Chicago Illuminating Company

Stay away! We worked with Marta, the owner, and it was a disaster. When we first visited the venue, she made a lot of promises and we were excited to work with her. However, when it came down to actually booking the venue and signing a contract, she went back on almost everything she promised. But that wasn’t the issue — I can understand things change. The worst part was that she was spoke very rudely over the phone — it was ]completely unprofessional. If you want to work with someone who has no class and has a rough and tumble approach with customers, go with Illuminating Company. Otherwise, do not make the mistake of trying to book an event here! Save yourself the headache!
Also, if you want to read more about Marta’s behavior, feel free to peruse some of the reviews below. I was shocked to see others had similar experiences…

Attended a friend’s wedding here last weekend and the space couldn’t have been nicer. Really beautiful layout and most of the servers were really nice, had a great server that totally hooked my table up.
I would definitely consider having an event here in the future!

The Chicago Illuminating Company is an incredible venue to host a first class event! There is an abundance of space that can be customized however you see fit. The general manager of the CIC is incredibly professional, knowledgeable and easy to plan your event with. I hosted my company’s annual event there and it was amazing to see how the different rooms at the CIC were transformed. You can’t go wrong with hosting an event here!

My sister’s wedding took place at the Chicago Illuminating Company. Overall it was a success! The day was beautiful and the final vision was as my sister had planned it. Although, there was a major issue that happened that is worth mentioning if you are considering planning an event here. It resulted in a lot of unnecessary stress, additional trips to the site, more time and phone calls than needed and an unnecessary anger and defensiveness on what should have been a stress-​free and totally enjoyable day. Martha, the owner, is a strong business person with a clear vision of running a great company in a fantastic location but, sometimes a person’s greatest strength can also be their greatest weakness.
There were many parts of my sister’s wedding planning that went well in part because of Martha. She is intelligent and I wish her nothing but great success. But, her interpersonal skills as well as accommodating the vision of the planner does need some work.
Another client of Martha’s had a tent erected in the courtyard for an event that was following ours. She mentioned this to my sister 2 days prior to the wedding like this «I have a wonderful and beautiful tent for you». My sister didn’t understand because a tent was never in her vision. However, my sister, being accommodating, gave it some thought, but ultimately decided against it. It was going to be a perfect day and not one rain cloud predicted for that day. Martha continued to insist that she use it. «It was a wonderful opportunity.» We understood, but there was no reason for it and we loved the outdoor space as is. The courtyard was part of the reason that the venue was selected. We realized that she was hard selling her on the tent because Martha didn’t want to take it down and put it back up. I’m sure this was inconvenient and costly for her, but certainly a central part of doing this business. I believe Martha was hoping that it would rain so waited until the last minute to tell her. She knew my sister didn’t want it otherwise she would have mentioned it earlier in the week, because come to find out, that’s when the tent was installed.
I don’t blame her for trying to sell us on the idea of the tent because, why not? But after we graciously declined, she wouldn’t take no for an answer. We continued to respond to her numerous emails and calls and repeated that the tent was never part of the plan, we never were considering it and that no matter how much decorating she would do to it, we simply didn’t want the tent. This did not stop her. We even went to the venue the day of the rehearsal dinner to see it because she was so insistent, and thought let’s give it a chance because maybe we’re not understanding something. It was a nice tent, but obstructed the beautiful sky and lovely courtyard greenery. I, then, called my sister’s planner from the venue and said we are still not interested, please let Martha know. I thought that would finally end it.
To my surprise, Martha called me after I left the venue and tried one last time to push us into using it. I had to keep repeating over and over, in a professional manner, that we didn’t want the tent. She started getting defensive. I felt like she even yelled at me at one point and mysteriously said she couldn’t hear me on a phone call that was «breaking up» when I had to become very insistent that this is the end of it. I don’t want anymore calls or emails because the wedding is tomorrow. This discussion is over.
So it was finally settled. The tent would be taken down for my sister’s wedding meeting the original vision. It really was the MOST beautiful day of the entire year with gorgeous weather, everyone was relaxing and enjoying our perfect day — I thought this issue was resolved.
Unfortunately, Martha still felt a need to mention the tent to me one last time as the wedding party arrived one hour prior to the ceremony. She came to me and said «see I took it down and I will have to put it right back up». She is forgetting that this really has nothing to do with my sister’s event. It’s the cost of doing business. Luckily, I was able to bear the brunt of this and my sister, the beautiful bride, was not distracted with this nonsense.
Do I recommend this venue? Yes, many things about it are terrific. Do I caution you about working with this business? Absolutely. We had a great team of people working on our event and in spite of this tent situation, it all came together perfectly.
Stay strong with your convictions and your vision will also be realized.

I live in the neighborhood and had no idea about this hidden gem. This is a great venue for events, with a nice outdoor enclosed patio with room for a stage and a couple bars. There is a long bar near the entrance. I have not idea if this location is a restaurant or a club or a bar, but I attended for a special event and think it would make an excellent wedding and reception venue. The food and drinks were from a private chef and winery, so I’m sure it was an outside service company, but the bartenders and service staff were excellent. Overall, a great event and a beautiful venue.

I went here last night for an event (Lexus) and what a beautiful spot! This place was pretty spacious and I loved the outdoor patio. The trees and beautiful lighting gave the patio a feel of sophistication and elegance.
The wine was flowing, the severs were attentive, and the guests were beautiful. What more can you ask for at an event/​event space.
I can definitely see why people would choose to have a wedding or any other event here. You have a good foundation to work with, but still able to use your creative abilities to change the space into your own vision. I also like this area has ample parking and complimentary valet (at least for this event).

I attended a rum tasting here, and I was shocked when I realized exactly where it was because I have passed this very place so many times and never noticed it. And the outside of this building does not do the inside any justice. This is a beautiful place, lively and clean with so many options for decorating to suit your needs. The tasting was great and they did an excellent decorating job. One room gave it a feel as if you were in a cellar while the other room gave you the feel of being in a kick ass bar. If given the opportunity I would definitely return here with much excitement.

It always amazes me how I can be in an area for other places and never realize I have walked or drove passed the place several times; this time was no different!
I went too Chicago Illuminating Company for the Brugal Rum Tasting Event.
Now, before I speak about the Rum let me talk about the set up. This has nothing to do with the CIC.
Before you go to the event you have to register and you are asked a few questions which I have no problem with answering, I just didn’t like that you couldn’t just check in and keep it moving because they had a few more questions to ask you… which IMO held up the line.
After you check in you get a drink token and then you stepped right over into the area where they had a few tables set up as well as the bar so you can turn in your drink token.
There was a spot over to the side where they were taking photos and texting or emailing you right away. That was cool!
They also passed out hors d’œuvre but not that many… lol people start standing by the steps just to get a taste. I know we were in the back and by the time the young lady got too our table there was no more food. I know this isn’t a food tasting event but there should be a better flow of food to coat your stomach.
The bathrooms were like Individual rooms which was cool because they had there own mirrors and sinks.
I was pleasantly surprised by my Brugal Rum with Tonic, cucumber slice, basil leaf and lime. It was so smooth and refreshing! I wish I had another one but I digress.
I believe this space is meant to be transformed and transform it did, because when we stepped into the other room for the history of the Rum they had a beautiful arch that you stepped through then it had makeshift wooden drums on the wall. The tables had the 3 sample drinks already on them along with water, almonds, raisins and ice.
The master of ceremony was funny and kept the tasting interesting. I didn’t know I was sitting at the table with a 5^th generation owner of the company. She was so sweet and funny. When they were telling us about one of the Rums they asked what you smelled and I heard coconuts… I immediately said I can not taste this and with her beautiful accent she said «No coconuts in Rum, drink, drink, drink!» lol I didn’t drink it right away because I didn’t want too take any chances so she turned around and said «Did you drink yet?» so I picked up my glass and a warm tingling and smooth rum coated my throat. Since, I had no one sitting next too me I asked her if I could drink the extra and she smiled and said «Sure!» I wish I would have taken a picture of her but I didn’t want to be rude. I already had an extra drink… smile
After our history lesson they took us to another room where we could make our own drinks talk about happy campers. Everyone was so excited well at least I know I was for sure. This room was more sleek and modern.
My drink was so good I thought I could be a bartender for about 6.5 seconds… lol Yeah, I will stick to cooking.
This rum is very mixable and very smooth… I was with a great group of people and it was indeed a fun event.
I would love to go to another event at Chicago Illuminating Company to see how they transform the space.
Enjoy!

Large, spacious, versatile space. I can see how it can accommodate different kinds of events. Loved the large patio.

I LOVE this space, perhaps one of my favorite in Chicago. So much can be done in this space for any type of event. When planning for an event earlier this year, the manager, Marta came off as curt and tries to intimidate but one thing I’ve grown in this business is tough skin and just ignored it. Perhaps she’s different with clients versus industry folk. I love the space regardless and would recommend to anyone. Don’t care about Ms. Marta’s attitude, money talks. NEXT!

As soon as I stepped into this venue I knew that this was where I had to get married. The industrial /​modern design is gorgeous and while it is officially a black and white blank slate, the various design features (light fixtures, paintings, open ceiling, decorative bar) actually don’t require much additional décor. The venue has 10 individual bathrooms, which is a luxury in event spaces. The outdoor area is beautiful for taking photos — don’t miss the extravagant gate all the way on the east side!
Our ceremony was at 6 pm on a Saturday (July 7, 2012) and the train did go by at least once. However, it did not feel like noise but instead provided our out-​of-​town guests a nice reminder of the beautiful city around us. We still get compliments on how nice it was to have the added personal city touch of the train.
We had 203 guests and fit everyone comfortably at feasting tables on both levels in the back room, but probably would have maxed out at 210 with that configuration. You could fit more with round tables.
The venue has a shortlist of approved caterers, and we used Limelight Catering. Words do not describe how phenomenal the food was. Marta did a great job of selecting this caterer and their food and service was excellent. I would absolutely recommend them to complete the package.

A beautiful space! We held our wedding here last weekend and had a great time. We received so many compliments from our guests on how awesome and unique the space was. It was important to us when searching for a wedding venue that we had a unique, non-​ballroom style space with a huge dance floor and that is exactly what we got.
The reason why I am giving the venue 4 stars, and not 5, is because of Marta. Yes, Marta knows what she is doing but she is very pushy. With her its «her way or the highway» and if you make a suggestion otherwise she always comes back with «well, I have never had any wedding do it that way» or some other snotty remark. She is constantly pushing specific vendors, most who are very high-​end and would also make me feel guilty for being a bride on a budget.
Like I said, a beautiful space, just beware of Marta. My advice? Hire a planner so you don’t have to deal with her.

So, I had the most magical, dreamlike, amazing wedding at Château des Condé in Vallery, France, with 27 of our closest friend and family. My parents insisted on doing a big blowout wedding reception at home in Chicago as well. Jason and I chose this amazing venue, which happens to be near our home, for the the 225 guests that my parents invited, hahaha! My dad is very, very well-​known, respected, connected in the Korean-​American community in Chicago and the suburbs, so naturally, their guest list was over 400 people… considering this venue holds 225 guests max the way we wanted the reception to be set up, we had some serious cuts to make. Anyway, the venue, Marta, and everything that goes along with it, is completely spectacular. Marta, makes sure everything goes off without a hitch, and honestly, is like a wedding planner, hence no need to hire a separate one. I’ll have to post some pics once I get the ones from Chicago from the photographer… we did our staycation at the Waldorf for 2 nights and 3 days, so we all got ready and partied in a suite there for the 2^nd round of rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, after party, and family/​bridal party brunch at Balsan.

I love this modern space: its open with high ceilings and great for events. Came here for an Epicurious dinner and was very impressed. The wait staff was attentive and quick. Someone should have another party here soon and invite me!

I attended a wedding here and this is hands down the most beautiful event space I have EVER seen. And not only is it beautiful but it’s run with precision by the staff, everything is done with extreme class and grace. I don’t think words can describe the difference in a wedding here compared to anywhere else I’ve been a part of. But let me try…
This space is pricey but completely worth it in my book…
There’s a patio space which is tucked into a gorgeous courtyard just off the main building with it’s own bar, music, and romantic lighting.
In the main building that has any kind of floor plan you could want. It’s more or less multiple lofty spaces to choose from with high ceilings, wood floors, enormous windows (and doors), gigantic mirrors, and lighting to drool over.
The best part about this place was that when I was there they combined 2 large rooms — one for just tables, eating, toasting, etc. and another for partying which was set up for dancing with lounge seating, a LARGE bar. It was great, if you wanted to just sit and relax you weren’t overwhelmed with DJ speakers and if you just wanted to boogie down you could dance the night away, grabbing drinks only a few feet from you and then catching your breath on a sofa overlooking the dance floor.
This place is a well oiled machine and deserves huge honors in the event community. Well, at least you’ve got them from me. Great job, keep up the good work. I will be recommending this place to anyone who can afford to pay a little more for «not another banquet hall.»

If you’re having a party here please invite me because I LOVE this venue. It’s modern, it’s sleek, and perfect for so many different occasions such as:
Wedding venue for the modern bride
Corporate bash
Bar/​bat-​mitzvahs
Large bday party (hint hint to my husband… perfect spot for my 30^th!)
And more!
It’s a rather large space so you can do a cocktail party for up to 600 peeps and a sit-​down dinner for up to 250. I’ve looked into doing a party there in the past and they have a preferred list of caterers, which they are unable to stray from. A bit annoying if you have your own preferred caterer that is NOT on their list, but they do have some good caterers including the muy overpriced Blue Plate catering and Entertaining Company, which did a very nice job at the Anti Defamation League event I attended at CIC this past weekend.
So yeah. I’m happy to throw on my party dress and stilettos anytime for a party at CIC so put me on your invite list. Oh, and if my presence isn’t enough… I buy nice gifts too.

This place is very special and the service is impeccable every time I have been here for an event. When looking at this venue for my wedding, I loved it, I really did. Here is the problem… it is HELLA EXPENSIVE! $ 8,000! Yes, I know that they cater to a high end clientel and I went to view the space on a day where four hours later Oprah was going to grace it with her presence, but for $ 8000 I was only getting space. [it is a beautiful, raw, lounge style space and for would work extremely well for having both the ceremony AND reception in the space] No chairs, no tables, no staff, no valet attendants. Just space and awesomeness.
Marta was extremely helpful and has a quick answer to any event related question. But every answer came bracketed by dollar signs. She has seen every type of event from a lowly [yeah right] $ 30,000 wedding budget to $ 250,000 plus bar mitzvahs. They partner with specific caterers [about 5] and plugged an event specialist called Kehoe Designs throughout the meeting.
In the end we could have handled the additional fees incurred for this space, and had a healthy debate over it, but two minimalist architects getting married in a minimalist space seemed a bit cliché.

Very cool place for a private party. I was there on Saturday for a wedding reception. Based on the photos I see in the profile I imagine it’s up to the party planner to create the look, because the night I was there was very different. Whoever did this reception did a great job.

Jerry Kleiner strikes again. I can’t believe I’ve not reviewed this place yet as I even did a walk through before it actually opened. I attended a wonderful event here for O Magazine with Art Smith and was blown away. Beautiful space, crisp clean lines. A blank slate that can be reinvented on a daily basis. Really, it is gorgeous and classic Jerry. The visionary. Infinite possibilities for transformation. Professional staff that knows their stuff and a hidden gem for hire!
In the interest of full disclosure, I was fortunate enough to work for Jerry Kleiner at the iconic Shelter before he began his restaurant empire and I adored him then and I adore him now. He is a truly gifted designer and has a brilliant creative mind and an uncanny ability to see beauty in old delapidated and unloved buildings. This venue is the benefactor of his keen eye and infinite vision.
Highly recommend this venue for any special event.

A lovely friend and co-​worker of mine asked me to be his date for a wedding here. Actually he e-​mailed me, luring me with free booze and steak, which apparently he knew would win me over, and I e-​mailed him back in literally two minutes with an emphatic «Hell Yes». Apparently I’m as addicted to Gmail as I am to free food and drinks. He’d already been for an art exhibit, and I was really excited to check it out. The space was gorgeous, much more raw than our event crazy workplace River East Art Center, and perfect for the young quirky couple who were getting married. From the food, to the atmosphere, to the tiny plastic dogs (!) in the floral arrangements, to the friendly bartenders who remembered our drink orders (I’m not sure if that’s something good about them or bad about us), I had a great time, and would consider having my own event here someday.