A hidden gem. That’s what John R. Cortelyou Commons is. Tucked away on DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus. It’s easy to miss. Fremont Street is nestled between Belden and Fullerton. You might need to find a sidewalk beside a gated drive.
John R. Cortelyou Commons wasn’t always a hidden gem. It started life in 1929. A different building entirely. Time passed. Then in 2006 came a major remodel. The Commons transformed. It became the versatile event space we see today.
Imagine hosting a banquet. Perhaps a wedding reception. The Commons can accommodate them both. There’s built-in audiovisual equipment. A coatroom for guests. Even an outdoor patio. Perfect for cocktails.
This isn’t just any event space. The Commons is equipped for presentations. It has computers. DVD VHS and CD players. An internet connection. There’s even an LCD projector and screen. Microphones and a podium complete the setup.
The original building was remodeled in 2006. They updated it quite significantly. Now it can seat 180 people in theater style. Or 45 in a classroom setup. For a more formal affair. Round tables accommodate up to 150 guests.
Accessibility is key at John R. Cortelyou Commons. They can set up a ramp for better stage access. An elevator serves the lower-level restrooms and the South Balcony. Patrons can request specific seating arrangements for events. This includes accommodations for service animals.
The Commons is more than just a building. It’s a piece of DePaul University’s history. A venue for celebrations big and small. A testament to the power of adaptive reuse. Next time you’re on campus. Seek it out. Discover John R. Cortelyou Commons for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.