The Beidler Room - A renovation and a little history

Earlier this month, the museum completed a long-awaited renovation of the smaller meeting and programming space known as the Beidler Room.  This space has an interesting history, both during the time of the Glessners and in more recent years.

HISTORY

When the house was completed in 1887, this room was designed as five smaller spaces.  The most prominent of these was a spacious conservatory for Frances Glessner, with large panes of glass extending up to the peak of the ceiling, bathing the room in sunlight.  So much sunlight, in fact, that the Glessners had to replace the glass with a translucent variety to prevent the plants from burning.  Conservatories were popular in large homes of the period, and since the Glessners spent their summers at their estate in New Hampshire, this permitted Frances Glessner to have flowers and plants year-round in their Chicago “winter home.” 

Two large walk-in closets provided storage for family and staff linens and a smaller closet was lined in cedar.  A corridor connected all of these rooms.

CONVERSION TO THE BEIDLER ROOM

In 1974, these spaces were gutted and combined to form a large conference room.  Well-known Chicago architect Thomas Beeby created the new modern design for the space, which highlighted the dramatic ceiling line of the old conservatory.  The renovation was recognized with the “Distinguished Building Award” from the American Institute of Architects in 1976 for Excellence in Architecture, Interior Remodeling. 

The remodeling reflected the prevailing tastes of the 1970s, but over time the design began to feel dated, and certainly was at odds with the overall character of the rest of the house.  In early 2011, the room was painted, using a light yellow color that was original to the adjacent hallways, and papered with a William Morris-inspired design created by Bruce Bradbury.  The finished room is one that honors the Arts and Crafts tradition of the house, and provides a warm and inviting setting for lectures, programs, and meetings.

FRANCIS BEIDLER

The creation of the conference room was funded by the Francis Beidler Foundation, which has provided ongoing support to the museum for nearly forty years.  Francis Beidler was born in Chicago in 1845, and was a member of a pioneering family that helped to establish Chicago as a center of the lumber industry.  At his death in 1924, he bequeathed $1,500,000 for charitable and patriotic purposes, which today is administered by the foundation that bears his name.

There is an interesting connection between the Beidler and Glessner families.  In 1874, John and Frances Glessner purchased their home at the northeast corner of Washington and Morgan from Francis Beidler’s father Jacob.  They remained in this home until moving to Prairie Avenue in December 1887.

Have Your Special Day at a Special Place

“The house responds: it seems available for almost any social function.”  – John Glessner, The Story of a House

Experience a gracious venue steeped in Chicago history!  Tucked away in the Prairie Avenue Historic District in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood, Glessner House provides a distinctive alternative to hotels and banquet halls.  We offer rental space for meetings, private parties, corporate events, and are quickly becoming one of Chicago’s hottest and most distinctive wedding venues.

A variety of spaces help make Glessner House Museum ideal for your next event, including:

The Courtyard (4700 sq. ft) - Capacity:  Seated – 150; Cocktail - 200

Renovated in 2000, the Courtyard is one of the jewels in the Glessner House crown.  A peaceful outdoor retreat, it is the perfect setting for a large party or wedding ceremony and reception.  This child-friendly space, which can be tented, is also ideal for outdoor birthday parties and other family celebrations.

The Coach House (1778 sq. ft.) - Capacity:  Seated – 100; Cocktail - 150

Restored in 2006, this unique room originally served as the Glessners’ stables.  Now it is a large, open space filled with historic details and character—perfect for your next event.  A wonderful setting for large dinners, special receptions, and corporate events, it can be rented in combination with our Courtyard or as an alternative for rainy weather.

The Conservatory (505 sq. ft.) - Capacity: Lecture – 45; Board Room - 20

Once an all-glass conservatory, this recently updated space is ideal for small parties, lectures, retreats, conferences, or general meetings.  The room’s octagonal shape, vaulted ceiling, and beautiful view of the Courtyard, make it a unique choice for any event.  This space, also known as the Beidler Room, serves as the “Bridal Suite” for wedding ceremonies held on-site.

The Dining Room (485 sq. ft.) - Capacity:  Seated – 40; Cocktail - 60

With a curved bay of windows that looks out to the Courtyard, this historic space is the only one available for rental on the museum’s first floor.  It can be used for a private dinner, small wedding ceremony, or shower.  Adjacent to the parlor, the 1887 Steinway piano can be rented for musical entertainment during your event.

Pricing packages vary depending on the type of event, whether food and/or beverage will be served, which space(s) will be utilized, and the day(s) the event will be held.  We can help with basic event planning and day-of coordination, as well as some set-up and clean-up activities.  Tours of the museum can be coordinated for your guests as well.  And there is a parking lot rental option, too!

Dates in 2011 are filling up quickly – all but four Saturdays between May and October are booked and many couples are starting to look at Fridays and Sundays as wedding-day alternatives.  We even have a few weddings scheduled for dates in 2012.  Twenty-two weddings (so far) coming up this year!

Please contact our Rental Coordinator, Lynne Smaczny, at 312-326-1480 or rentglessnerhouse@sbcglobal.net for more information, to schedule a venue walk-thru, or to book your event.