2003 Wall Street Journal
"Plots & Ploys" by Sheila Muto

Sensory Stimulation
A bright red wall greets visitors. The games Kerplunk and Mr. Potato Head are stashed on the tables. Hammocks, a chaise lounge and hot-pink and lime-green pillows around a low table offer a host of places to sit.

It may sound like someone's kitschy apartment, but it's a new space recently opened in Chicago where a handful of companies are holding meetings, foregoing the staid conference rooms and hotel suites that some businesses use to host such gatherings. The former site of a sausage smokehouse and a herring-packing plant, Catalyst Ranch offers three meeting rooms ranging in size from 700 to 3,300 square feet.

The business is the brainchild of Eva Niewiadomski, who set up a space similar in style at PepsiCo Inc.'s Quaker Oats unit, her former employer. But that room only accomodated about a dozen people. "These types of informal environments make people energized, and it stimulates them to come up with better ideas," says Ms. Niewiadomski. Still, "a lot of companies don't want to give up space for that type of meeting room."

"The brightly colored walls and the toys transform your way of thinking," says Ellen Taafe, vice president of marketing for Quaker Snacks, who says she has held a meeting and attended two others at Catalyst Ranch.

 

"I think people come up with different ideas than if they were in a formal environment wearing a suit," says Ms. Taaffe. "People are more engaged even though they may have a Slinky in their hands."

2004 Chicago Crains
"Layoff leads to startup" by Lisa Holton
Entrepreneur taps severance for meeting space.

Right before Labor Day 2002, Quaker Oats Co. marketing executive Eva Niewiadomski got the news: After surviving waves of layoffs since PepsiCo's 2001 acquisition of Quaker, she was out. "The place had changed," she says. I was ready to go and start something new."

But what the CPA-turned-product development executive did next is something few furloughed workers would consider in the midst of a recession: She put every dime of her severance and a second mortgage on her house into launching her own business.
Her year-old company, Catalyst Ranch, is positioned to be an antidote to mind-numbing meeting space. Located at 656 W. Randolph St., the 9,000-square-foot loft is separated into three meeting spaces splashed with color and stocked with toys, antique furniture, even a large hammock.

Her total investment was $115,000 but after 15 months, the business is profitable.

"While I was working at Quaker, I always found it a challenge to find space that was comfortable and interesting ...space that was fun and would fuel people's imagination," she says.

Passion is a powerful motivator for entrepreneurs, but it must partner with an intelligent business plan and a reasonable amount of start-up capital. Downsized executives who want to launch a company should poll former clients, vendors and others for insights.

After exiting Quaker, Ms. Niewiadomski started typing out a business plan. She queried her old vendors, primarily meeting facilitators and consultants, to learn their pet peeves about meeting sites. She asked them to rate the top 10 things that would lead them never to book a meeting at the same location again.

"I kept hearing the same things: uncomfortable chairs, bad food, bad service, unexpected charges, your stuff not being set up in the room after you've taken the trouble and expense to ship it," she says. "I set out to do the opposite."

Ms. Niewiadomski decided Catalyst Ranch would make everything but full meals inclusive in the rental price: snack and beverage service, toys and meeting supplies, up- to-date audio/visual equipment, computer, printer and online access.

She charges a daily room rental rate of $1,000 to $1,800 for 25 attendees, depending on the room they choose. So far, the business is running at 30% occupancy and generating about $8,000 per week.

Hotels easily beat her rental rates for meeting rooms, which go for about $250 to $400 per day. But once a la carte items are added – such as snacks and audio/visual gear – Catalyst Ranch is competitive.

The business employs five. She paid off the last of her loans last spring and has paid herself back "all but a small amount" of her own investment.

2005 Chicago Tribune
All About Eva; A life of collecting at home and abroad is reflected in an Andersonville condo
Entrepreneur taps severance for meeting space.

Look around Eva Niewiadomski's apartment and you will know the story of her life.

A goddess statue from Thailand. A bedroom set from a local antiques store. Collections of decorative birds from Eastern Europe. Niewiadomski grew up in Humboldt Park before her family moved to what she says was a "good Polish, Greek, Irish, Italian neighborhood" on Chicago's Northwest Side. Her parents are Polish immigrants who worked hard and taught their children to make do with what they had.

After putting herself through college, Niewiadomski spent four years as an accountant followed by 15 years at Quaker Oats, most recently in product development for snack foods. As a veteran meetings facilitator, she under-stood how a stimulating, colorful space could add spice and creativity to a group meeting.

While at Quaker, she converted a large closet into a "creativity room" where co-workers could meet and brainstorm. In November 2002, after leaving Quaker, she opened Catalyst Ranch, an expanded version of that creativity room and perhaps Chicago's most unusual meeting and special-event space, used by such Fortune 500 companies as Pepsico, Unilever and Wrigley.

Catalyst Ranch's large, vibrant rooms offer abundant sunlight, unconventional furniture and a jamboree of toys and art. Niewiadomski's apartment in Andersonville has the same sweet, quirky look.

Drawn to Andersonville for its ethnic diversity, she found a neighborhood of well-maintained buildings. Her twobedroom condominium is filled with a delightful blend of vintage and ethnic furnishings.

"I have very few new pieces," she says. "Most things are really old, either refurbished or original. I picked up almost everything in my travels or at local markets. Most of the art is ethnic."

Her knack for putting things together enabled her to mix styles easily. In the living room, wicker couches mingle with armchairs from the '40s and '50s.

When she moved in, the apartment was half furnished. "But I wasn't worried about getting it all done in a matter of a month," she explains. "I slowly build up the pieces and, of course, after 15 years of collecting, you retire certain things. It becomes a jigsaw puzzle of switching things around."

Every year she has taken a big trip. Her travels have taken her through most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Hong Kong, Thailand and Brazil. "I've lugged and shipped some amazing things," she says.

Her dining room rug was shipped from Greece. Vases, bowls, glasses, a tea set, collections of puppets and flutes and much more hail from every corner of the globe. "I love things that are unique," she says. "It was always about things you couldn't find in the U. S."

What doesn't come from abroad was found in local antiques shops. In a corner of the living room is a turn-of -thecentury rocking chair Niewiadomski says she "dragged home because it was in such horrifying condition."

Refinished with the help of her father, it is now a "nice, solid piece," she says. "My dad and I took apart every spindle and numbered them so we could remember how to put them back together. My dad's got this interesting technique when the varnish is really old and dried-he doesn't believe in using chemical strippers. He takes broken pieces of glass and uses the sharp edge [to scrape], and it comes off with a highly polished finish. Then we restained it, put it back together and he reupholstered it for me."

Decorating her bedroom was another family affair. After years of living with off-white walls, Eva decided she "wanted to play around with color and would practice in the bedroom." She painted the room orange because "I love orange and didn't have orange anywhere else in the house. So I bought tangelo for the ceiling and a Chinese red that's a little more orangey." Her father painted the ceiling, her mother consulted on color.

Eva used a design element from an Indian sari bedspread to create a pattern and hand-painted it around the ceiling of the room. "I created a stencil out of cardboard with an X-Acto knife and then I hand-traced the arch with the stencil and filled in the rest of it by hand," she says.

Always busy with a project, Eva's now pondering what to do with the apartment's two ceiling fans. "I want to either paint or cover each blade with a Mexican art form," she says. Whatever she decides, it surely will be done with her inimitable light touch and unerring eye for whimsy.

 

RESOURCES
Kitchen: 1940s distressed kitchen table-Sandwich, Ill., Antiques Market; Belgian lace curtains by owner, fabric-Vogue Fabrics, Evanston; 1930s green corner bookcase-Chicago Antique Centre, Chicago; Mexican folk art wall hanging-Evanston Ethnic Art Fair. Sunroom: Filipino wicker couch-Raphia, Miami Beach, Fla.; 1940s drapes - Antique and Resale Shop, Chicago; Indian mirror pillow on couch-Dragonfly Collections, Chicago; red silk and silver work pillow on couch-Cassona Home Furnishings, Chicago. Living room: Filipino wicker loveseat-Raphia, Miami Beach, Fla.; antique Irish chest-Sandwich, Ill., Antiques Market; Mexican yarn and Afghan bag- Edgewater Antique Mall, Chicago; antique lamp-Brownstone Antiques, Chicago. Bedroom: hat boxes -T. J. Maxx; wrought-iron bench-Chicago Antique Centre, Chicago; Mexican placemats sewn onto pillows-Pier One Imports; pink and orange pillow -Cost Plus; chenille pillow-Open Air Market, New York City; Indian turquoise pillow-Dragonfly Collections, Chicago; antique Afghan wall hanging-Edgewater Antique Mall Inc.

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
Subjects: Antiques, Collectibles, Interior design
Document types: Feature
Column Name: INTERIORS
Section: Magazine
ISSN/ISBN: 10856706
Text Word Count 1047
Document URL:

News 2008 WBEZ

November 6, 2008
As part of the Eight Forty-Eight Morning Program, Steve Walsh interviews Bobbie Soeder and Paulette Eastman from Catalyst Ranch about Proposition 8 (same-sex marriage ban in California), gay “weddings” and commitment ceremonies.

Catalyst Ranch has been named to the Inc. Magazine's list of 5000 fastest growing private companies in America!

To bring it a little closer to “our home” we’re officially ranked #87 on the list of top 100 fastest growing companies in the great state of Illinois!

We're thrilled to be in the company of such giants!

Thank you to our clients for making it happen!

Life Celebrations & Memorials in Downtown Chicago

Life Celebrations & Memorial Venues in Chicago
Life Celebrations & Memorial Venues in Chicago
Life Celebrations & Memorial Venues in Chicago

Planning a life celebration or memorial in Chicago?

Catalyst Ranch offers a warm, welcoming space designed for meaningful gatherings—whether you're honoring a loved one, celebrating a milestone, or bringing people together for a heartfelt occasion.

While we’re known for larger events like larger special events and meetings, our multiple rooms make us perfect for in intimate, thoughtfully planned gatherings that deserve just as much care, creativity, and attention.

From celebrations of life and memorial services to anniversaries, reunions, and engagement parties, our space is designed to support connection, reflection, and memorable shared experiences.

Catalyst Ranch Life Celebration or Memorial Venue Quick Facts:

  • Location: West Loop, Chicago

  • Capacity: Flexible event spaces for 30-125 people

  • Catering: Preferred Chicago caterers

  • Décor: Fully furnished vintage event rooms

  • Nearby: Parking, Lodging, Downtown Chicago

Jump to:

Memorial / Life Celebration Space for Rent PDF

Why Choose Catalyst Ranch for a Life Celebration or Memorial?

  • Warm, non-traditional atmosphere that feels uplifting—not somber
  • Flexible room layouts for ceremonies, receptions, or hybrid gatherings
  • Full planning support from an experienced events team
  • Central West Loop location with easy access for guests
  • Customizable experiences to reflect the personality and legacy being honored

At Catalyst Ranch, we believe these gatherings should feel personal, meaningful, and even joyful—a true reflection of the life being celebrated.

Explore our event spaces
View photos from past events

...handled it all with grace

“I can't thank the team at Catalyst Ranch enough for the exceptional service. We had some complex needs that shifted countless times, and she handled it all with grace. The space was amazing, the food was delicious, and everyone we encountered helped us with a smile on their face. Thanks again for taking such great care of us.” Libby

What Makes Catalyst Ranch Different from Traditional Memorial Venues?

Many Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations are held in traditional banquet halls or hotel ballrooms. While those spaces can offer a classic setting, some families are looking for something more personal, creative, and memorable.

Catalyst Ranch offers a distinctly different experience.

Gatherings for Life Celebrations & Memorial Venues in Chicago

Transparent Pricing & Full Support

Our pricing is simple and straightforward—no hidden fees, no surprises.

Your room rental includes:

  • Planning guidance from our experienced team
  • Setup and layout support
  • On-site coordination
  • Access to trusted vendors

From your first conversation to the final guest departure, we’re with you every step of the way.

Intimate Breakout spaces for an event or meeting

A Space Designed for Meaningful Gatherings

Whether you're planning a quiet memorial service, a celebration of life with food and storytelling, or a casual reunion of family and friends, our flexible venue adapts to your vision.

We can help you create:

  • A ceremony space for remembrance
  • Lounge-style seating for conversation and connection
  • Dining layouts for shared meals
  • Multimedia setups for photos, videos, and tributes

No matter the format, our goal is to create an environment where guests feel comfortable, supported, and present.

Assistance for you Corporate Events and Parties

Stress-Free Planning with a Dedicated Events Team

You Don’t Have to Plan This Alone

Planning a memorial or life celebration can feel overwhelming—we’re here to make it easier.

Our experienced Special Events Team has supported:

  • Memorial services and celebrations of life
  • Family gatherings and reunions
  • Fundraisers and private dinners
  • Milestone celebrations of all kinds

We help with:

  • Event flow and layout planning
  • Vendor recommendations
  • Catering coordination
  • Day-of event management

Think of us as your partners, collaborators, and calm presence throughout the process.

Special Events Space

Convenient West Loop Location

Located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop, Catalyst Ranch is easy for guests to access from anywhere in the city or beyond.

The neighborhood blends historic charm with modern energy, offering a welcoming destination for guests traveling in for your event.

How Catalyst Ranch Compares to Other Life Celebration Venues in Downtown Chicago?

When searching for a life celebration or memorial venue in Downtown Chicago, you’ll find a range of options—from traditional banquet halls to scenic cultural spaces. The right choice depends on the kind of experience you want to create.

 

Here's How Catalyst Ranch Compares to Other Memorial Venues...

Compared to Traditional Banquet Halls & Hotels

Pros:

  • Convenient locations with lodging on-site
  • Full-service catering and event packages
  • Familiar, structured event formats

Considerations:

  • Can feel formal or impersonal for a life celebration
  • Limited flexibility in layout and flow
  • Often designed for weddings or corporate events—not reflective gatherings

How Catalyst Ranch is Different:
Catalyst Ranch offers a more personal, welcoming environment—designed to feel warm and expressive rather than formal. Our spaces encourage storytelling, connection, and celebration of life in a way that feels authentic—not staged.

For instance...

The Drake Hotel – Historic Hotel Venue

Pros:

  • Iconic Chicago landmark with elegant ballrooms
  • On-site lodging for guests
  • Full-service event packages

Considerations:

  • Formal, traditional atmosphere
  • Less flexibility in room setup and personalization
  • Can feel more suited for weddings or corporate events

How Catalyst Ranch is Different:
Catalyst Ranch provides a non-traditional, personality-filled space—ideal for life celebrations that prioritize storytelling, connection, and authenticity over formality.

Compared to Restaurants & Private Dining Rooms

Pros:

  • Intimate setting for small groups
  • Built-in food and beverage service
  • Easy, simplified planning

Considerations:

  • Limited space for ceremonies or presentations
  • Time constraints and less privacy
  • Not ideal for multimedia tributes or larger guest lists

How Catalyst Ranch is Different:
We provide dedicated private space where you can host both the ceremony and reception in one place—with room for photos, videos, speeches, and meaningful moments without interruption.

Compared to Cultural Institutions & Museums

(Art museums, cultural centers, or historic venues)

Pros:

  • Beautiful, memorable surroundings
  • Unique and often inspiring environments
  • Great for honoring a life with cultural significance

Considerations:

  • Can feel quiet or restrictive
  • Less flexibility with setup, timing, or personalization
  • Higher costs or complex logistics

How Catalyst Ranch is Different:
We combine creativity with flexibility—offering an inspiring space that still allows you to fully customize the experience, from layout to flow to personal touches.

For instance...

Art Institute of Chicago – Cultural Landmark

Pros:

  • World-renowned art and architecture
  • Sophisticated, memorable setting
  • Ideal for culturally inspired events

Considerations:

  • Premium pricing
  • Strict guidelines and limited flexibility
  • Can feel more formal and less personal

How Catalyst Ranch is Different:
We combine creative energy with flexibility, allowing you to design a fully personalized event without the constraints of a museum environment.

Chicago Botanic Garden – Scenic Outdoor Setting

Pros:

  • Beautiful natural surroundings for reflection
  • Peaceful, garden-based environment
  • Ideal for spring and summer gatherings

Considerations:

  • Located outside downtown Chicago (travel required)
  • Weather-dependent for outdoor elements
  • Less flexibility for fully customized indoor experiences

How Catalyst Ranch is Different:
Catalyst Ranch offers a centrally located, weather-proof venue with a similarly uplifting feel—but with far more flexibility for personalized layouts, multimedia tributes, and seamless guest experiences.

Compared to Funeral Homes & Traditional Memorial Spaces

Pros:

  • Designed specifically for memorial services
  • Structured and guided process
  • Familiar and expected format

Considerations:

  • Often feel somber or rigid
  • Limited opportunity for personalization or celebration
  • Not ideal for uplifting or story-driven gatherings

How Catalyst Ranch is Different:
Catalyst Ranch is intentionally non-traditional and uplifting—a space where guests can celebrate a life, share memories, and feel a sense of warmth and connection rather than formality.

Catalyst Ranch - In the West Loop Downtown Chicago

Why Many Families Choose Catalyst Ranch

For those looking beyond traditional venues, Catalyst Ranch offers something truly different:

  • A creative, comfortable setting that feels human and inviting
  • Flexible spaces that adapt to your vision
  • Full-service planning support during a sensitive time
  • The ability to blend reflection, storytelling, and celebration seamlessly

We don’t just host events—we help create meaningful experiences that honor a life well lived.

Choosing the Right Life Celebration Venue in Chicago

If you’re deciding between venues, ask yourself:

Do you want something formal—or personal and expressive?
Do you need space for both a ceremony and gathering?
Will you want to include photos, videos, or storytelling elements?
Do you want help guiding you through the planning process?

If the answer leans toward warmth, flexibility, and support, Catalyst Ranch is uniquely suited to your needs.

Tour Our Spaces

What’s Included with Your Event Rental

Our pricing is straightforward and transparent — no hidden charges. Catalyst Ranch also includes extensive support to make planning easier.

Think of our Events Team as your partners, collaborators, and creative problem-solvers throughout the process.

Fully Furnished Event Rooms

Our event spaces are already beautifully styled with:

  • Vintage tables and chairs

  • Cozy couch groupings

  • Artwork and unique décor

  • Exotic rugs and colorful design elements

Because the space is fully furnished, there’s no need to rent additional furniture, saving time and budget so you can focus on the fun details.

Tour Our Event Spaces
Setup and Breakdown Time

Weekend events include:

  • 2 hours for setup before guests arrive

  • 1 hour after the event for breakdown

This gives families and vendors plenty of time to prepare and wrap up comfortably.

Décor Drop-Off

To make your event day easier, you can drop off décor or supplies the day before your event. No need to transport everything on the morning of the celebration.

Final Walk-Through

Before the big day, our events team hosts a final planning walk-through with you and your vendors.

During this meeting we:

  • Review the event timeline

  • Finalize the floor plan

  • Coordinate logistics with your caterer and planner

  • Answer any last-minute questions

This ensures everyone is aligned and ready for a smooth celebration.

Vendor Referrals for Entertainment & More

Over the years, we’ve built relationships with some of Chicago’s most talented event professionals.

Once you book your event, we can connect you with trusted vendors including:

  • DJs and live bands

  • Photographers and videographers

  • Specialty dessert and cake creators

  • Florists and décor designers

  • Performers and entertainers

  • Transportation services

  • Unique stations like handmade gelato

If you can imagine it, we’ll help you find it.

Planning Support from Experienced Event Professionals

The Catalyst Ranch Special Events Team has helped coordinate a wide variety of celebrations including:

Our team brings years of experience and creative problem-solving to every event.

We love helping families craft celebrations that feel personal and memorable — and we always have a few tricks up our sleeves to make the day shine.

Catering Options for Every Style

We work with a curated group of preferred Chicago caterers offering a wide range of service styles:

  • Buffet or plated meals
  • Cocktail-style receptions
  • Boxed meals for convenience
  • Custom menus to reflect cultural or personal preferences

Looking for something simple? Ask about our pre-selected catering packages designed to make decision-making easy.

Preferred Chicago Event Caterers
Catering Beyond catering

Photo from Beyond Catering
Check out all of our Preferred Chicago Special Event Caterers

Life Celebration Venue FAQ

Can we personalize the memorial or life celebration?

Absolutely. From room setup to catering and multimedia tributes, every event is fully customizable.

How many guests can you accommodate?

We host both small, intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Does Catalyst Ranch provide furniture and décor?

Yes. Catalyst Ranch’s event rooms are fully furnished with vintage tables, chairs, couches, rugs, and artwork. This allows families to host a beautiful event without needing to rent additional furniture.

Do you provide help with planning?

Yes—our team guides you through the entire process, including vendors, layout, and day-of coordination.

Plan a Meaningful Life Celebration at Catalyst Ranch

Every life deserves to be honored in a way that feels authentic, thoughtful, and memorable.

Whether you’re planning a memorial service, celebration of life, or intimate gathering, Catalyst Ranch provides the space, support, and care to make it truly special.

Contact Us About YOUR Life Celebration
Memorial / Life Celebration Space for Rent PDF
BusinessRate Best of 2025 West Loop Gate Award in the Best Event Venue
Best Place in Chicago for Meetings and Events 2012
Best Place in Chicago for Meetings and Events 2013
Best Place for Small Businesses