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| The Keith House was completed in 1870. |
Located on 1900 S. Prairie Ave. is the
Keith House. Once one of the grandest private homes in the South Loop’s historic Prairie Ave. neighborhood, it is now an art gallery as well as a rental space for both corporate and private functions. Owner/operator, Marcy Baim is ready to help you plan your next bridal or baby shower, birthday party, or corporate event. The home can comfortably accommodate from 25 to 150 people.
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| The historic home can accommodate up to 150 |
The Keiths’ Chicago Legacy
Completed in 1870, the Keith House was built and owned by Elbridge G. Keith. Elbridge, along with his two brothers (O.R. and Edison) opened a very successful millinery business in Chicago. Elbridge Keith later helped found the Metropolitan National Bank and served as its first president.
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| A reception is set up in the art gallery |
The Prairie Ave Gallery
After Keith’s death in 1905, the home stayed in the family’s hands until the 1920s. During the next few decades, the home was purchased and sold several times. Eventually in was purchased in 1978 by Joy Darrow and Steven Pratt, who established the Prairie Avenue Gallery in 1986. Today, it is still a gallery for emerging artists. During this year’s
Festival on Prairie Avenue, Marcy Baim, a professional photographer, will be exhibiting some of her work. The Festival will be held on S. Prairie Ave. on Saturday September 11 from noon to 6 p.m.
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| An elegant table set for a birthday celebration |
Weddings and Showers and Birthdays, Oh My!
The Keith House has hosted all kinds of events: small, intimate weddings, book signings, birthday parties, and fund raisers. One of the most memorable events, according to Baim, was a fund-raising art show for an artist-friend who had recently been confined to a wheelchair. When the evening was over, 80% of the artwork was sold. When Baim rents out space for parties, weddings, and corporate events, she helps fund the gallery, which is free and helps make it a “neighborhood cultural destination.”
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| One of the parlors is set up for a meeting |
Mention Us and Save
The next time you’re looking for a special place to hold your next party or event, the Keith House should rank high on your list. For information on scheduling an event, please visit
the Prairie Avenue Gallery Web site or call Marcy Baim at 312-907-7909. Mention the South Loop Connection when booking your event and receive a 5% discount.
