Today we’d like to introduce you to Doree Haight, Kari Haight, John Haight & Linda Haight.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Built in 1910, The Haight is a renovated historic warehouse, formerly The Elgin Livery & Storage Company- a company that provided horse-drawn transportation for workers headed to and from the Elgin watch factory. Evidence of horse stalls still remains on the main floor.
In 2013 Doree Haight (Motl) & Blair Motl, we’re looking to get married. Blair is an artist and our father (John Haight) was an artist – so we knew we wanted something unique and different. We started looking around Chicago and Milwaukee and found ourselves leaning toward the renovated warehouse look & feel. That’s when the idea of renovating the warehouse the Haight family currently owned came to fruition!
The Haight family and Motl family came together and worked 24/7 for 6 months straight. At the end of it all- the space was ready for their BIG day! John Haight Jr. then took a year off to finish meticulously fashioning every little detail to showcase its industrial character & honor the history and beauty that the building already possessed bringing The Haight as you see it today alive.
The elegant mixed-use event venue has over 9,000 square feet of space. The renovations John put into it highlight the building’s industrial past with exposed brick walls, natural light, wood plank floors and open-beamed ceilings making it a truly unique setting for every event. Since Doree & Blair’s wedding in 2013, The Haight has hosted over 300 couples on their special day and various other events. One of the best parts about this place is being able to share it!!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Old buildings have a heart and soul that newer buildings just don’t have. And sometimes that means they require more care. You uncover a lot of unknowns in an old building, especially one built in 1910 that has been various factories over years. Bathrooms, HVAC not to mention hardly anything is level!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Haight – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
What do you do:
I am one of 3 owners of the company along with my sister Kari & my brother John. The 3 of us oversee the business operations with the day-to-day /event help of our 2 full-time event & venue managers and our amazing landlord & mother Linda Haight (without her none of this would happen)
What do you specialize in/What are you known for, etc.
The HAIGHT offers its guests the quintessential “rustic/warehouse/loft” experience, all from a centrally located and historic building in downtown Elgin. Our guests choose THE HAIGHT because it is truly that unique experience they are looking for – for their event and their guest’s.
It’s a one of a kind venue in Kane County with its look and, most importantly its vibe. It’s exceptional in a non-intimidating way; welcoming, comfortable and classy. After a night at THE HAIGHT and some quality time really taking in the experience – you rewrite your definition of “unique”.
What are you most proud of as a company?
We are family owned and operated. Every one of our family members has swung a hammer, stained a floor and taken part in creating the space as you see it today. Parents, siblings, and children all came together to make everyone’s event special and unique for years to come!
What sets you apart from others?
It isn’t just the vibe and the décor that makes The Haight stand out; it’s also the quality of the service. Our entire staff is the best around. They work tirelessly to ensure that all of our guest’s needs are met with flying colors.
And from our perspective, they are always are there to help out in any way we need. Our whole team has been a huge support to The Haight over the years and have helped us grow to where we are today.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We hope to continue our journey & keep growing!
Contact Info:
- Address: 166 Symphony Way Elgin, IL 60120
- Website: www.thehaightelgin.com
- Phone: 224-801-4166
- Email: info@thehaightelgin.com
Image Credit:
Peter Gubernat, Noelle Adams Photography
WS Photography
Marion Photography
Eric Floberg Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
