Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana and Chris Fountain.
Chris and Dana are entrepreneurs with many years of experience in the wedding and entertainment industries. Chris managed a live music venue in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood for 15 years, while Dana’s business, Pin Me Up, a bridal beauty agency that specializes in on location hair and makeup for weddings, has won the Best of Weddings award from The Knot for the last 6 years. Chris and Dana found the vacant property at 2411 South Michigan Ave. in June 2015 and had a vision for the lofted space. Through much diligence, they closed on the building in October 2016. After a full gut rehab and handpicking all of the finishes including the Swarovski Crystal Chandeliers and Sconces. At ROW 24, Chris and Dana’s Wedding was the first event in the Venue May 20th of 2017 and since have been working hand in hand with clients and couples that are planning weddings, corporate events and social gatherings in their space that has been thoughtfully built out. Steps from McCormick Place and conveniently located just off I-55, 90/94 and Lake Shire drive, ROW 24 is the perfect location to host any kind of event. Chris and Dana work with their families to make every event special and unique.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not smooth. There were environmental issues that the sellers of the building had to take care of before they could close. Many challenges with that. Multiple financing avenues were explored. An SBA loan was finally executed after over a year, after the signed real estate contract. City TIFF assistant was denied for the project, after some misguidance and wasted money on consultants, there were also many set backs during the construction. Many hurdles were jumped and it at the end of the day it was all worth it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Row 24 – what should we know?
Once known as the Speedwell Motor Company showroom and now an elegantly appointed, modern event space, ROW 24 is the perfect place to host your corporate event, wedding, or production. Newly renovated, multi-functional, historic showroom space includes purposive mezzanine, 20-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls and beautiful Swarovski crystal chandeliers. We’ve worked hard to capture the glitz and splendor of the Motor Row heyday, while transforming the building into one that works seamlessly for every event.
ROW 24 is a highly customizable event space, featuring in-house bar service, tables, chairs and décor items. Located minutes from downtown and one block west of McCormick Place in a Chicago historic landmark building. ROW 24 can accommodate events up to 230 people seated or 350 cocktail-style. We pride ourselves on being family-owned and operated. When booking your event with ROW 24, you will have the dedicated attention like you’re part of the family.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our restaurant, nightclub salon, and wedding business experience definitely, gives us a leg up on our customer service expertise we provide and also the know how and resources we have that is crucial to our success.
Pricing:
- Room rental starts at $350/hour for daytime weekday rentals
- Weekend and evening room rental starts at $500/hour
- Beverage packages range from $5_$36 per person
Contact Info:
- Address: 2411 S Michigan Ave
Chicago IL 60616 - Website: Rowtwentyfour.com
- Phone: 312-532-8200
- Email: info@rowtwentyfour.com
- Instagram: @row24chi
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/row24chi/about
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz_photos/row-24-chicago-3?select=Vs9IMAROj2vcQiyGCOYCPA
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