Wiss, Janney, Elstner (WJE) has been named to the team tasked with restoring and redeveloping the historic 1881 Hotel Florence. The project is part of a transformative public-private partnership announced by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to revitalize the Pullman State Historic Site buildings and surrounding grounds, transforming the area into a boutique hotel, dining destination, and cultural and performing arts hub.

Our team previously worked with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency on the Pullman Factory and Administration Building and partnered with the State of Illinois to evaluate and stabilize the Hotel Florence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. That work included preparation of a Historic Structure Report, condition assessments, repair and stabilization design, and construction phase services. In 2025 we also worked with the State of Illinois on an emergency stabilization project at the hotel's annex. These prior projects have provided a strong foundation as the site moves into this next phase.

"We've worked closely with the building and site in earlier phases, so we understand both its character and its challenges," said Sarah Van Domelen, WJE engineer and project manager. "Many WJE team members have contributed their expertise here over the years. It's truly an honor to continue their work and to collaborate with the State and the broader redevelopment team to help bring this next chapter to life."

The development team is led by Celadon Construction Corp. WJE joins Farr Associates, Ramsey Historic Consultants, Skender Construction, Art of Culture, site design group, ltd., TERRA Engineering, Ltd., dbHMS, Threshold, and Schuler Shook on the project team. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027.