In 2011, there were efforts to bring a Playboy Club to Chicagos John DeKoven mansion at 1150 N. Dearborn St., butthe deal never went through. The clubs offered name entertainers and comedians in the Club Rooms, and local musicians and the occasional close-up magician in the Living Rooms. As it turned out, this was a savvy arrangement for Wirtz who made far more in this way than the building was worth. But nobody ever talks about living there. Got a story tip? As you may have already assumed, and much like Hefners storied, celebrity-studded events at the Playboy Mansion, Playboy Clubs were frequented by Hollywoods elite, such as Frank Sinatra. Playboy still has clubs in India and London. The world's first Playboy Club Downtown opened on Feb. 29, 1960, in Chicago. A poolside shot of the Playboy Resort in Jamacia, 1972. Its breathtaking to see! Known as the Playboy Key Club, it opened on Leap Day (Feb. 29) 1960, in a building leased from Chicago. Today, the One Magnificent Mile Building has replaced the Chicago Playboy Club, and in 2000, that stretch of Walton was given the honorary name of Hugh Hefner Way. The original magazine headquarters was located nearby as was the original Playboy Mansion at 1340 N. State St., both of which have also moved on. Keyholders could look but not touch. Salvador Dalis bizarre but sexy photoshoot for Playboy, 1973 Playboy Club membership became a status symbol. The last club in the US closed in 1988 in Lansing, Michigan, and the last international club closed in 1991. Get all your The Paper Machete Radio Magazine needs filled here, or download the podcast from iTunes here. King Charles coronation intimate guest list includes notable snubs, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry 'disloyal' for 'trashing royal family,' need to 'find their own identity': ex pal, Katy Perry says she and fianc Orlando Bloom 'continuously put in the work to keep their relationship strong, Prince William will honor King Charles in his coronation role, Willie Nelson at 90: Texas legend shares a birthday to remember with George Strait, Snoop Dogg, and others, Padma Lakshmi slams body shaming after posing topless online: 'be a little more grown-up'. The first club opened at 116 E. Walton Street in downtown Chicago, Illinois, United States, on February 29, 1960. Rosenzweig and Teri Thomerson, Playboys publicity director, as well as representatives from the Chicago History Museum arent sure why the club opened on a Leap Day. A photo taken at the opening of the very first Playboy Club in Chicago in 1960. After 31 years, the Playboy Club was no more. .awformmain .formsection label{width:35%;float:left;padding-right:10px;} But territory most other modern major magazines have already covered. February 29, 1960 was a historic day for Chicago and the world. The Rabbit-headed metal Playboy key (supplanted by a metal key-card in 1966)[12] was required for admission to a club. 1 Keyholders. The dogs, A Bunnylike the Playboy Playmateis the girl next door. The layout of the club is best described by Russell Miller: Each of four floors was designed as a room in a mythical and fabulous bachelor padthere was Playroom, a Penthouse, a Library, and a Living Room. These Bunnies, with their satin corsets, bunny ears and fluffy white tails served those fortunate enough to be Keyholders in the style of the old gaslight clubs. DOWNTOWN With bunnies as waitresses,the worlds first Playboy ClubDowntown gave a new spin on Leap Day when it opened on Feb. 29, 1960. The first club opened at 116 E. Walton Street in downtown Chicago, Illinois, United States, on February 29, 1960. And even The Playboy Club casino at the Palms in Las Vegas is closing. You can get a really interesting beer for between 3 and 5 dollars. But I cannot help but", "Is this Gibson's? #postmodern #architecture #chicago #chitecture #ohare #ohareairport, Twinsies! But now a magazine thats supposed to be about contemporary culture and aspiration is trapped in amber, held hostage by a 84-year-old man who long ago sought to wall himself off from the concerns of the everyday man. It's a throwback to the 60's style club. It opens with a description of an employment ad promising a luxe $200-$300 per week for girls who live the high life as Playboy Bunnies at the New York Club on East 59th and Madison. Pamela Anderson, October 1989. The first Playboy magazine hit the shelves in 1953 and in 1960, the late Hugh Hefner opened what would be the very first Playboy Club in Chicago. Membership was available to anyone willing to purchase a key $50 for residents and $25 for out-of-towners. Bunny Hop: Peep inside the Playboy Clubs of the 60s, 70s & 80s After consulting with Russell Millers book, Bunny, The Real Story of Playboy (1984), we have concluded that this contention has no historical accuracy and is, in other words, complete rubbish (along with claims of Al Capones secret stairwell also being located there). A new Playboy Club has opened in New York City, 30 years after the last club closed down. .awformmain .formrgt div.formsect{width:100%;float:left} Alex Bean, Content Manager and Tour Guide. I was spotted by [Playboy executive] Victor Lownes and he sent me to Chicago . Chicago nightlife history is full of fun and fascinating stories. The law did not preclude opening a night club. Belle epoque Paris inspired the atmosphere, especially the Gaslight Girls outfits and revues. Our guide Ellen was exceptional and gifted with a great personal touch., Jen was a perfect storyteller and kept us spellbound for hours., Marie was a bubbling fountain of information and contagious enthusiasm.. It's a bit like someone saying they read Playboy " more Outdoor seating Delivery Takeout Start Order 2. .awformmain .formsect label {margin-left:5px;width:75% !important;font-weight:normal !important;padding-top:0px !important} .awformmain .pd0_10{padding:0 10px} However, the New Jersey gaming regulators denied Playboy a permanent gaming license, and Playboy sold its interest in the unit to Elsinore Corporation, its partner in the venture, in 1984, at which time the hotel and casino were renamed The Atlantis. Playboy Clubs, then and now - Chicago Tribune [29] India's obscenity laws ban material deemed "lascivious or appealing to prurient interests". The Chicago Playboy Club enjoyed a long and successful run, but closed in 1986. If a girl didnt live in the dorms, a car would be sent for them to their home to bring them to work where they could also eat for free. So by Hefs own admission, theres been nothing worth mentioning about Playboys time in Chicago since the first Bush administration. [30] Adult magazines such as Playboy are banned in India. These sophisticated watering holes only admitted members that held keys to the club, thus attracting local powerbrokers. Tue, Apt 25 6pm-7pm CT. Register here: bit.my/day-at-the-1893. The club, at 116 E. Walton St., wasnt far from thePlayboy Mansion at 1340 N. State Pkwy. I Visited New York's New Playboy Club, and It Wasn't What I Expected If you do, please leave this review now. .awdblclm .formsection,.awformmain .doublecolmn .formsection{width:50%;float:left;padding-right: 10px;} I cant remember where I read it now, but Hefner said he moved into the Chicago mansion, in part, because it allowed him to centralize his work and his social lives. The flagship Chicago location was so successful in its inaugural year that, it not only become the busiest club in the world, but it was also the first of 40 locations each being referred to by Newsweek as a Disneyland for adults. The Chicago Playboy Club was a key addition to the swanky Magnificent Mile hotel bar district, and helped solidify the greater Rush and Division Street area as one of the most happening areas in the country during the 1960s.