Experience your next memorable event in our historic venue
Located in downtown Batavia, Illinois, our 16,000 square foot space is home to an award-winning gallery, and a secondary event space that are available to reserve for your special event.
A private event at Water Street Studios is perfect for those who appreciate a unique blend of history and modernity. Whether it's a birthday celebration, business gathering, anniversary, or community event, you'll be captivated by the unconventional charm of exposed limestone walls, high ceilings, a vibrant art gallery backdrop, and the character that comes with a historic, loft-style, industrial space.
Our venue is designed for those who want their event to be a true reflection of their vision—distinctive, elegant, and maybe even a bit bold. It's a place where tradition meets creativity, offering a canvas for you to bring your event to life in a way that’s uniquely yours.
When you host your event at Water Street Studios, you’re also supporting a greater mission: championing art and culture that inspires, educates, provokes, heals, and unifies. Your event helps provide artistic opportunities for those who may not otherwise have access and spreads awareness of how art enhances lives.
The Dempsey Family Gallery
1,719 square feet
Capacity: approximately 100 standing, 50 seated
Vibrant art from Chicagoland artists that rotates monthly
Original limestone wall
Hardwood floors
Wheelchair accessible
The Dock
1,987 square feet
Capacity: approximately 150 standing, 100 seated
Original limestone walls and industrial features
Customizable lighting
Wheel chair accessible with entry through the gallery.
AMENITIES INCLUDED:
FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
• Five rectangular 8-ft banquet tables (black linens available)
• Ten round cocktail height tables (black linens, floor length drape available)
• Fifty folding chairs
• Three 55-gal garbage cans and one recycling bin
• Bar Set
o Industrial wood-top bar with mini-fridge
o Two matching bar carts
o 125L cooler
o Misc bar items such as wine/bottle openers, ice bucket, ice scoop.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
• Bartender at $40/hr per bartender.
• Projector and free-standing projector screen. $75 flat fee
• Chair covers (black): $50 for up to 50 covers
• Pipe and drape panel, up to 10ftx20ft: $100 flat fee
CATERING & BEVERAGES
• You are welcome to bring food or catering of your choice.
• A list of trusted local vendors is available on request.
• You may also bring any beverages, including alcohol.
o An Illinois Bassett Certified bartender/server is required to serve all alcohol. We can provide a certified bartender for you or you may hire your own.
o Guests may not bring personal alcohol.
o Self-serve alcoholic drinks are not permitted.
DEMPSEY GALLERY PRICING:
FRI/SAT/SUN: $250/hour
HOLIDAY WEEKEND*: $300/hour
*This includes holidays that fall on the Monday following the weekend date.
MON-THURS: $150/hour
DOCK PRICING
FRI/SAT/SUN: $350/hour
HOLIDAY WEEKEND*: $400/hour
*This includes holidays that fall on the Monday following the weekend date.
MON-THURS: $250/hour
1 hour of set-up and 1 hour of clean-up time is included in the cost of any rental.