Fancy Palm Greasing at CAF Fundraiser

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 11, 2006 11:00AM

The Mandarin Oriental Tower is vying to be the next big development in the Millennium Park/New East Side/Shadow of the Prudential Buildings area. One of the few luxury property chains that hasn’t yet set their claws into downtown, the Mandarin promises a new level of mondo luxury on Stetson Street in 2009, when residents and executives will be spared schlepping a few blocks north for spa treatments and pretty desserts.

Chicagoist considered placing a bid for one of the property’s 50 luxury residences or 300 deluxe condos, but after consulting our accountant, came back down to Earth. At least we can be ‘sugar daddies (and mommas) of the moment’ during today’s Chicago Architecture Foundation lunchtime fundraiser at the Mandarin’s future neighbor, the Prudential Building. Organizers promise a 4,000 square foot “immersion theater” recreating the luxury property, its spa, bar, and lovely views of tourists making funny faces in The Bean's reflection. And when the sales pitch seems overwhelming, we can get free hand massages with their very special oils and collect Millennium Park posters, possibly immortalizing those tourists making funny faces at The Bean.

The Mandarin Oriental Immersion Theater is open to the public today from 11am – 2pm at the Prudential, 130 East Randolph St. $15 admission benefits the CAF.