Looking for a Unique Place to Have a Wedding or Special Event? Consider the Historic Glessner House Museum

The Glessner House was built in 1886.

A Gem in the South Loop

Of all the architectural gems in Chicago, the Glessner House in the South Loop more than holds its own. Built in 1886 by famed American architect, Henry Hobson Richardson, the 17,000-square foot mansion at 1800 S. Prairie Ave. is situated on the same street as the homes of Marshall Field, Philip Armour, and George Pullman. Those three homes are no more, but the Glessner House, now a museum, is a window on this glamorous period in Chicago’s history.

An outdoor reception set up in the courtyard

Museum Available for Rentals
Even though the Glessner House is a museum, it can be rented for weddings, meetings, and corporate functions. The coach house can accommodate up to 150 guests.  During the warmer months, the courtyard can also accommodate 150 guests as well.  For weddings, the former conservatory serves as a suite for the bride and bridal party. And because the house is a museum, special tours of the home can be part of any rental package.

The Glessner dining room

Perfect for Small, Intimate Gatherings
For smaller intimate events, consider the dining room. You can entertain up to 50 people for a sit-down dinner in this elegant setting. The Glessner’s storied dining room hosted some of the nineteenth century’s biggest celebrities, including famed Italian tenor Enrico Caruso.

The courtyard in the evening

Seminar and Meeting Space
If you’re looking for a space for a meeting or seminar, the east parlor on the second floor is an ideal space. Within walking distance of McCormick Place, it’s the perfect location for an offsite meeting or reception.

The home's architecture lends itself to some unique photographs.

Neighborhood Favorite
Neighborhood organizations like the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance and the Greater South Loop Association have found the Glessner House to be the perfect venue for their major events and fundraisers. The GSLA is having their Fall Classic event here on October 15, 2010 . The PDNA held their Toast of the South Loop event in the Glessner coach house and courtyard this past June.

The PDNA hosted the Toast of the South Loop this past June.

Lynne Mickle Smaczny, Assistant to the Director of the Glessner House Museum, manages museum rentals. She has plans and packages that can be customized to fit the needs of your family, group, or nonprofit organization.

For information on renting the Glessner House Museum for your reception or business meeting, call Ms. Smaczny at 312-326-1480 or e-mail her at rentglessnerhouse@sbcglobal.net.

Rent a Piece of History: The Historic Keith House

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.