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Distinctive. Unique. Historic. Full of character. . .

These are all terms used to describe Venue 62, Grove City’s up-and-coming boutique event space.

Located in the heart of Grove City’s Town Center, Venue 62 opened for business last Spring. Originally financed, purchased and renovated in 2010 to house owner Matt Yerkes’ software company, the idea of having a food-service business in part of the building was always part of the long-term plan.

After seeing the facility in person, one can certainly see that the building’s rich history and character are an integral part of the Venue 62 experience.

The historic brick building dates back to at least the 1920’s, when it was a drug store and stood next door to an automotive dealership. As we know, times have certainly changed in the last century. This fact is demonstrated by the new car prices ranging from $319 to $645 that are still painted on one of the exposed brick walls inside the venue.

When it came time for renovations, Yerkes had a vision that came, in part, from seeing a small section of exposed brick along the wall. “What if we exposed the entire wall?” he wondered. It was only later, after many hours of labor, that the new car prices of yesteryear would be uncovered.

This only added to the look and feel of the historic building, which includes custom built barn doors on the interior, a trickier project than expected. “We had this idea for these large doors, but we had to be sure to build them small enough to fit through the front of the building,” he said. The doors are used to enclose a middle section that was designed specifically with business meetings and gatherings in mind.

The beams from which interior lights hang were created from lumber that once held up the false ceiling in the building’s pre-renovation years.

The vision and hard work have paid off. Since opening for business nearly one year ago, Venue 62 has played host to numerous wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby showers, luncheons, memorial services, and professional gatherings.

Bookings have steadily increased to the point that Christmas events are being booked eight months in advance. They work to accommodate the needs of their guests to make event planning a smooth experience.

“We have a D5 liquor license, which allows beer, wine, and liquor, and an A2 Occupancy license which allows for nearly 100 guests,” Yerkes explained. The back section of the building was completely renovated to include a brand new commercial kitchen last summer. This allows for an expanded and fully customized menu for events of all types.

And while Venue 62 will provide food and beverages of the customer’s choosing, customers are not tied to using Venue 62’s catering. Food options from outside vendors are allowed for events, which really allows for freedom and creativity when event planning.

The future looks bright for Venue 62 and Grove City’s Town Center. A planned expansion for downtown parking options is in the works, as are development plans for the nearby library, city hall, and various commercial and residential properties in the area.

Since 2010, Yerkes has witnessed a resurgence in the downtown district and expresses great hope for the future. “It’s a great time to be here in the Town Center. We’ve been really pleased to be a part of it,” he said.

Venue 62 is located at 3995 Broadway, Grove City. Visit Venue 62 on Facebook or on their website at www.venue62.com.