original 1930s-40s matchbook cover from the warner hotel tap room, located at 3301 cottage grove avenue, chicago, il.

original 1930s-40s matchbook cover from the warner hotel tap room, located at 3301 cottage grove avenue, chicago, il.

this is the hotel where louis sullivan died on april 14th, 1924.

located at 33rd street and cottage grove avenue, the hotel and annex had 300 rooms, with 200 equipped with private bathrooms. the hotel - which wasn't known as warner until 1901 - housed the popular warner cafe located on street level. it was converted into hotel and apartments in 1911, with daily rates beginning at a dollar or a buck and a half with bathroom. weekly and permanent rates were offered at discount.

architect louis h. sullivan died penniless at the warner in his room on april 14th, 1924. no documents have surfaced indicating which room he occupied. sullivan received his mail at cliff dwellers or the american terra cotta company.

courtesy of bldg. 51 collection