apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Architectural Artifacts - the space is incredible and definitely can accomodate the event.

http://www.archartifacts.com/
------------------

CB2 (North Ave) they could make the space if they just consolidate a bit and it's rarely crowded during the week or
-------------------

the golden triangle is wonderful - but may be limited as far as holding an event goes
http://www.thegoldentriangle.biz/s01-300-year-old-Chinese-house.htm

How about CB2?
Good design, affordable prices, easy to get to (especially, North Ave Location, currently unique to Chicago, and I am sure they would love to host it.
Just a thought...
>D

how about room and board downtown? it's an amazing space.

I like the CB2 idea. Domino did a thing there a couple months ago.

Design Within Reach possibly. They have a lot more open space than CB2 and definately have pieces worthy of conversation. Plus, they have parking :-)

The Orange Skin space on Erie?

I second Design Within Reach, although Modernica could also be very cool and it is near the "L".

One of two directions for this party:

Luminaire - because the space and the products are beautiful (although they probably wouldn't let us have it therte)

Or somewhere in a neighborhood, like ID, Sprout Home, Stitch or Jayson Home (which would have a beautiful outdoor area to enjoy as well).

I do like Design within Reach on North Ave - they do have quite a big parking lot, and they're close to the El.

I'd vote for Luminaire or Modernica. I know for a fact that AT has a following among the staff at both of these places.

I would also vote for Orange Skin. It's a cool space you could fit plenty of people into and I think it would be cooler to have it at an independent retailer rather than a corporate-owned location (as much as I love CB2 ...)

I like the CB2 idea. I've been looking for an excuse to fly to Chicago so this may be a nice time for me to pop on over! When are you thinking of hosting this event?

Holly

I'm for CB2 as well, though I prefer the Lincoln Ave. location, just because it's right next door to Trader Joe's! Yum! They have parking too (a bigger lot than the one on North Ave., I'd say) and are close to the Addison and Irving Park Brown Line stops.

I would vote for trying to secure the courtyard at Tree Studios. Not only is it a great space and close to the red line, but it's surrounded by a number of design-ey stores, including DWR, Equinox Lighting, P.O.S.H. and epoch.floral.

Is Tree Studios an option at this point? If so, count me it! I've been dying to get in there for years.

I'm so in, but honestly i'll be dissapointed if it's at CB2, not that i don't enjoy the store but we have some many amazing and unique stores here in chicago. why not do a beautiful party at the golden triangle. they would definately do it, i went to an awesome party there some years ago and the owners are a delight. or maybe svenska mobler...love love the furniture, but maybe too small. you had a picture of the mca..did you know they have a warehouse? anyway please consider something other than CB2, but if you must then you should negotiate us a discount or something since you will be doing them a big publicity favor and lord knows they don't need any freebies.

I also dislike the idea of having the party at CB2. Orange Skin would be cool or Modernica. CB2 seems like a upscale Ikea (as much as I love Ikea's prices)

psst, . . . Architectural Artifacts is the spot. See architecturalartifacts.com
A New Leaf should also be considered.

We actually had a staff party at Architectural Artifacts once. It was a good location and lots of nooks and crannies to hide in whilst getting drunk!

Hello All,

I made this suggestion for the first meeting, but people chose differently. So once again... how about Victor Hotel? It's located in the West Loop just North of Lake Street and West of Halsted. Go ahead and Google it.

For those of you who haven't been it's hip, has a lot of space and it's not terribly crowded before 8:00pm. Plus, Jerry Kleiner spent a "sh!#" load of money on the furniture in that place. Pieces by Nelson, Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Lajos Breuer, Eames... they're all in there. And you can actually sit in them and "try them out".

I'm just sayin'.

my vote: architectural artifacts or the tree studios courtyard.

I'd vote for a place that is unique to Chicago. Not a chain that can be found in other cities. My vote would be for Architectural Artifacts, Tree Studios, or New Leaf.

I want to sit on the furniture - I agree with AdonisSJ - Victor Hotel.

AdonisSJ and Jen:

Thanks for the suggestion and for seconding it.

Victor Hotel is a great place (and suggestion) but for the launch party we are particularly looking for a design store rather than a bar or restaurant.

It's definitely on our list of possibilities for any future events that we might have at that type of venue...

How about the new restaurant at Chicago and Wabash? It is a must see. Devon Seafood and Grill

Orange Skin would be perfect; or the North ave. DWR. Both are close to train lines and have ample room for a big crowd.

Another store to consider is Lightology on Chicago Ave. Their rooftop deck is lovely.

huh? why are people suggesting new leaf? it's a flower shop.... (and an absurdly expensive one at that - do you know what the mark-up is there?)

however, i second those against CB2, and would be in favor of something more local.

jen, i believe people are suggesting new leaf because they have a space available to rent for parties, weddings, etc. plus the space is really pretty.

>>We want to know your favorite design store in the city, at a good, convenient location ...

flower shop =! design store, especially when this city has so many independent design stores.

jen i'm with you, flower shops are not what they're looking for. just hypothosizing why it was thrown out there in the first place.

how about re revival? http://www.rerevival.com otherwise my vote is for sprout home or jayson home and garden.

I suggest the Sweden Shop on Foster. The gal that owns the unexpected and delightful Scandinavian design and gift store in Albany Park also owns Tre Kroner next door, with some of the best food in the city. They are super nice. If you have not been to Tre Kroner or the Sweden Shop...you have some explor'in to do!

Architectural Artifacts is a great suggestion. It's a beautiful spot for a party, with good parking and decent access to public transportation.

Perhaps the person who suggested a New Leaf was thinking about their event space next door (the location across from Bar Louie, not the one by TI). I've been to an event there and it was lovely!

You should seriously check out the Chicago Illuminating Company. It's a corporate party facility in a rehabbed power plant in the South Loop (19 E. 21st St - at Wabash) 312-326-9500.

"The oversized 20,000-square-foot, lofty space with unbeatable floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed brick and oversized lighting is the perfect hot spot for private parties..." (http://www.factio-magazine.com/specialfeatures/des__IkramParty.cfm)

Also, I see that a lot of people suggested Victor Hotel... Both Chicago Illuminating Company and Victor Hotel (as well as other notable establishments in Chicago) are owned by restaurateur, Jerry Kleiner.

Good luck!

Big fan of apartmenttherapy.com!

CB2 not local? They only have two locations, both in Chicago. Their parent, Crate and Barrel, is based in burbs. What make's it not local?

Architectural Artifacts sounds great...very beautiful space! If Trees Studio is possible I am down with that too. Either way, count me in!

DWR, CB2 or Stitch are all good ideas, in my opinion. I like the idea of a smaller, local store like Stitch. To be honest, I'm always afraid of knocking things over at CB2, DWR has a little more floor space. Count me in to attend, as well.

This sounds like a great time. Count me in wherever it is held! Any idea on a date?

Count me in! I support using an independent store, but floorspace is definitely something to keep in mind.

It's not too-design related, but there is a beautiful rental space in the River East Art Center. Regardless of where it is, I'm interested!

Another vote against CB2 and Design Within Reach. No company with a large mail order business, even if it is Chicago-based. I think Architectural Artifacts would be great, or any of the smaller stores mentioned. I'd love to go someplace I've never been, but not a place that lands in my mailbox every month.

count me in!

Sounds fantastic! Count me in as well.

I say Architectural Artifacts or the new location for Modern Times, though that space might not be large enough.

Can't wait to go, and to meet some like-minded people, and swap design ideas!