From historic industrial buildings that once housed automobile showrooms to charming Victorian mansions with intricate architecture to brand-new breweries famous for innovative craft beer, event planners will discover plenty of options for unforgettable Chicago events just steps from McCormick Place.
Revel Motor Row
Industry. Innovation. Inspiration. Revel Motor Row is a remarkable venue close to McCormick Place that taps into Chicago’s rich history. It is located in a 1936 landmark building that was once home to the Illinois Automobile Club and The Chicago Defender newspaper. The adjacent building once housed the city’s first Cadillac dealership, which is now known as The Garage, offering even more event space. With 50,000 square feet of total event space, a 4,000-square-foot outdoor courtyard and 12 – 20 spaces for breakout rooms and private dining, this versatile venue can accommodate an array of events for up to 2,600 attendees. 2400 S. Michigan Ave.
VU Skyward
VU Skyward, located just steps from McCormick Place, offers several unique event spaces within it’s 13,000 square feet of rooftop space. Choose from their many indoor and outdoor options, which include private bars, fire pits, a karaoke room, a boardroom, the club lounge, the solarium, or the terraces with sweeping views of the lake and downtown. 133 E. Cermak Rd.
Reggies
A rockin’ music club, restaurant and record shop, Reggies is the ultimate destination for music fans. Rent out the entire Reggies Rock Club music venue, or for smaller groups reserve just the balcony lounge. The 99-person rooftop deck is perfect for casual outdoor events, outfitted with flat-screen TVs, a pool table, and bar games. Reggies’ Kitchen offers on-site catering options such as wings, char-grilled burgers, and ribs. For convenient transportation from McCormick Place, book one of Reggies’ vintage buses to bring your group to the venue. 2105-9 S. State St.
Row 24
Though it’s located just steps from McCormick Place, this National Historic Landmark building feels a world away. Row 24 is located in the former 1903 Speedwell Motor Company Showroom. Yet it touts an elegant 1920s aesthetic, with a Swarovski crystal chandelier, soaring 20-foot ceilings, and exposed brick walls for your event of up to 350 people for a cocktail reception and 230 for a seated dinner. 2411 S. Michigan Ave.
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
19 East
An eclectic event venue with hardwood floors, mosaic tile, built-in marble bars, and lofty ceilings, 19 East is a visually stunning venue that’s ideal for contemporary events. Rent one of the spaces for an intimate gathering or combine spaces for a larger, multi-level event. Run by the catering and special event experts at Food For Thought, 19 East can accommodate up to 500 for a reception or 250 for a seated dinner. 19 E. 21ST St.
The Keith House
Located just three blocks from McCormick Place in the South Loop’s Prairie Avenue Historic District, The Keith House is a stately 1870s Victorian-style mansion. Choose from three elegant event spaces: the art gallery, the parlor or the dining room, accommodating up to 40 people for a meeting in one room or 90 for a cocktail-style reception. 1900 S. Prairie Ave.
Glessner House Museum
Also in the Prairie Avenue Historic District, this National Historic Landmark was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and was completed in 1887. The Glessner House Museum touts numerous spaces for private events: The Courtyard (200 cocktail/150 seated), The Coach House (125 cocktail/80 seated), The Dining Room (50 cocktail/40 seated), and The Conservatory (40 lecture/20 board room). Arrange for a customized private tour of this architectural gem to give your attendees a glimpse into Chicago’s past. 1800 S. Prairie Ave.
