Sick of boardrooms and ballrooms? Look to these one-of-a-kind event venues.
Fashion Meets Function
In November 2007, local fashion designer Robin Kyle opened Phaiz, an 800-square-foot storefront in West Town. Kyle curates month-long events in which visiting artists install exhibitions and Kyle displays fashions that highlight that art. Once a month, between exhibitions, the space can be rented as a blank canvas, or parties can be arranged within the installations.
Where the Wild Things Are
Brookfield Zoo debuted the Pavilions, four outdoor event spaces, in May. The open-air venues are set on 216 acres of landscaped grounds gated separately from the rest of the zoo and are open for events from early spring through late fall. The largest pavilion, the Swan, seats 500 guests or holds 750. The Bison and Dragonfly pavilions each hold 300, while the Peacock holds 120. Combined, the Pavilions can accommodate 2,000 guests. Event menus can include hors d’oeuvres, buffets, picnics, or full sit-down meals.
House Party
A dedicated event space that opened in July, Galleria Unico is located on the first floor of an historic brownstone building near the Magnificent Mile. With hardwood floors, bay windows, expansive mirrors, and sleek white furniture, the 1,200-square-foot facility can seat 75 for a dinner or hold 150 for a reception, and the venue can arrange live music or DJs.
Pizza (Plus Private Event Space)
A 10,000-square-foot venue that opened in Evanston in March 2008 offers three side-by-side businesses that form a decidedly unusual combination: the 65-seat Union Pizzeria, which is available for full buyouts; a 3,000-square-foot blank-canvas named S.P.A.C.E., which holds 250; and a private recording studio.
