Quietly open for events since January, Loft on Lake is a 60- by 40-foot photography studio in the West Loop. With exposed brick walls and a 65-foot skylight, the venue can seat 150 guests or host 200 for cocktail receptions. Ford recently used the studio to unveil one of its new vehicles.
At the back of the space, an open kitchen with granite counters provides a prep area for caterers—the venue works with a preferred list that includes Taste America and Catered by Design—and there's also a large island for buffet spreads.
Through a partnership with a local recycling company, Loft on Lake owners can arrange for food to be taken to shelters, flowers to be delivered to nursing homes, and balloons to be dropped off at children's hospitals after events. Other services include an in-house art gallery, from which hosts can pull oversize modern paintings to decorate events, and owner and photographer Stephen Garrett can shoot happenings held within the space.
Along with caterers, the venue works with vendors who can provide lighting, valet parking, floral arrangements, rentals, and entertainment.