Decline of a Purple Civilization
Decline of a Purple Civilization is an architectural / surrealist photo series by Timothy Steinman. The images document the last days of Hyatt House Hotel (also known as the Purple Hotel) before it was demolished on August 27th, 2013.
Built in 1960, the hotel was located at 4500 West Touhy Avenue in Lincolnwood, Illinois. The outer bricks were supposed to be dark blue but a manufacturing error occurred and the decision was made to keep the signature purple bricks. In the 1980s the hotel hosted swingers parties, which were infamous for sex and drug binges. In 1983 alleged Chicago Outfit mobster Allen Dorfman was murdered in the parking lot. He was facing a 55-year prison sentence and the execution style murder was most likely to keep him from cooperating with the police to get a reduced sentence. During the 1990s the hotel changed hands between Radisson and Ramada. In 2007 the hotel was closed for health code violations. Mold was discovered in 2008 of the 225 rooms. the hotel also had a defective sprinkler system, failing windows, and a leaking roof. The hotel was purchased by the National Capitol Group in 2011. They intended to renovate the hotel, but decided to demolish it instead.
Built in 1960, the hotel was located at 4500 West Touhy Avenue in Lincolnwood, Illinois. The outer bricks were supposed to be dark blue but a manufacturing error occurred and the decision was made to keep the signature purple bricks. In the 1980s the hotel hosted swingers parties, which were infamous for sex and drug binges. In 1983 alleged Chicago Outfit mobster Allen Dorfman was murdered in the parking lot. He was facing a 55-year prison sentence and the execution style murder was most likely to keep him from cooperating with the police to get a reduced sentence. During the 1990s the hotel changed hands between Radisson and Ramada. In 2007 the hotel was closed for health code violations. Mold was discovered in 2008 of the 225 rooms. the hotel also had a defective sprinkler system, failing windows, and a leaking roof. The hotel was purchased by the National Capitol Group in 2011. They intended to renovate the hotel, but decided to demolish it instead.
