"Unveiling The Wellsley: Chicago's Chic New Event Space in River North"

The Wellsley, Boka Restaurant Group's first dedicated event venue, introduces a new, sophisticated space to Chicago's River North neighborhood. Designed in collaboration with AvroKO Design and Hospitality, the venue seamlessly integrates into Chicago's rich history and architectural landscape. The design ethos is inspired by the city's commerce and a refined, no-nonsense aesthetic, resulting in a space that feels both classic and contemporary. Custom details throughout the venue contribute to an atmosphere that blends grandeur with charm, providing an adaptable setting for various events. Spanning 7,700 square feet, The Wellsley's interior is thoughtfully divided across two floors, allowing for diverse event configurations. This flexible layout makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from large wedding receptions and corporate galas to milestone birthday celebrations, accommodating specific needs and preferences through its customizable design. The venue's ability to host different types of events underscores its versatility and appeal to a broad clientele. The first floor, covering over 6,200 square feet, features two distinct yet interconnected rooms: the Atrium and the Main Hall. The Atrium boasts a sleek black mirrored ceiling, elegant hanging globe lights, and durable terrazzo floors, creating a sophisticated entry point. Adjoining it is the Main Hall, characterized by handsome arches, a hand-painted skylight, and exquisite inlay wood floors, which together evoke a sense of timeless elegance. These spaces can be used independently to define different moments of an event or combined to facilitate a seamless flow between activities, enhancing the overall guest experience. On the second floor, the Lounge offers a more intimate setting. This moody, burgundy velvet-draped space is anchored by a bespoke cocktail bar, exuding a luxurious and exclusive ambiance. The Lounge can be booked as a standalone area for smaller gatherings or integrated into larger events held downstairs, providing an additional layer of versatility to The Wellsley's offerings. This option caters to events requiring a distinct, more private atmosphere. Boka Catering, under the leadership of Michelin-Starred chef Giuseppe Tentori, serves as the preferred caterer for The Wellsley. Known for delivering restaurant-quality service and cuisine, Boka Catering offers extensive experience in fulfilling diverse culinary needs, ranging from intimate home dinner parties to grand corporate events and personalized weddings. Chef Tentori's creative approach and innovative spirit ensure that each event features a distinct and memorable dining experience, setting new standards in the catering industry. The Wellsley is actively scheduling tours and accepting bookings for 2024 and beyond, positioning itself as a premier destination for events in Chicago. #EventVenue #ChicagoEvents #LuxuryInteriors #BokaRestaurantGroup #WeddingVenue #CorporateEvents #MichelinStarCatering #RiverNorth #AvroKODesign

The Shed, located in New York, United States, is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to commissioning, developing, and presenting original works of art across various disciplines for diverse audiences. Completed in 2019, the building, known as the Bloomberg Building, was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Rockwell Group. The facility spans an area of 18,500 square meters and is notable for its physical adaptability, engineered to accommodate a wide range of artistic endeavors. The Bloomberg Building features an eight-level base structure. This base includes two dedicated levels for gallery space, providing ample room for art exhibitions. Additionally, it houses the versatile Griffin Theater, designed to host performances and events. The upper levels of the base are home to The Tisch Skylights, which encompass a rehearsal space, a creative lab for local artists, and a skylit event space, offering flexible areas for artistic development and public engagement. A key architectural feature of The Shed is its telescoping outer shell. This shell can be deployed from over the base building and glides along rails onto an adjoining plaza, creating an expansive outdoor performance area known as The McCourt. This innovative design allows the building to physically transform, effectively expanding its footprint and capacity to host large-scale performances, installations, and events, responding dynamically to the needs of different artistic presentations. The project involved a comprehensive team of consultants and specialists to bring its complex design to fruition. Diller Scofidio + Renfro served as the lead architects, with Rockwell Group collaborating on the architectural design. Key consultants included Thornton Tomasetti for structural design, facade engineering, and kinetic engineering services, highlighting the intricate movable structure. Jaros Baum & Bolles handled MEP and fire protection, while Vidaris provided energy modeling consultation. Lighting design was managed by Tillotson Design Associates, and acoustic consultation by Akustiks. Construction management was overseen by Sciame Construction. Vertical transport consultants Van Deusen & Associates contributed to the building's internal logistics. Specialized consultants for the kinetic systems included Hardesty & Hanover, and Fisher Dachs Associates served as theater consultants, ensuring the functionality of the performance spaces. Cimolai was the structural steel fabricator, and Vector Foiltec fabricated the ETFE (Ethylene TetrafluoroFluoroethylene) material used in the outer shell. Additional expertise was provided by Code Consultants Inc. for building codes, Ducibella Venter & Santore for security, Entek Engineering for facade maintenance, James R. Gainfort for waterproofing, and Construction Specifications Inc. for specifications. Graphic design and wayfinding were handled by Other Means. The project's photography was primarily captured by Timothy Schenck, documenting the building's exterior and interior spaces. #CulturalArchitecture #ExhibitionCenter #NewYork #DillerScofidioRenfro #RockwellGroup #KineticArchitecture #PublicArtSpace #ArchitecturalInnovation #BuildingTransformation

Maximalist Studios, a new photo studio and event space in Norristown, is preparing to host weddings and private events starting in May. The studio is the brainchild of Eddie Ross, a prominent magazine editor and art director known for his work in publications such as *House Beautiful*, *Better Homes & Gardens*, and *Martha Stewart Living*, and his partner Jaithan Kochar. The venue is designed to be a versatile, natural-light-filled space, offering a blank canvas for various events. Located on the banks of the Schuylkill River, Maximalist Studios spans 8,500 square feet and features high ceilings, large windows, and white brick walls. Guests access the space via a styled freight elevator, which can be customized with carpets and furniture to align with the event's theme. The elevator opens directly into the salon area, which is curated with vignettes featuring pieces from Ross’s extensive personal collection of furniture and props. This salon also includes a chef’s kitchen, suitable for cooking demonstrations and smaller gatherings. Adjoining the salon is the main event space, characterized by its white floors and white walls, offering a neutral backdrop for any desired aesthetic. This primary area can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated dinner. Couples have the flexibility to work with Eddie Ross to incorporate items from his on-site collection of props, furniture, and tabletop rentals. Alternatively, they can bring in their own team of vendors to execute their specific vision, or opt for a combination of both approaches, allowing for significant customization. Due to substantial interest following an Instagram tour of the space, Maximalist Studios is hosting an open house for engaged couples. This event is scheduled for Saturday, February 23rd, starting at 10:30 a.m. This provides an opportunity for prospective clients to experience the venue firsthand and understand its potential. A separate introductory event for wedding professionals is planned for May. Interested couples can register for the tour online, and the studio is located at 501 W. Washington Street #3, Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401. Additional photographs of the salon, kitchen, main event space, and a tablescape designed by Eddie Ross are provided, showcasing the studio's aesthetic and capabilities. The article concludes by inviting readers to explore more content from Philadelphia Wedding via social media and newsletters. #MaximalistStudios #WeddingVenue #EventSpace #Norristown #EddieRoss #EventDesign #PhiladelphiaWeddings #HomeDesign

Fifth Group Restaurants, known for establishments like La Tavola and Ecco, is set to transform its Midtown seafood restaurant, Lure, into Lure Saltwater Kitchen and Bar. The original Lure will close on September 2nd, with the new concept opening just a week later. The renovation reflects changes in the dining scene and habits within Midtown, aiming to inject new excitement and energy into the space that has been operational for 13 years. Lure Saltwater Kitchen and Bar will maintain its focus on sustainable seafood, but with a revamped approach centered around small plates prepared on a newly installed wood-fire grill. The interior will undergo a refresh, and a new patio bar is being added to enhance the dining experience. The beverage program is also being updated to complement the new culinary direction. To lead this transformation, the team has brought in chef de cuisine Olivier Reedholm, formerly of The Grey in Savannah and the Michelin-starred Under in Norway. Reedholm will collaborate with Fifth Group's vice president of culinary, Mark Jeffers, and director of culinary, Brandon Chavannes, who was involved in the initial opening of Lure. This culinary trio is partnering with Farmers & Fisherman Purveyors to ensure that all seafood items adhere to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch List, promoting sustainability. A key feature of the new menu will be the daily-to-weekly changing “Fleeting Moments” selection, offering fresh oysters, aguachile, crudo, ceviche, and tartare. This ensures a dynamic menu, encouraging repeat visits. A unique shared plate option, the “Tackle Box-Chef Assortment,” will present raw bar items in a vintage tackle box. The small plates section will feature imaginative dishes such as mussels in Thai coconut broth, blue crab tamale with pumpkin mole, and crispy shrimp with Chinese chili garlic crunch, peanuts, and seaweed. For diners preferring more traditional entrees, five options will be available, including pork shank, wood-grilled chicken, wagyu steak frites, and a filet of fish in brown butter sauce. These dishes aim to provide a classic yet approachable dining experience, distinct from a formal chop house. The wood-fire grill is expected to impart unique and dynamic flavors to these offerings. To cater to health-conscious guests, Lure Saltwater Kitchen will offer “Breadless Service” with house-made kimchi, pickles, and spicy condiments, alongside gluten-free anchovy garlic bread. Salads and vegetables will be available from the “From the Soil” section of the menu. A notable dessert item will be wood-fired, slow-roasted pineapple in rum caramel, served with house-made ice cream. The beverage program, curated by Fifth Group head of beverage innovation Ian Mendelsohn, will feature cocktails designed to complement the kitchen’s bright and exotic flavors. Options will include a frozen “creamsicle” cocktail and drinks incorporating shochu, yuzu, lemongrass, and chili. The wine list will expand to about 50 sustainable, biodynamic, or organic varieties, and eight beers will also be on offer. The aesthetic changes, guided by design team ai3 (who also designed the original Lure), will introduce new pops of color, including red and green, throughout both the indoor and outdoor spaces. New patio furniture and murals by a local artist will contribute to the refreshed ambiance. The new patio bar will host a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, featuring half-price oysters. Beyond culinary and design enhancements, Lure Saltwater Kitchen emphasizes environmental sustainability. The restaurant will collect rainwater for toilet flushing and plant watering. It has also partnered with Shell to Shore, a nonprofit organization that repurposes oyster shells to rebuild reefs, thus contributing to marine ecosystem restoration. The new Lure will soft-open on September 10th, with its official grand opening slated for September 16th. #FifthGroupRestaurants #LureSaltwaterKitchenAndBar #MidtownAtlanta #SustainableSeafood #RestaurantRedevelopment #WoodFireGrill #SmallPlates #EnvironmentalSustainability

The Metropolitan Opera's Patron Lounge, now known as the Keebler J. Straz Lounge, underwent a significant redesign by ELLE DECOR A-Listers Christine and John Gachot of Gachot Studios. This renovation marks a new chapter for the storied space, originally decorated by Billy Baldwin when the opera house opened in 1966. The Gachots, longtime fans of the Met Opera, were tasked with refreshing the lounge to reflect contemporary luxury while honoring its rich history and the grand aesthetics of the opera house. The original lounge, characterized by its wall-to-wall windows and domed ceiling, was designed by Baldwin to offer practical, flexible seating areas for guests. However, after decades, the space required a modern update. The Gachots were selected for their expertise in warm, sophisticated interiors, demonstrated in previous luxury hospitality projects like the Pendry Manhattan West and Detroit’s Shinola Hotel. Their approach to the Met Opera lounge involved a deep dive into the Met’s extensive archives, studying original sketches and photographs to reinterpret Baldwin's vision while introducing a fresh perspective. Inspired by Baldwin's initial layout, the Gachots divided the lounge into distinct zones for various activities, including a bar area, comfortable sofas, and tables for gathering. This zoning strategy ensures that the space remains versatile and inviting. The design seamlessly integrates with the opera's iconic common areas, such as the lobby with its red carpeting and travertine accents. The chosen color palette of blush, red, and camel complements these existing elements, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout the venue. One of the standout features of the redesigned lounge is a glittering gold custom carpet by Creative Matters, which evokes the effervescence of freshly popped Champagne, serving as a luxurious counterpoint to the lobby's famous red carpet. Other custom elements include a brass Amuneal bar, screens upholstered in Clarence House fabric, and all furniture supplied by Roche Bobois. The bathrooms feature fixtures by Waterworks from the Bond collection, designed in collaboration with Gachot, alongside Waterworks sinks, mirrors, and stone. The lounge's new name, the Keebler J. Straz Lounge, honors a managing director on the Met Opera’s board who generously funded the renovation. Access to this exclusive space is reserved for Metropolitan Opera sponsor members. The redesign is intended to symbolize a renewed commitment to attracting and nurturing a new generation of opera enthusiasts and patrons, a sentiment echoed by both Straz and the Gachots. The project underscores the importance of cultural institutions and the role of design in preserving and evolving these significant spaces. #MetropolitanOpera #LoungeRedesign #GachotStudios #LuxuryInteriorDesign #CulturalRenovation #HospitalityDesign #NewYorkDesign #OperaHouse #InteriorDecor

Anna and Dave Achtenberg, after years of busy city life in the Twin Cities, sought a family escape and found their ideal property on a lake in Burnett County, northern Wisconsin, near Anna's childhood home. Initially owning two small cabins, they later expanded their land by acquiring an adjacent campground property, enabling them to build a new, larger retreat. They enlisted Lands End Development to design and construct a rustic, North Woods-style lake home. Anna's vision for the lakeside retreat prioritized diverse outdoor living spaces for cooking, entertaining, and family activities, with a central outdoor kitchen. She collaborated with Southview Design, landscape contractors known for their durable and low-maintenance designs. A significant initial challenge was the property's eroded and crooked shoreline, which Southview Design addressed by stabilizing over 400 feet with rip-rap boulders. The two firms, Southview and Lands End, worked together to construct the outdoor living areas. The centerpiece of the outdoor design is a central hub constructed under a rustic gable roof. This hub features a pizza oven clad in stone veneer that complements the main house and garage. A horseshoe-shaped bar counter accommodates 18 people with attached swing-out stools, providing practical and space-saving seating. The outdoor kitchen is fully equipped with a refrigerator, dishwasher, Traeger wood-pellet grill, and an island with a sink, allowing Anna to manage cooking and interact with guests simultaneously while overseeing the lake activities. Adjacent to the outdoor kitchen, and connected to the porch, is a substantial double-sided stone fireplace paired with comfortable seating. An outdoor sitting area next to the porch includes a retractable awning for shade. On the other side of the kitchen, a game room offers a bar, pool table, other games, and a large-screen TV, along with an outdoor hot tub. To enhance privacy for these backyard living areas, a small lawn next to the game room features plantings that screen the outdoor kitchen and hub from the driveway. Below the kitchen hub, a recessed Iron Mountain flagstone patio with Stonebridge Ledgerock steps encircles a 6-foot diameter wood-burning fire pit. The entire outdoor space incorporates adjustable accent lighting controlled via phone or tablet, and a Wi-Fi-controlled irrigation system maintains the landscaping. The house and foundation were constructed five feet above the lake’s high-water mark, necessitating a stone retaining wall that adheres to lake setbacks while framing the outdoor areas and leading down to the water via a manicured lawn. The landscape design provides varied visual elements, from pine trees and rocks to the lake itself, integrating timber and stone construction for a cohesive aesthetic. The comprehensive design successfully caters to large family gatherings, as demonstrated by a Christmas celebration where the fire pit, pizza oven, and hot tub were all utilized, fostering a strong sense of family togetherness throughout the seasons. #OutdoorEntertainment #LakeHome #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorKitchen #FamilyRetreat #WisconsinLiving #SouthviewDesign #LandsEndDevelopment #LuxuryOutdoor

Waterline Square, a luxury residential development on Manhattan's Upper West Side, features a comprehensive amenity center known as the Waterline Club, designed to cater to residents' diverse interests and well-being. A prominent feature within this club is a sophisticated spa and salon, meticulously designed by Rockwell Group with natural finishes to foster a soothing and relaxing environment. This spa offers a range of facilities including a hot tub, steam rooms, saunas, locker rooms, and private massage treatment rooms, alongside a salon providing manicure, pedicure, and hair styling services, all aimed at promoting relaxation and personal care. The Waterline Club itself represents a significant investment in resident lifestyle, offering direct, convenient connections to the three residential buildings: One, Two, and Three Waterline Square. Beyond the spa, the club boasts an extensive array of sports and fitness amenities that are notable for their scale and variety within a New York City residential context. These include a regulation-size indoor tennis court and an indoor half-pipe skate park, both pioneering features in a city residential development. Further athletic facilities encompass a squash court, a full-court basketball court, an indoor soccer field, a 30-foot rock-climbing wall, a bowling alley, and a golf simulator. For specialized fitness, there are state-of-the-art fitness centers and dedicated studios for Pilates, boxing/MMA, and yoga/barre. The Waterline Square development itself is strategically located on one of the last available waterfront sites between 59th and 61st Streets, offering proximity to the Hudson River. The architecture of the three residential buildings is a collaborative effort by renowned firms, including Richard Meier & Partners Architects, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, and Rafael Viñoly Architects. The interior designs are crafted by distinguished studios such as Champalimaud Design, Yabu Pushelberg, and Groves & Co., ensuring a luxurious and aesthetically pleasing living space. Additionally, residents have access to the Waterline Square Park, an outdoor green space that enhances the overall living experience. Prospective residents are offered an exclusive rental price starting at $4,455 net, with potential incentives including up to four months free on a 12-month lease. For those interested in exploring the rental residences and the extensive amenities firsthand, appointments can be scheduled with the leasing team. More information is available through a dedicated contact number and the official Waterline Square website, providing a comprehensive overview of this upscale residential offering and its focus on holistic well-being and diverse recreational opportunities for all ages and preferences. #WaterlineSquare #LuxuryLiving #ResidentialAmenities #SpaAndWellness #NewYorkRealEstate #RockwellGroupDesign #UpperWestSide #UrbanLiving #FitnessFacilities