Housemen

POSITION

Houseman

ABOUT THE LAKE:

The Lake is a new private social club opening in Fall 2026 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends. The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, and three guest rooms, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience.

ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY:

Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina.

SERVICE PHILOSOPHY:

At The Lake, dining is at the heart of the member experience. Every meal should feel thoughtful, personalized, and memorable, combining genuine hospitality with exceptional food and beverage knowledge. Our service is designed to anticipate needs, foster meaningful relationships, and create moments that encourage members and guests to return again and again.

Team members are expected to uphold standards of service that are:

Detail-oriented and highly personalized

Professional, warm, and intuitive

Refined yet approachable

Consistent in quality while flexible to individual needs

Every interaction—from the initial greeting to the final farewell—should reflect a seamless and elevated dining experience.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Houseman is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and overall presentation of The Lake's public spaces, guest rooms, and back-of-house areas, ensuring the club consistently reflects the elevated standards members and guests expect. This role requires a dependable, detail-oriented, and hardworking professional who thrives in a fast-paced luxury environment and takes pride in maintaining a spotless, well-kept property.

The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, possesses strong physical stamina and attention to detail, and is committed to supporting a collaborative team culture across housekeeping, events, and operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Member & Guest Experience

Maintain public spaces, corridors, restrooms, and common areas to a consistently pristine standard throughout the day.

Respond promptly and discreetly to member and guest requests for supplies, setup adjustments, or general assistance.

Support a seamless, uninterrupted member experience by anticipating and addressing cleanliness needs before they are noticed.

Service Standards & Execution

Clean and maintain guest rooms, hallways, the roof terrace, wine cellar, and other common areas in accordance with The Lake's standards.

Perform deep-cleaning tasks, including floor care, carpet maintenance, and window and glass cleaning.

Transport linens, supplies, furniture, and equipment between storage areas, guest rooms, and event spaces.

Set up and break down furniture and equipment for private events, meetings, and member programming.

Remove trash and recycling from all areas of the club promptly and discreetly.

Restock housekeeping and amenity supplies throughout guest rooms and public areas.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Work collaboratively with housekeeping, front desk, events, and engineering teams to deliver seamless service.

Support fellow team members during busy periods, including move-in/move-out and event turnovers.

Participate in daily pre-shift meetings, training sessions, and ongoing education.

Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.

Operational Excellence

Follow all safety, sanitation, and chemical-handling standards.

Complete opening, side work, and closing responsibilities thoroughly and efficiently.

Report maintenance issues, damages, and safety hazards to management promptly.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of housekeeping storage areas and equipment.

Assist with special events, private dining, and member programming as needed.

Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement

Participate in pre-opening training, property walkthroughs, and operational setup.

Contribute feedback to improve service standards and operational procedures.

REPORTS TO:

Food & Beverage Manager / GM

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

The Lake is seeking candidates who bring genuine hospitality, professionalism, and a passion for exceptional guest service.

Professional Experience:

1 years of houseman, housekeeping, or related facilities experience in upscale, luxury hospitality, or private club environments preferred.

Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining a spotless environment.

Ability to lift and carry furniture, equipment, and supplies, and to remain on your feet for extended periods.

Ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.

Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Familiarity with proper cleaning chemicals and equipment is preferred.

Core Values Alignment:

Candidates should demonstrate alignment with Topography's core values:

• • Drive
• • Empathy
• • Excellence
• • Integrity
• • Positive Attitude

COMPENSATION:

The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes competitive hourly wages, gratuities where applicable, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer.

START DATE:

Fall 2026

LOCATION:

Chicago, IL