On Oct. 29, more than 1,000 VIP guests kicked off the highly-anticipated grand opening of NEWCITY, the mixed-use development for retail, dining, entertainment and residential living spaces located at 1457 N. Halsted Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
The center’s theme for its opening celebrations was “industrial chic” wonderland featuring dramatic washes of color and patterns of light by celebrity event designer, Steve Kemble, and his team from Kehoe Designs.
Guests entered via a 40-foot red carpet, where they were greeted by and wowed over with a forest of trees embellishing the venue. Dramatic accents featured a a mix of gold spiral base roxy and zebra wood highboys, complemented with flora in hues of green and white and accompanied with candlelight.
Megan Taylor DJ’d, while guests dined on delicacies from NEWCITY restaurants. Even more over the top, a bountiful spread was artistically displayed on Delmonico tables by renowned Chicago caterer Food For Thought. To the delight of all, the evening ended on a sweet note with an army of wait staff who passed Red Velvet Cake Pops, Mini Bing Fried Cherry Pies and Chocolate French Macaroons.
The Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting was held in the NEWCITY Plaza on Friday morning, Oct. 30, where the neighborhood was treated to more delights.
The festivities began with a live performance by the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park children’s choir. City Of Chicago’ Mayor Rahm Emanuel, NEWCITY developers John Bucksbaum and J. Michael Drew, and 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. spoke and participated in a surprise and stunning balloon release to commemorate the celebration.