July opening for Aloft hotel

ROSEMONT -- Continental Properties Co. has aligned with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. to develop one of America's first Aloft hotels in Rosemont. Aloft, a vision of W Hotels, is a new adaptation of Starwood's W brand described as freer and more casual. Opening on July 17, Continental Properties' Aloft hotel, with 251 rooms at 9700 Balmoral Ave., will feature the design of architect David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group. It will feature urban influenced loft-style rooms with nine-foot ceilings and double windows.