The space that was once recognized as the region’s largest venue dedicated to contemporary art is now open as rentable event space.
The former Contemporary Arts Center moved out of the Mercantile Building at 115 E. Fifth Street in 2003, and whole building changed ownership. New owners, MCA Center, LLC, envisioned a new event space downtown. So they hired Shannon West and Alana Merrill to serve as event coordinators.
The 14,800-square-foot event space, known simply as
The Center, opened for its first event Oct. 1 this year. With a large, open floor plan, guests create custom layouts for wedding receptions or business meetings. A large ballroom space works well for receptions, while smaller side rooms easily accommodate meetings and smaller events.
A dome ceiling, skylight and large windows with a view of Fountain Square give The Center some downtown cachet, and while it is not a full-service event venue, it does feature an on-site kitchen. West and Merrill work with hosts, who can hire their own caterers and other service providers.
The space can be rented for a flat rate for of $2,000 for four hours for receptions, weddings, social and corporate events.
Events at the Center also include some interesting city architectural history. The building was designed by Henry Weese in 1970, but now has a new HVAC system and renovated bathrooms. There are plans for continued renovations in the winter months to further improve the space.
“The space has a lot of history and many people identify with it,” West says.
By Evan Wallis
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