Berto Center Could Become High-End Event Venue

Want to get married at the Berto Center?

That could happen if the Bulls training facility gets transformed into a high-end event center, as its prospective new owners hope it will, according to an article in Crain’s Chicago Business.

Event Creative LLC is in the process of buying the Deerfield building, Crain’s reports, and will go before the Deerfield Plan Commission July 10 with its proposal.

The company wants to open a second “Venue One” location in the Berto Center, according to extensive plans on the Deerfield website. The first Venue One is on Randolph Street in the West Loop.

Venue One has been searching for a North Shore location for a year, it wrote.

“The centrally located northwest Chicago demographics and location, combined with the structure’s interior/exterior layout, and the unique history as the Chicago Bulls practice facility collectively make the Berto Center the ideal space for the Venue One North Shore location,” the proposal says.

The company says it provides a “highly-customizable event experience to the varied clientele.” The venue would offer customizable lighting and sound, conference and webcasting equipment, design services, food, drinks and security.

The proposal says the goal is to attract both evening and weekend events, like charity galas and proms, as well as daytime corporate meetings. Average size for the larger events would be 250-400 people.

Some of the building’s design elements would be completely changed, but others would be incorporated into the new venue. For example, the Bulls practice court would become the main dining room, with only the floor being swapped out.

You can view the detailed proposal on the village website here.

What do you think of this proposal? Is it a good use for the Berto Center?