Frequently asked questions
What is your maximum capacity?
We can create an intimate gathering for groups as small as 25, or design a sit-down meal for 175. At our maximum capacity, we can host events such as a cocktail party reception for up to 200 people.
Do you have a preferred or exclusive catering list?
Neither. We have an open catering list because we think you’ll appreciate having a choice. Select any licensed and insured caterer you’d like and we will work hand-in-hand with them to achieve the highest standard of responsible and sustainable catering.
Your rental fee includes a lot. When can we come in for a tour?
You tell us. We are currently allowing up to six guests for in-person tours.
What does your hold and booking process look like?
You can put a 14 day courtesy hold on any one available date you'd like. This must be done in writing via email. The hold starts the day you see Greenhouse Loft in person. Once two weeks has passed, if there's another party interested in the same date, you will have 48 hours to make your decision. After two weeks, we will honor you hold until another party challenges. If you decide to move forward, our agreement is in the Forms section of the website. Fill that out, shoot it back, and put your 50% deposit in the mail. Easy peasy.
What is your rental period?
For Fri/Sat/Sun events, you have access at 12:00pm. You can host an event up to seven hours on Saturdays and Sundays and events on Fridays must begin at 6pm or after. Events can not go past 12:00am. Weekday rentals are on a case-by-case basis.
Is parking available to my guests?
Parking is included in all rentals after 6pm weekdays and between 6:00pm Friday and 6:00am Monday. It's a 30 car lot just east of our building at Maplewood & Diversey. 75 more spaces are available underground for a $500 fee.
Where is Greenhouse Loft located?
Our address is 2545 W. Diversey Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647. Greenhouse Loft is located on the second floor of the Green Exchange building, conveniently located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.
By car:
We’re 1 block east of the I-90/94 Diversey exit. When driving southeast (toward downtown) it’s exit 46A, when driving northwest (away from the downtown high rises) it’s exit 46B. We’re approximately 10 minutes from downtown via car, not accounting for traffic.
By public transit:
Train - the Logan Square blue line station is a 12 minute walk from us
Bus - #76 Diversey bus stops in front of the building at Diversey/Rockwell
Bus - #49 Western bus stops 3 blocks east of us at Western/Diversey
Divvy Bike Sharing - Nearest docking station is an 8 minute walk east of us at the corner of Logan Blvd and Elston. www.divvybikes.com
By air:
Chicago is serviced by O’Hare International Airport (ORD) which is 12 miles from Greenhouse Loft, and Midway International Airport (MDW) which is 15 miles from Greenhouse Loft.
What is the square footage of your space?
5000 sq ft skygarden, 3600 sq ft loft, 2000 sq ft art gallery.
Bar packages are insane at other venues. Do you have one?
Absolutely not. We're BYO. Give Prestige a jingle and create a drink package that reflects your personalities. They'll reimburse you for anything that wasn't consumed. Your licensed and insured caterer will happily serve your guests. Cheers to that.
Do you have a private green room and/or wedding party suite?
Yes. We have a large private space available right outside of the garden ceremony area.
We understand that a DJ from Style Matters is included in the rental rate. How does that work?
Around two months prior to your event, we will start determining who the best fit for your party might be. Style Matters is a large collective and you're going to have a lot of options. We want your party to be the one that everyone talks about when it's all said and done. The DJ can help make that happen and it's imperative that we find the best possible fit for your party.
How's the HVAC system?
High tech! It cools quickly in the summer and is nice and toasty in the winter.
Do you offer coat check?
Yes, there are multiple coat racks in our welcome area.
How many tables, chairs, and highboys do you have?
25 8' tables, 2 4' tables, 6 28" highboys, 4 28” caberet tables.
We have a handful of guests in wheelchairs. Are you wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely. The building is ADA accessible, with an elevator just off the main entrance.
We need Wifi throughout the course of our event.
No problem, there's robust Wifi in the entire building.
What's the bathroom situation?
7 stalls in the women's, 7 in the men's, with a private family bathroom.
Do you have someone onsite during our event?
Yes, there will be two different Event Liaisons at your event. The opener will be there from 12-7pmish, and the closer from 5pm-very late.
Can we bring our dog to our event?
Yes, we are pet friendly. You may bring your dog to the ceremony.
How many events per day do you hold?
Just yours.
We'd really like to have a band perform at our party. Is that allowed?
Yes. The recommended max guest count with a band is 125. Please refer to our floorplans.
Your rates are posted on the website but what additional fees might we incur?
All applicable state and federal taxes are built in to the rental rate and there are no additional or hidden fees. It is required that you purchase insurance, which should only be about $175 from sites like www.wedsure.com and www.wedsafe.com. We take 50% down and the remaining balance about a month out.
Do you take commissions from other vendors?
Absolutely not.
We've booked Greenhouse Loft and we're starting to look at room blocks at local hotels. Have any recommendations?
We'd recommend giving your guests the full Chicago experience and finding a hotel downtown.
Can we bring in additional decor? Who will be responsible for setting it up and when would that happen?
Yes, you can bring your own decor. You will be responsible for setting it up and tearing it down.
Can I come in to brainstorm with friends and vendors?
Of course. Anytime. Please just make an appointment.
Can we hold a short rehearsal the day before the event?
Yes, provided nobody else has rented the space the night before your event. You can book your rehearsal six weeks before your event for a $250/hr fee.
Your amenities list includes "candle treatment". What does that mean?
We will provide small candles in small votives and place them along ledges in the glasshouse and on the bar and center island. We will also provide mercury and hurricane glasses on the highboys, coffee tables, and end tables. You are responsible for bring in your own decor for the dining tables.
Greenhouse Loft looks like it hosts a lot of weddings. What about corporate functions?
Because weekend dates book so far in advance, we host primarily weddings on Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays. Monday-Thursday are reserved for corporate groups, fundraisers, art opening, ideation sessions, seminars, book releases, sales meetings, etc.
