Taking Up Spaces: Morgan MFG
Venue Spotlight: Morgan MFG ~ 401 N. Morgan St, Chicago
If our events can be seen as fleeting, decorative murals–painted and washed away in the course of a day–the spaces we so transiently inhabit make for truly wonderful canvases, although surely not blank ones. Chicago, rich with eclecticity and authenticity, is home to such an array of tremendous spaces that designing events here is always an inspiring undertaking.
Join us in Taking Up Spaces, a series of posts where we venture inside these canvases to see some of the attributes that make each of these places unique and enticing. We’re kicking off the series with Morgan MFG in Fulton Market.
Several members of the Morgan team gave us a glimpse into the 32,000 square foot space–originally created as a safe working environment for electrical linemen, and dating back to pre-Chicago Fire 1855.
Oftentimes, when describing styles, seemingly incompatible words are used in conjunction–ambiguous combinations such as “modern vintage,” for example, that can be difficult to visualize. This is where Morgan MFG differs: the space provides a perfect visual of the definition it boasts: Industrial Elegance.
Going into Detail(s)
From the natural sunlight spilling in through an array of factory windows and skylights, to the truly noteworthy restrooms–an aggregation of striking details, rich textures and lustrous surfaces–Morgan offers unexpected elements at every turn.
Chandeliers made of recycled bicycle chains, an intricate backlit metal staircase, and an old water tower, serving as sentry and visible through the angled ceiling glass, each add to the overall aesthetic.
Open to Interpretation
According to the Morgan MFG team, what is perhaps most distinct about the space is its transformative nature. Indeed, the open, flowing layout allows for the creation of an infinite number of design spaces.
While this quality allows each event its own singular feel, the raw elegance remains as an integral, accommodating characteristic. From the plant floor to the mezzanine to the production space, there is room for any number of visions.
Choosing a venue–one of the earliest decisions made in event design, production and planning–is not one to be taken lightly. Luckily, Chicago is brimming with beautiful locales like Morgan MFG that are so much more than just a backdrop.
Many thanks to Sara Barg, Hilary Hadley and Shreyas Shah from Morgan MFG for their contributions to this post. Join us again soon as we venture into another inviting Chicago venue.
For more information, and a full tour of the space, visit Morgan MFG on their website.