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Renaissance Center: Joliet's Landmark of Elegance and History

Experience timeless elegance at Joliet's Renaissance Center, a historic venue blending classic charm with modern amenities for unforgettable events.

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The Renaissance Center in Joliet, IL, is a beautifully renovated event venue with a rich history. Originally built in 1924 and designed by Daniel Burnham, it has served as the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, a nightclub, and now a modern event space owned by Joliet Junior College. With its stunning architecture and updated amenities, it's a significant landmark in the heart of the city.

A brief summary to Renaissance Center

Local tips

  • Check the Renaissance Center's event calendar for public events or performances that may be open to visitors.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Joliet Area Historical Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center to learn more about the area's history.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available at the corner of Ottawa and Webster Streets when visiting the Renaissance Center.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Renaissance Center is located in downtown Joliet at 214 N Ottawa St. If you are near the Joliet Area Historical Museum, simply walk south on Ottawa Street for about two blocks. The Renaissance Center will be on your left. Be mindful of street traffic. There is no fee for walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Joliet Gateway Center is a multi-modal transportation hub that includes Metra, Amtrak, and Pace bus services. From the Gateway Center, walk north on Joliet Street, then turn left onto Jefferson Street. Walk west for one block, then turn right onto Ottawa Street. Walk north for one block. The Renaissance Center will be on your right. A single ride on Pace bus costs $2.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From the Joliet Metra station (Joliet Gateway Center), a taxi or ride-share to the Renaissance Center is a short trip. The approximate cost is $10-$15, depending on the service and time of day. The driver will likely take you north on Joliet Street, then west on Jefferson Street, and finally north on Ottawa Street to the destination.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available in downtown Joliet. The Ottawa Street Parking Deck is located a short walk from the Renaissance Center, and some businesses on Chicago Street offer parking validation. Metered street parking is also available, costing $1.50/hour in Zone A (Cass Street and north of the Washington Street railroad tracks between Joliet Street and Mayor Art Schultz Drive). Metered parking is free on weekends and after 5:00 PM.

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Discover more about Renaissance Center

The Renaissance Center stands as an elegant and historic venue in downtown Joliet, Illinois. Designed by the legendary architect Daniel Burnham and constructed in 1924, this building has been a cornerstone of Joliet's social and cultural life for nearly a century. Originally, it was designed as a social hall for the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, which had 1,500 members at the time. The building's architecture blends Spanish and Italian influences, featuring a unique stucco sculpture that resulted from a design competition sponsored by the Chamber. In its early years, the Renaissance Center housed D'Amico's 214, a famous nightclub and ballroom that hosted some of the 20th century's most well-known musicians and performers. Legends such as Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Tina Turner graced its stage, making it a vibrant hub for entertainment. In 1970, a 122-room Sheraton Hotel was built adjacent to the Renaissance Center to accommodate the performers and patrons of D'Amico's 214. Today, owned by Joliet Junior College since 1980, the Renaissance Center has been meticulously renovated and offers a blend of classic and modern dining rooms, along with a full banquet hall. It can accommodate up to 450 guests, making it a popular choice for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. The Grand Ballroom features elegantly arched windows and sparkling chandeliers, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The venue also connects to the Joliet Area Historical Museum's rooftop terrace, offering stunning views of the city. The Renaissance Center remains a significant landmark, continuing to play an important role in Joliet's history and future.

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