Chicago’s South Side — leveraging $21 million in state capital funds to unlock more than $83 million in private investment for a total project value exceeding $100 million.

“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,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “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 agreement will restore the 1881 Hotel Florence, its annex, portions of the Pullman Car Works building, and surrounding grounds — transforming the site into a boutique hotel, dining destination, and cultural and performing arts hub. The partnership, led by a development team headed by Scott Henry of Celadon Construction Corp., represents the first major public-private partnership undertaken by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

The project combines strategic state investment with significant private capital:

Additional private capital commitments are expected over the life of a 75-year agreement to ensure long-term preservation and operations. Together, the partnership more than triples the State’s upfront investment — maximizing taxpayer dollars while addressing deferred maintenance and modernizing one of Illinois’ most culturally significant historic assets.

“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.”

“I was born in Roseland, as was my mother. My grandmother worked at Gately’s,” Celadon CEO Scott Henry said. “Public engagement is part of our DNA. 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.”

“Farr Associates recognizes that work on such a monumental, beautiful project started with a historic labor movement over a century and a half ago,” said Mercedes Miley, President of Farr Associates and resident of the Pullman neighborhood. “The drawings may come from our office, but this is a project that will transform a community. 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.”

“What distinguishes Celadon is their ability to develop physical infrastructure and commitment to social infrastructure,” said Heather Smith, President and CEO of Art of Culture. “Celadon listens to community voices and honors historical context. They invest in intergenerational partnerships that are visionary and future-facing. They build with care and purpose.”

“I have fought hard for the renovation of Hotel Florence and am ecstatic to see a public-private partnership has officially been brokered,” said State Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago). “This investment will not just result in any other hotel. This is an investment in our community, creating job opportunities, resources like community event spaces, and opportunities for small businesses to thrive. Finally, with IDNR and Celadon working in tandem, we can make progress on restoring Hotel Florence to its former glory.”

“I am incredibly proud to be from and represent the Pullman community,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), who also represents the Pullman Historic District. “This forward-thinking partnership is not only a direct result of our responsible, community-centered budgeting efforts — it’s a momentous opportunity that will breathe new life into the Hotel Florence, transform the Pullman Historic Site, and strengthen our broader community.” ​ ​ ​

“The revitalization of Hotel Florence is a meaningful step for the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago and for our state’s broader tourism economy. Historic preservation projects like this help tell Illinois’ story, attract visitors, and create opportunities for nearby businesses, workers, and neighborhoods,” said Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association. “We are proud to support efforts that strengthen the hospitality industry while honoring the unique character and history that make places like Pullman so special.”

Honoring Pullman’s Legacy

Located within the Pullman Historic District, the site stands at the center of one of the most important chapters in American labor and Black history. Pullman was home to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters — the first Black labor union recognized by a major U.S. corporation — and played a defining role in shaping worker protections nationwide.

As Illinois celebrates Black History Month, this investment underscores the State’s commitment to preserving and elevating sites that honor Black leadership, economic progress, and cultural resilience. Built in 1881 as lodging for visiting dignitaries at George M. Pullman’s railcar factory, Hotel Florence has been owned by the State of Illinois since 1991. The surrounding Pullman Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and remains a cornerstone of heritage tourism on Chicago’s Far South Side.

The restored Hotel Florence will help fill a critical hospitality gap, attract new visitors, and support local restaurants, retail, and cultural institutions — strengthening economic opportunity in an underserved community.

The project team includes Farr Associates, Ramsey Historic Consultants, Skender Construction, Wiss, Janey, Elster Associates, and Art of Culture, bringing together expertise in historic preservation, architecture, construction, and cultural programming to ensure the redevelopment honors Pullman’s past while preparing it for the future.

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