historIC LANDMARK BUILDING WITH TIES TO AL CAPONE
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Built for the Chicago Varnish Company in 1895 under the supervision of its renowned architect, Henry Ives Cobb, 33 West Kinzie is the only remaining example of 19th century Dutch Renaissance Architecture left in the city. Cobb, also known for designing Chicago landmarks such as the Old Post Office building, the Newberry Library, Castle Nightclub and the Chicago Athletic Club, established himself as one of the premier Chicago architects in the late 19th century.
In July of 2001 the building, with its distinctive red brick and limestone façade-gable and tile roof, was designated a Landmark by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, which included Michelle Obama at the time. Concerned that a new owner might force Harry Caray’s restaurant to move from its landmark River North location, a group of high-profile investors and friends of the famous Cubs announcer bought the building in 2002 to preempt such a move. These investors include former Cub and now Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills Coach Marv Levy, sportscaster Bob Costas, Harry’s wife Dutchie Caray, and Harry Caray’s CEO Grant DePorter. Long before 33 W. Kinzie was one of Chicago’s most famous steakhouses, it was home to the notorious enforcer of the Al Capone gang, Frank Nitti. He lived in an apartment on the fourth floor with his wife Annette, who’s family owned the building. This was a convenient hideout for him as the courthouse building was clearly visible from the apartment. Relics from his life of crime were uncovered in 1998 when an electrician drilled a hole in the wall of the basement that revealed a hidden room spanning the width of the upstairs bar. This room was used as a hideout during the Prohibition era as well as a passageway to Chicago’s underground tunnel system, allowing Nitti and his associates to come and go without being seen on the streets of Chicago. |
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Now referred to as Nitti’s Vault, the secret room and the possessions discovered within it, can be seen in the basement of this building along with photographs, newspaper articles and legal documents from Nitti’s life. One of the most exciting finds was a large safe with three layers of security buried in the basement walls. Also found was Nitti’s personal address book, listing the home addresses and phone numbers of powerful government officials and mobsters. Nitti's Vault has been named #1 on Thrillist's list of Hidden Urban Treasures You Need to Find--make sure you check it out next time your at Harry's!
NOW OPEN @ Harry Caray's River North! |
gangsters and ghosts?
Although Nitti took his own life in 1943, it appears that his presence may still lurk within the walls of 33 West Kinzie. Since 1987, when Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse opened, there have been numerous reported ghost sightings by staff as well as the cleaning crew. The ghost has been sighted on the 4th floor outside Nitti’s apartment, as well as in the basement where Nitti’s Vault is located. Many descriptions of the ghost are uncannily similar to Frank Nitti wearing a Fedora (which was common in his time).
A more benevolent ghost may also be lurking within the walls of the restaurant—Harry himself. The Ricketts Family announced they were buying the Cubs on October 27, 2009. When the staff arrived that morning, the Harry statue, which has welcomed guests at the entrance to the restaurant since 1999, was making a noise which sounded like it was repeatedly being hit by a hammer. The noise continued for 24 hours--never heard before and never heard since. Customers stared at the statue and recorded the noises. The patterns sounded similar to Morse Code, so an audio tape was sent to the military (they weren't able to decode it). Dutchie believes it was Harry shouting for joy because he knew that under the Rickett's ownership the Cubs would win the World Series. Harry was right!
A more benevolent ghost may also be lurking within the walls of the restaurant—Harry himself. The Ricketts Family announced they were buying the Cubs on October 27, 2009. When the staff arrived that morning, the Harry statue, which has welcomed guests at the entrance to the restaurant since 1999, was making a noise which sounded like it was repeatedly being hit by a hammer. The noise continued for 24 hours--never heard before and never heard since. Customers stared at the statue and recorded the noises. The patterns sounded similar to Morse Code, so an audio tape was sent to the military (they weren't able to decode it). Dutchie believes it was Harry shouting for joy because he knew that under the Rickett's ownership the Cubs would win the World Series. Harry was right!
video: GUIDED TOUR OF NITTI'S VAULtFrank Nitti's Vault from Harry Caray on Vimeo. |
the NITTI GRITTY cocktailOur Frank Nitti inspired cocktail...
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