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Renaissance Center

214 W Ottawa, Joliet, IL
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This 1925 building is a blend of Spanish and Italian architecture, designed by D.H. Burnham & Co and built by J.B. French Company. It was originally designed as a social hall for the 1,500 member, the Joliet Chamber of Commerce. In 1945 it was purchased by the American Legion Harwood Post No 5. F

From 1957 to the late 1970s it was D'Amico's 214 Nightclub &Ballroom. The ballroom could seat 1,000 guests featured live entertainment by some of America's most well known entertainers, the first being the legendary Louis Armstrong. Among others were Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Guy Lombardo, Tina Turner, Al Hirt, Guy Lombardo, Dave Brubeck, Chubby Checker, Frank Sinatra Jr., Tab Hunter, Louis Nye, Andy Devine and Imogene Coca.

In 1970 D'Amico built the adjacent 122-room Sheraton Hotel (demolished, but on the left in this photo) to accommodate performers and patrons.

Earl D'Amico was so well known and respected in Joliet that in 2024 the city established the "Earl D’Amico Way" honorary street name for the section of Ottawa Street from Webster to Cass Streets, in front of the Renaissance Center. I'm not sure when D'Amico's 214 closed.

In 1980 the Joliet Junior College moved into the building. Apparently the building currently functions as an event center.

Photo(s): 2017