CHICAGO — A former funeral home turned event venue in the Bridgeport neighborhood has been shut down by the city after nearly a year of operating without the required business licenses, according to local officials.
Venue Operated for Months Without a License
The building at 2878 S Throop Street, purchased by Diane Mack and her husband in 2024, was converted into an event space called RIP Events and Entertainment. Mack began hosting birthday parties, baby showers, and other private events without obtaining the necessary permits from the city.
She told Block Club Chicago that the ground floor was previously commercial space and believed she was within her rights to operate.
Neighborhood Complaints Spark Investigation
Tensions escalated in May when a prom send-off event caused traffic disruption on the street and led to residents losing access to permit parking due to guests taking up local spaces. A neighbor reported the venue to authorities after she was blocked from driving past a photoshoot in front of a rented Ferrari.
Soon after, inspectors from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, accompanied by police, shut down an event screening and dinner. Officials confirmed the business lacked the appropriate licenses for operation.
Allegations of Racial Motivation Dismissed by Neighbors
Mack, who is white, believes the shutdown was racially motivated, saying most of her guests are Black and that Bridgeport has historically been unwelcoming to Black residents. “This neighborhood isn’t used to what I’m doing,” she said.
However, some neighbors rejected the claim, insisting the issue stemmed from blocked driveways and zoning violations—not race. “She’s trying to make it a race thing, but it has nothing to do with that,” one resident said.
Impact on Other Small Businesses
The closure has also affected vendors like Taylor Rodgers, the owner of The Movie Menu, who had partnered with Mack to host movie-and-dinner nights. Rodgers said she’s now processing refunds and expects her business to be idle for the summer.
Next Steps: Rezoning Request Underway
Mack said she plans to petition Alderman Nicole Lee to rezone the property, which could allow the business to operate legally. Ald. Lee acknowledged multiple complaints from neighbors and stated that any rezoning request would be carefully reviewed with community input.
What Residents Can Learn
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Licensing matters: Even seemingly low-impact businesses like event venues must comply with city regulations.
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Community relations are critical: Success in business often requires alignment with neighborhood expectations and municipal codes.
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Avoid assumptions: While systemic bias is a real concern, clear communication and compliance can help prevent unnecessary conflicts.
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