Hot pink and orange accent walls, giant umbrellas, and monkeys on pogo sticks- that is what you’ll see when walking into Catalyst Ranch. This uber-creative space is filled with an eclectic mix of vintage and ethnic pieces from around the world. In fact, owner Eva Niewiadomski started this meeting/event space eight years ago and adorned it with many souvenirs from her travels. With ultra-cool seating (from yellow 70’s style chairs to a pillow room) and racks filled with hats (with mirrors nearby for guests enjoyment) you can bet this space will cater to your unique wedding or event. They even have an on-site photobooth available for rent!

Pillow Seating at Catalyst Ranch
Pillow Seating at Catalyst Ranch

During my tour with Casey, Catalyst Ranch’s Client Services Manager, I got the full story on how this space operates. I am excited to say they are a very eco-friendly venue! Not only do they surround themselves with local vendors who also have greener business practices (City Provisions and Bleeding Heart Bakery– just to name a couple), they also recycle and reuse. Their décor/furniture is repurposed, utensils/glassware are reusable, all unused food is donated to the Pacific Garden Mission, and all garbage is recycled (they even encouraged their building to recycle too).

Another thing that can’t go without mentioning is their latest event- Under a New Moon. On June 1st six couples won a reception at Catalyst Ranch with a group ceremony at midnight, making those couples the first to celebrate their same-sex civil union in Chicago. How awesome! Congrats to the couples, their families, and everyone involved. If you would like more information about this amazing venue, check out their website: http://www.catalystranch.com/

Jitterbug Event Space
Jitterbug Event Space
Polka Event Space