Urban Elegance With An Industrial Edge
A True Chicago Loft Building
Timber Beams, Exposed Brick, Ductwork & a 65-Foot Skylight
Loft on Lake retains the character of a true Chicago loft, with original architectural details throughout the space. Exposed brick, vintage oak timber beams, warm-toned concrete floors, 12–20-foot ceilings, and an impressive bow-truss roof create an authentic industrial backdrop.
The space is anchored by our most distinctive feature: a 65-foot-long skylight running the length of the main loft, filling the room with beautiful natural light. Exposed metal ductwork, vents, and conduits add to the unmistakable urban character.
While we don’t have an outdoor event space, the skylight brings the feeling of being outdoors in—giving you plenty of natural light and an airy, open atmosphere without ever leaving the loft.
Catering Kitchen & Prep Areas
Full-Sized Kitchen & Wet Bar Access
A well-equipped prep kitchen is an essential part of a seamless event, giving your caterer the space to prepare, plate, and serve fresh food on site.
Our full-sized kitchen features beautiful granite countertops, a large granite island, two ovens with stovetops, a commercial refrigerator, and the modern amenities your catering team needs to work comfortably and efficiently.
The kitchen is also designed with flexibility in mind. Keep it open and visible during your event for an interactive experience—perfect for cooking demonstrations—or close it off when you’d prefer to keep the behind-the-scenes work out of sight.
Planning to add a bar to the main space? Our dedicated wet bar gives your bartending team the tools and workspace they need to keep service running smoothly throughout your event.
Private Suite
A Wedding Party Suite, Private Office or Green Room
Tucked behind French doors, our approximately 300-square-foot private suite provides a comfortable space to step away from the action. The room features lounge furniture, a full-length mirror, a sink for makeup touch-ups, and plenty of storage for personal belongings.
The suite is especially popular with wedding parties as a place to get ready, freshen up, and keep personal items tucked away. It can also be used as a fashion show dressing room, private office, storage area, or backstage green room for productions and performances.
Cocktail Lounge
A Separate Space for Cocktails, Conversation & More
Located near the entrance and separate from the main loft, our cocktail lounge gives you an additional space to create a distinct experience within your event.
It’s a natural fit for wedding cocktail hours, a second bar, photo booth, dessert display, or VIP area for fundraisers. For corporate events, it can also serve as a breakout space for smaller meetings or conversations.
The lounge is also home to our coat check, conveniently located near the entrance so guests can easily drop off and retrieve their belongings throughout the event.
““Loft on Lake was the perfect venue for our wedding. The setting was gorgeous and because of its natural urban beauty, required very little additional decoration.” ”
our values
Photo by LoftyWeddings
Marriage Equality
We Believe Every Love Story Deserves to Be Celebrated
Loft on Lake is proud to welcome couples of every kind and celebrate love in all its forms.
Our family has a personal connection to the movement for marriage equality. In 2012, the Garrett family participated in the creation of Stand Up for Equality, an initiative that brought professionals together to show their support for marriage equality through open dialogue, positive perspectives, and viral video projects designed to raise awareness.
The campaign was recognized nationally for its bold approach and received two Davey Awards, honoring creative work from smaller agencies.
Illinois took an important step forward in 2013 when marriage equality was signed into law, with marriages beginning in June 2014. Today, we’re proud to celebrate the freedom to marry—and to host weddings where every couple can feel completely at home.
Photo by Emma Petersen Photography
Sustainability
An Eco-Conscious Event Space
Sustainability is part of how we operate at Loft on Lake—from the materials that give our space its character to the choices we make behind the scenes.
Our building features natural, enduring materials including oak timber ceilings, exposed brick walls, and concrete floors. We use bamboo paper products in our bathrooms, choose environmentally conscious cleaning products whenever possible, and recycle paper, plastic, and metal from every event.
We also offer composting through The Urban Canopy, available to all of our vendors, making it easier to divert food and other compostable materials from the waste stream.
Our expansive 65-foot skylight fills the loft with natural light, reducing the need for electric lighting during daylight hours when the space is not hosting events.
We’ve also been a member of the Sustainable Events Collective (formerly the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance) since 2012, connecting us with a community of event professionals committed to more sustainable practices.
Downtown Accessibility
Easy Load-In & Load-Out
Hassle-Free Accessibility
Getting equipment, décor, rentals, and other event essentials in and out of Loft on Lake is easy. Our street-level rear entrance opens to 8 feet wide, providing convenient access for deliveries and event setup.
Schedule your delivery in advance, and when you arrive, simply ring the doorbell at either the front or rear entrance and our team will assist you.
The venue is ADA accessible, making it easy for guests, vendors, and event teams to navigate the space.
Parking
Street Parking, Garages & Valet Options
Paid street parking is available throughout the neighborhood surrounding Loft on Lake. Many of our guests also choose to arrive by Uber or Lyft.
For guests who prefer to drive, there is a public parking garage at 328 N. Ada Street, approximately a three-minute walk from our front door.
Another nearby option is the garage at 1341 W. Randolph Street, located in the Plumbers Union Building.
We can also provide valet parking recommendations if you'd like to offer valet service for your event.
““We loved the atmosphere and lighting. I think the value was exceptional compared to other similar spaces in the area. Everyone is very flexible and helpful!” ”
automotive & studio setups
Auto Showroom
Showcase 1–3 Vehicles
Looking for an urban auto showroom or warehouse-style setting? Loft on Lake can accommodate 1–3 vehicles indoors, making the space a distinctive backdrop for automotive events, product launches, focus groups and testing, media events, and auto show after-parties.
Our double-wide, street-level rear doors provide convenient vehicle access directly into the main space, while adjustable spot lighting allows you to highlight each vehicle exactly where you want it.
The combination of exposed brick, timber beams, concrete floors, and industrial details creates a uniquely Chicago backdrop for automotive brands looking for something beyond a traditional showroom.
Photo Studio
Natural Light, Built for Production
Loft on Lake began as a photo studio, so we know firsthand what makes a great production space. Our expansive 65-foot skylight fills the loft with beautiful, consistent natural light, while the open floor plan and distinctive architectural details provide a versatile backdrop for photo and video productions.
Need additional production equipment? Grip and Pro gear is available to rent on-site, making it easy to get your production up and running.
Our full-sized kitchen, complete with appliances and prep space, is also well suited for food photography and culinary shoots.
And if you need an experienced studio assistant on set, let us know—we can help connect you with the support you need.
““The space is a loft with a huge beautiful skylight and big wood beams. There is brick and exposed duct work. You can truly transform the space into your vision.” ”
Experienced Photo & Video Team
In-House Wedding Photography
Lofty Weddings Photography & Video
Want to keep things easy? Our in-house Lofty Weddings Photography & Video team knows Loft on Lake inside and out—and knows how to capture it beautifully.
When you book your wedding at Loft on Lake, you’ll have access to special pricing on Lofty Weddings photo and video packages. The team’s relaxed, easy-going approach makes it easy to feel comfortable in front of the camera, while their experience photographing weddings and events means they know how to capture the moments that matter.
From candid moments and personal details to the big celebration, Lofty Weddings is right here to help tell the story of your day.
"They were extremely considerate, flexible, professional and focused on making us happy. In the end, we came away with some beautiful photographs that capture how happy this day was for us and our families, and we are exceedingly grateful to Steve and his team for everything they did for us!" - Miranda
In-House Corporate Event Photo & Video
Garrett Photographic
Need professional photography or video for your next event? The Garrett Photographic team brings decades of commercial experience and the technical expertise to handle productions of all sizes—whether your event is at Loft on Lake or somewhere else in Chicago.
From event documentation and professional headshots to branded content and time-lapse videos, the team can tailor the production to your needs. They work with everything from iPhone and DSLR photography to professional cinematic video equipment, allowing them to match the right approach to your project.
Stephen Garrett brings 30+ years of professional commercial photography experience.
Whether you need a single photographer or a full photo and video team, Garrett Photographic can help capture your event and tell your brand’s story.
““We felt that [Steve] had top notch gear and a good eye, and it showed through his photos.””
our Flexibility is key
DIY Friendly
Your Creative Canvas
Loft on Lake gives you the freedom to make the space your own. With architectural character, abundant natural light, and an extensive collection of included lighting, the loft already provides a beautiful foundation for your event.
Add your own décor, florals, furniture, signage, artwork, or personal touches to create something that feels uniquely yours. Keep things simple and let the space speak for itself, or get creative and transform the loft into something entirely different.
No cookie-cutter packages. No required aesthetic. Just a space with character and the freedom to make it your own.
"My husband and I were married at Loft on Lake, and they were so easy to work with. I wanted a DIY wedding and the space allowed us to make it our own. The intimate atmosphere and soft lighting really set the perfect mood. The day couldn't have been more perfect." - Katie
Pet Friendly
All Family Members Are Welcome
We believe pets are family, too—which is why Loft on Lake has always been a pet-friendly venue.
Want your four-legged family member by your side on your wedding day? Bring them along! We’ve welcomed plenty of couples who have included their dogs in their ceremonies, photos, and celebrations.
We’ve even hosted a dog wedding of our own as a fundraiser for a local animal shelter. So yes, your pup is officially welcome to RSVP.
"Unlike all the other venues we had seen, Joel greeted us with his dog (yes, this venue is dog friendly) and he congratulated us on our engagement! He was so personable and helped us through booking the venue." - Shawna