Welcome to Loft on Lake
WELCOME TO LOFT ON LAKE!
Loft on Lake is the original independent Chicago loft space still in operation today!
Located in the Fulton Market District of the West Loop, we're nestled in part of the most bustling and growing neighborhoods in the city.
Our space offers all the quintessential loft-style elements and is completely customizable, allowing you to express yourself however you like, while also offering enough that you don’t have to do much at all! With over 15 years of successful celebrations & events under our belt, we're highly experienced to help bring your event to life.
Our urban space features peachy brick walls throughout, 20ft tall warm oak timber ceilings with exposed bow trusses, industrial ductwork, beautiful gloss-top concrete floors & a unique 65ft skylight which creates an abundance of natural light throughout.
CAPACITY: Max of 150 guests seated | 175 cocktail-style
““We were looking for a cool space with a city vibe and Loft on Lake delivered just that!””
Tell Me More!
Loft on Lake is not only a fully equipped Photo Studio, it’s also a perfect space to host Corporate Events, Private Events & Weddings!
Click on your desired event or service type below for more information.
Unique Features
Urban Elegance With An Industrial Edge
A True Chicago Loft
Timber Beams, Exposed Brick, Ductwork & a 65ft Skylight
The interior boasts raw architectural elements such as beautiful exposed brick and vintage oak timber beams, warm stained concrete floor, 12-20ft ceilings, a bow truss roof, and our most distinguishing feature: a 65ft. long skylight running the length of the main space. Exposed metal ducting, venting, and conduits add an urban, industrial aesthetic. No outdoor space available, but all the outdoor vibes with tons of natural light!
“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.” - Rachel
Catering Kitchen & Prep Areas
Full Sized Kitchen & Wet Bar Access
A prep kitchen is a key component for any event since it allows for fresh food to be prepared, plated, and served on site. We have beautiful granite countertops, a large granite island, two ovens with stovetops, commercial refrigerator, and all the features of a modern kitchen to help your caterer feel at home.
Our kitchen is versatile in that you may reveal the kitchen during your event (perfect for cooking demos!) or it may be closed off.
If you choose to add a bar to the main space, we have a wet bar area to ensure you bartenders have all the tools they need to perfect your beverage experience!
bonus Rooms
Private Suite
A Wedding Party Suite or Private Dressing Room
You’ll enter the private suite through french doors - the room is about 300 sqft with lounge furniture, a full-length mirror, a sink for makeup touchups and plenty of storage space for personal items. This room is commonly used as a private suite to use to freshen up, a fashion show dressing room, storage room, private office, or a backstage greenroom.
Cocktail Lounge
Smaller Room Separate from the Main Space
This is a smaller area located near the front door, separate from the main space. This area is typically used for cocktail hour during weddings, a second bar area for private events, photo booth pop up, desserts, VIP area for fundraisers, or a breakout space for corporate meetings.
Once guests enter the space, they’ll also find the coat check in this area.
our values
Photo by Emma Petersen Photography
Photo by Emma Petersen Photography
Marriage Equality
We Fought for Marriage Equality… and Won!
Loft on Lake is open to all forms of love. The Garrett family participated in the creation of Stand Up for Equality in 2012, an organization for professionals to show their support for marriage equality through open dialogue, positive perspectives, and viral video projects for increased awareness. The effort has been recognized nationally for its bold stance and received two Davey Awards (Big Ideas from Small Agencies). On November 20th, 2013, Marriage Equality became law in Illinois!
Sustainability
We are an eco-concious event space, and encourage clients to work with sustainable vendors.
Our building is constructed with natural materials; timber ceilings, exposed brick walls, and concrete floors providing for a natural ambiance. Our bathrooms are stocked with bamboo paper products from Cloud Paper, we utilize environmentally safe cleaning products and recycle paper, plastic, and metal from every event. We also provide composting service via The Urban Canopy and allow all vendors to use it!
We benefit from natural light through our expansive skylight roof and are able to conserve substantially on electricity when the space is not hosting events. We’ve also been a member of the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance since 2012! See more about our sustainability efforts on our GWA profile 🌿
“OMG. Where to begin…JILL!! She was the absolute best day of coordinator. The amount of ease and knowledge she provided to help our day go as smoothly as possible was beyond amazing. Loft on Lake was the best decision we could have ever made for venue choices. Between the flow of the day, the facility perks, the aesthetic, and care, we were over the moon happy about our decision to be married there! Specifically being led by the amazing Jill Garrett! Cannot say enough how seemless and beautiful she made our day turn out. Look no further than LOL for your big day. You won’t regret it!”
Downtown Accessibility
Easy Load-in & out
Hassle-Free Accessibility
Our rear entrance is street level and can open to 8 ft wide, making our space incredibly easy to access. Schedule your deliveries in advance and then just ring our doorbell on either front or rear entrance when you arrive. We also have a small ramp at our front entrance, making the entire space wheel chair accessible.
"Amazing place, staff and accomodations… Jill is amazing and the best!!” - Nicole B.
Parking
Paid Street Parking & Nearby Parking Garages
There is paybox parking surrounding the venue, and for any guests not using Uber/Lyft, we recommend parking in a Public Garage located at 328 N. Ada, just a 3-minute walk to our front door. You’ll get the best prices by using Spothero.
New Garage Alert! 1341 W. Randolph in the Plumber’s Union Building. Rates are listed at $4/hr.
We also have valet recommendations if you want to cover parking for your guests.
automotive & studio setups
Auto Showroom
1-3 Car Showcase
For those seeking an urban auto warehouse or showroom, we can accommodate a few cars inside ranging in size for auto-related events. Focus testing, new car model launches, auto show after-parties... our double-wide rear doors are street-level allowing for car access. We have adjustable spot lighting that can be adjusted to highlight the vehicles just right.
"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." - Ashley
Photo Studio
Perfect Natural Lighting
Loft on Lake originally began as a photo studio, so we can confirm how perfect it is for natural light photo shoots. We have Grip and Pro gear available for rent on-site.
The kitchen is complete with appliances and supplies for food shoots, as well. If you're in need of an experienced Studio Assistant, let us know, we’ve got you covered!
"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!" - Rebekah
Experienced Photo & Video Team
In-House Wedding Phototography
Lofty Weddings Photography & Video
Our in-house wedding photo team is experienced and affordable! When you book your wedding with Loft on Lake, we offer some special pricing for our Lofty Weddings photo & video packages. The team's easy-going approach and photographic knowledge will put you at ease.
"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
On our Corporate/Social side, Garrett Photographic team is professional, technical, and equipped to take on any photo or video job your company needs. Whether you’re having your event at Loft on Lake or elsewhere, Steve & Evan are a team that can handle large or small jobs. From photo/video documentation of your event, professional headshots to time-lapse videos, iPhone, DSLR or cinematic equipment quality and etc. Stephen has 30+ years of professional commercial photography experience while Evan has 10+ years of professional video and photo assisting experience.
"We felt that [Steve] had top notch gear and a good eye, and it showed through his photos." - John
Flexibility is key
DIY Friendly
Loft on Lake is Your Creative Canvas
Loft on Lake offers a lot of natural beauty and comes with an abundance of included lighting throughout the space, helping to create that perfectly warm ambiance. You can embellish with your own décor touches to create an even more unique experience. The space is completely transformable into whatever you envision.
"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 want your pet to be a part of your special day! Loft on Lake is and always has been a pet-friendly venue, because pets are family, too. So how could you leave them out of your special day? Many couples have incorporated dogs in their wedding day, we even hosted a dog wedding as a fundraiser for a local animal shelter!
"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
More Than a Venue
Branding & Design Services
A Family of Creative Professionals
From photography, videography, graphic design and marketing/branding planning, the Garrett Family is full of creative professionals that can help lead your event to success!
If your event needs printed and/or digital materials, photography, logos, etc, we can help you design in-house!
Contact us any time regarding add-on design services, photo/video etc. for your event.
Family Owned & Operated
Meet the Garrett Family
Cher & Steve Garrett (pictured left) have operated successful photography and graphic design businesses in the Fulton Market area for nearly 30 years – among the first creatives to call this beautiful part of the city their professional home!
Jill & Evan Garrett (pictured center) now lead Loft on Lake and continue to offer creative opportunities for anyone planning a party.
Jessie & Joel Garrett (pictured right).
The Garrett family hopes everyone has an inspiring experience and appreciates this unique venue as much we do!
““The venue is the perfect blank slate to decorate how you want without needing to do much. Its laid out perfectly for caterers and vendors to get in and set up.” ”
Our blank canvas, your creative vision!
What Type of Event are You Planning?
Click on the event or service type below for more photos and information
1366 W Lake St.
West Loop | Fulton Market District Neighborhood
Loft on Lake is located on the west end of the Fulton Market District in the West Loop. Nearest Green and Pink Line CTA stations at Morgan stop as well as Ashland stop. The nearest CTA Bus route is Bus #9 Ashland & Lake.
“We had so many guests comment on how beautiful and intimate the space was - if you are looking for the perfect loft space in Chicago, this is it!!”
Guest Parking INFORMATION
Two parking spots are reserved in our private parking lot for clients. Caterer will have one reserved spot, as well as one spot for DJ/band.
Free street parking is available in the area, there’s also public parking located northeast of the venue at Ada & Fulton St., just a short 2-3 minute walk to the venue. A new Parking Garage is located at 1341 W Randolph in the Plumber’s Union. Pricing is listed at $4/hr.
Search PARKING NEAR 1366 W. LAKE ST TO VIEW PAY PARKING OPTIONS.
If you’d like to provide valet for your guests, VIP Valet and 5 Star Valet are both great options.
Wheelchair Accessible Parking is located directly in the back of the venue in our private parking lot. Loft on Lake is a fully accessible venue from front door to back door.
Family Owned & Operated
Your Loft on Lake Contacts
Jill Garrett
Venue Director
Jill is your day-to-day contact, managing all events and client correspondence.
She is always on hand to help you before, during, and after booking with any questions you may have. She is available to attend vendor meetings as you plan your event and she can also provide day of coordination services to facilitate your event details.
Her event experience began over 15 years ago working events, large & small, in both city & suburbs. Fast forward through several event-related jobs, including hotel catering management, she’s found her permanent home at Loft on Lake.
Jill met her husband, Evan, while attending an event at Loft on Lake in 2013. Six years later they were married in roughly the same spot where they first met! See photos from their 2019 wedding in the LoftyWeddings Photo Gallery.
Jill looks forward to showing everyone what our magical space has to offer!
Cher Garrett
Founder
The building had a vision of its own and soon began to unfold as a welcoming space for so many to launch businesses, products and unions; life changing and transformative opportunities and events. Cher laid the strong foundation for Loft on Lake’s continued success with solid industry relationships, customer service and marketing expertise for our first 10 years.
Cher continues to oversee all our business efforts, along with growing her specialty food product business.
She previously lead her successful design and branding firm, KGA and has had a strong entrepreneurial presence in the West Loop for 30+ years!
Steve Garrett
Co-Founder, Photographer
Steve has worked as a commercial photographer in the West Loop since 1990.
As our resident photographer, he leads the Lofty Weddings photography team, as well as his corporate and event photography team Garrett Photographic.
Steve also helps manage the space for certain events.
Jessie Garrett
Former Graphic Designer
Jessie is an award-winning published photographer and specializes in web/graphic design and social strategy. She lead our digital marketing efforts, created our website and managed the venue from 2016-2018.
Jessie continues to contribute to our marketing efforts and also provides her web, social media and graphic design services to her own client base.
Evan Garrett
Video, Tech & Logistics
Evan is our head of tech and logistics, and all things that need fixing!
He helps manage the space, and facilitates event tech rentals and studio management for photo/video shoots in the space.
Evan also partners with Steve under Garrett Photographic and LoftyWeddings for corporate and social photography & videography.
Joel Garrett
Former Director of Sales
Joel was VP of Customer Engagement and Sales from 2011-2015.
He was married at Loft on Lake in May 2014 (See photos from their wedding in the LoftyWeddings Photo Gallery.)
Joel now works as an seasoned architect in the CRM field, and has two adorable children, Dax & Lenix with his wife Ashley.
““The value the staff at Loft on Lake added was far beyond what was anticipated. Their commitment to the success of our event was second to none. I would happily have future receptions or even corporate events in this space.””
Accolades Affiliates & Press
Award-Winning Event Venue
Loft on Lake has become one of Chicago’s premier destinations for any event since our start in 2008. We captured the coveted "Best New Chicago Venue Award" from the event industry forecaster BizBash a year after opening, and the Chicago Events industry so kindly embraced us. We have set the trend and led the way in standards and have offered consistent and exceptional services proven to be the tried and true answer for urbanites seeking the ultimate alternative experience. We've received countless accolades from third parties and stellar reviews on Loft on Lake listings across the web by past clientele.
awards
2022 The Knot “Best of Weddings”
2022 Luxury Wedding Wire Couple’s Choice Award
2020 "Best of 2020" Best Venue on The Wedding Spot
2019 Luxury Travel Guide Winner - Best Urban Event Venue
2019 LUX Life Magazine - Best Wedding & Events Venue
2018 LTG Wedding Awards Shortlisted
2011 - 2017 "People Love Us" on Yelp
2017 "Best Event Venues in the Country" The Salonnaire
2017 "Real Weddings" Feature on 100 Layer Cake
2016 "Best Event Rental Companies Chicago" Expertise
2016 "Best of 2016" Best Venue on The Wedding Spot
2015 Wedding Featured On Style Me Pretty
2014 "Real Weddings" Feature on 100 Layer Cake
2014 Wedding Featured On Style Me Pretty
2013 Wedding Featured On Style Me Pretty
2012 "Best Venue Manager" BizBash Finalist
2012 "Best of Chicago" Award Venue and Event Space
2011 "Best Venue Manager" BizBash Finalist
2009 "Chicago Event Style Awards" BizBash BEST NEW VENUE
