Facilities Rental
Mission
The Laboratory Schools are located on the southeast corner of the University of Chicago campus. With six buildings that are newly built or newly renovated, Lab offers a number of unique spaces for university and community members to host events. The Facilities Rental Program seeks to further develop Lab’s role in the community by making available, at reasonable and competitive rates, spaces suitable to various community members’ needs. Renters’ intended uses of Lab properties must be consistent with the overall educational and community-building objectives reflected in Lab’s mission statement: The Laboratory Schools are home to the youngest members of the University of Chicago's academic community. We ignite and nurture an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity.
Availability
All Lab facilities open at 7:15 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. on school days. Several programs operate outside of these hours, such as athletic contests, scholastic competitions, and arts performances. In certain rental situations, additional security and custodial resources must be deployed. Community users should expect to be charged for security and custodial charges if their use either extends beyond these hours or requires additional security or custodial coverage as determined by Lab in its sole discretion. Except in unique situations, no activities will be scheduled between midnight and 6 a.m.
Scheduling
Schedule requests may be submitted via the form located here. A reply may be expected within two business days with an estimate of costs. Assuming confirmation of date and times, details regarding program accessories, security, custodial, and catering (if any) will be gathered and presented in an estimate. Upon approval, these details will be converted to a contract and invoice, payable as of the date it is agreed upon.
Catering
1896 Catering offers a wide variety of selections to fit all of your catering needs. Their menu offers items to suit every occasion and budget. They are also happy to help accommodate any special requests and needs. Please email or call 773-702-0403 with any questions regarding your order.
Their catering staff will deliver, unpack, and set up your order at the requested location. Catering orders will include all necessary plates, utensils, napkins, and condiments in quantities consistent with your order. They also supply all food and beverage equipment needed to ensure the food is served properly.
For More Information
For more information about renting a facility at the Laboratory Schools, please call 773-834-1555.
Priority Facilities Usage
School operation takes top priority for use of Lab facilities, for delivery of their curricular, co-curricular, auxiliary, and affiliate programs. Community individuals and organizations may submit requests for scheduled usage, so long as the requests do not conflict with activities previously scheduled by top-priority users.