Over the past decade, Warehouse 109  has earned consistent praise from couples and guests for the family’s relaxed, welcoming approach and the character and charm of the space – both of which help set it apart from other local venues as well as those in inner-city Chicago. The new brand and website needed to capture the essence of a place designed for creativity, joy, and memorable moments.

Key to the venue’s appeal are its distinct architectural and design features including, the corrugated metal exterior, exposed brick walls, impressive antique motorcycle collection, original 1950s bar, eclectic mix of vintage furniture, and a beautifully landscaped garden. All providing incredible inspiration from which to build a unique visual identity.

We knew the website would be a vital tool in bringing the venue to life for potential guests, and built a dynamic, inviting online space that helps them to explore and experience what makes the venue truly special. 

The family behind Warehouse 109 were keen to transform the brand into one that felt more considered and coherent, while not losing the personal, familial touch that makes events there so special. Before developing visual assets, we undertook rigorous audience research and competitor analysis, interviewed the family members and really got to know the venue, its location, and past events held there.

We developed a new positioning – our space, your place – that captures the commitment to making every event feel truly individual. Supported by an eclectic visual style that brings to life the warehouse’s balance of industrial character, vintage charm, and modern functionality. We drew inspiration from the shapes, textures and objects found within the venue to create background patterns and hand-drawn illustrations. A crafted, serif wordmark and simple monogram exude a sense of style and quality, while contrasting typography plays to the industrial heritage. A rich colour palette helps create warmth and softness, alongside photography capturing the all important details of the space. 

For the website, we believed that video would be the strongest way to showcase the event experience offered by Warehouse 109. We contacted Oak House Films, who had captured a range of beautiful weddings already held there. They provided footage, which we edited to create a film highlighting three couples and their big days. A piece which will continue to evolve to showcase further events.

A series of photographic galleries of other couple’s occasions are used to demonstrate the versatility and flexibility of the venue – showing how the warehouse can be transformed to create a unique experience for every individual event. Alongside detailed information on all of the available spaces, events packages, prop-shop, and trusted vendors. As well as the family story behind it all.

The site is built using Craft CMS, a brilliantly flexible and intuitive platform that enables the warehouse team to add new case studies, update sections, and upload new photo galleries with ease.

Following development of the brand identity and website, we created a suite of marketing materials including a brochure and stationery. As well as providing a set of flexible visual assets that the team can continue to use across social media and future promotional items. The variety within the new identity allows for flexibility and individuality, while creating an overall cohesive look and feel. The result – a brand, website, and communications which celebrate the unique while being unmistakably Warehouse 109. 

By working closely with the family team who run the venue, we have been able to capture their genuine passion for hosting unique events. And have delivered a brand and website they feel confident will support their vision for Warehouse 109 long into the future.