New event space in Muskegon creates buzz, jobs downtown

If you are looking for further evidence of the downtown renaissance of Muskegon, you need look no further than the second phase of redevelopment of the old Shaw Walker Furniture Factory. 

"The project began three years ago in downtown Muskegon," says Sarah Rooks, president of Watermark Lofts. Rooks says the first phase of the redevelopment of the one million square-foot factory was the construction loft and condos. 

Now, the second phase is complete, giving Muskegon has a new event space that has already been home to numerous concerts, weddings, receptions, seminars and other special events. "We've been thrilled with the response," says Rooks.

The space, with a flexible configuration, can seat up to 360 people and has extra room available on the porch. 

The opening of this venue has created managerial, support and service jobs.

Continued development of the old furniture building is expected to begin soon, with plans for the possible addition of film studio. "I'm a fourth generation Muskegonite," adds Rooks, who says that she has never seen downtown Muskegon so vibrant. "We're only limited by our imagination."

To learn more about this event space, you can visit their site here.

Source: Sarah Rooks, Watermark Lofts
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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