Avenue HQ opened last week in Jefferson City after two years of renovation to the historic building at 621 E. Capitol Ave.
Partners Holly Stitt and Quentin Rice created the event space inside the 1902-built structure that most recently served as state offices but had been vacant for seven years prior to Stitt buying it.
"It's got a really good vibe," Stitt said. "One wall is the historic foundation of 623" E. Capitol Ave., the historic building next door. The limestone wall features the building's original windows. "The other wall is brick, and then it's kind of just got a good historic and creative feel to it all the way through."
The limestone and brick walls feature in Avenue HQ's 3,000-square-foot main hall, available to rent for anything from wedding receptions and birthday parties to musical performances. The building's other 2,000 square feet include breakout rooms and a caterer's kitchen.
Stitt said the building's creative feel is a blank canvas for more than what might be expected from just any event space.
"A lot of photographers and video people have done photo shoots in here, and we've had a couple of videos - one a music video," she said. "We've had bands use it for rehearsals and all kinds of stuff. It's a pretty cool creative space that we're trying to encourage."
The major renovation at Avenue HQ, next-door to Stitt's office at 623 E. Capitol Ave., doesn't mark the end of Stitt's plans for the area.
"I have 30,000 square feet here that we're hoping to turn into a good little anchor here on Capitol Avenue for improvement," she said.
The owners of Avenue HQ, both business owners already - Stitt of Stitt Barony and Rice of Q Entertainment and The SPACE - are also working to bring in new entertainment options to host at the event space, starting with a scheduled April 6 performance by national circuit comedians.
Avenue HQ is accepting reservations now and is open for showings. For more information, visit the Avenue HQ Facebook page or call 573-635-9199.
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Related link: Avenue HQ - The Musicians (HER Magazine)