Opened in mid-January, Powerhouse is a raw event space with 30-foot ceilings in Georgetown that has become a popular venue for a variety of events. A brick-and-steel structure originally built in 1917, the two-level space has a 6,500-square-foot interior and 3,000-square-foot patio.
The secluded 21-room Echo Valley Ranch & Spa sits on 160 acres in British Columbia, surrounded by untouched wilderness. Groups can reserve part or all of the resort, which features 3,000 square feet of meeting space, two spas, and a private, paved landing strip. Farm-to-fork cuisine is served family-style, which helps create a community-oriented atmosphere. Open seasonally from April to October and between December 15 and January 6, Echo Valley staff work with meeting planners to tailor each group's itinerary. Activities can include out-of-the-box adventures like gold panning, scavenger hunts, and guided expeditions on horseback, or more low-key options like western-style cookouts and stargazing.
The Kimpton Gray Hotel will open in the financial district this spring. With 293 rooms, the hotel will have 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space. On the top floor, a 2,800-square-foot ballroom will have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Chicago. The room will hold receptions for 280 guests. The hotel will also have a rooftop lounge with a private dining area on its 15th floor, and a library lounge on the second floor. On the ground floor, there will be a restaurant, a Starbucks, and the fast-casual Protein Bar.
From Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Oyster Bah opened in Lincoln Park in December. The restaurant's lower-level "Crab Cellar" seats 30 guests for a private dinner or holds 50 guests for receptions. The room has its own bar. On the menu, New-England-style offerings include clam chowder, lobster rolls, and crispy rainbow trout.
The Mexican restaurant Cantina 1910 opened in Andersonville in September. The venue hosts private dinners in its second-floor dining room, which seats 48 or holds 60 for receptions. The main dining room seats 72 guests or holds 85 for receptions. The venue is also available for buyout. The menu specializes in Mexican fare made with ingredients from Midwestern farms; items include roasted pork tacos and seared fish.
Open since December, Punch Bowl Social Schaumburg is a 27,000-square-foot entertainment complex. The venue offers bowling, arcade games, ping-pong, and karaoke; its menu offers cocktails, punch bowls, and snacks such as deviled eggs and fried chicken. The full venue holds 1,000 guests for receptions. An area called the "Holiday Lodge" holds 120 for receptions. The mezzanine holds 150 for receptions.
Inspired by Havana in the 1930s and 1940s, Sparrow opened in the Gold Coast in December. The rum bar serves specialty cocktails like La Floridita #3, which combines rum with lime and grapefruit juices, maraschino, and sugar. A raised area in back of the space holds 30 for receptions; if bought out, the venue holds 100 for cocktail receptions. Currently, the venue only serves drinks; bar snacks may be available in the future.
The Vig opened in Old Town in October and hosts private craft-beer dinners and bourbon tastings. Billed as a "kitchen and sports parlor," the venue occupies a bow-truss building and has decor inspired by the 1950s. A semiprivate dining space and bar area seats 30 or holds 45 for receptions. There are 12 flat-screen TVs on site; menu offerings include burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel opened on the Magnificent Mile in September. Housed in the landmark McGraw-Hill building, which is decorated with sculptural panels by 1920s artist Gwen Lux, the hotel has an Art Deco theme. There are 15 meeting rooms and more than 15,000 square feet of meeting space. Event spaces include the Terrace Rooftop, which overlooks the Magnificent Mile and holds 150 guests for receptions. The Skyline Ballroom, which is decked with Swarovski chandeliers, holds 350 for banquets. On the 16th floor, the Grand Terrace Suite holds 75 for receptions. The Magnolia Ballroom, which is 3,388 square feet, seats 68 conference-stye.
Coconutz opened on Division Street in December. Inspired by the Caribbean, the cocktail lounge and wine bar serves rum in coconuts and island-inspired snacks. Fixtures include cabana lounges, a bamboo bar, and cloud-inspired light fixtures. For buyouts, the venue holds 100 for receptions; it seats 65.
Kick opened in North Center in November. Inspired a volcano, the interior features a 100-foot electric fireplace and fiery red hues. The international menu features dishes with a “kick” of spice, including chimichurri steak. The restaurant is available for private or semiprivate events of as many as 130 guests. Audiovisual amenities include six 50-inch HD TVs.
Lakeview Kitchen & Market opened in May. The 5,000-square-foot space hosts cooking classes for corporate groups. The space has 16 prep tables and can accommodate classes for as many as 20 guests. Some 20 companies use the kitchen space and can provide catering for events. The kitchen's clients produce items such as French pastries, Mexican-inspired fare, and healthy snacks.
