Revamped Pump Room To Reopen Next Month

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Pump Room at the Public--formerly the Ambassador East Hotel--is officially re-opening in just over two weeks.

WBBM's Steve Miller sat down with owner Ian Schrager in--where else--Booth One.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller Reports

Ian Schrager gave WBBM a walk-through the Public Hotel--and the Pump Room, which opened in 1938.

"We found the original plans and went back to the proportions of the floors and the way it was and just sort of modernized it," Schrager said. "So for me, it's still the Pump Room. But it's better."

Booth One is where celebrity interviewer Irv Kupcinet would hold court--and talk to the stars.

"I like the Pump Room because it's so glamorous," Schrager said. "I can see Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers--for those who remember them--come dancing out between the columns."

Schrager says he's walked the treacherous line between glamor--and comfort.

"I take it very personally. It's a personal reflection upon me. My wife is from Chicago, so I'd better do a good job here, by the way."