A former car wash on the corner of Eastern Avenue SE and Evergreen Street is soon to be one of the south side’s hot spots for wedding receptions, corporate conferences, and other events. The Glacier Banquet and Conference Center is the newest acquisition of the event planning company Parties by Jessica Ann.
The 5,000-square-foot building has been vacant for several years. Company owner Jessica Ann Tyson expects to invest nearly $275,000 into the renovation.
“We’ve knocked out walls, added bathrooms that are handicap accessible, and replaced electrical and plumbing systems,” Tyson said. “I’m creating a unique ceiling that looks like a glacier. We’re keeping it simple, but elegant.
Facade improvements include a new glass brick front along Eastern Avenue, replacement windows, and new paint. Landscaping and an entryway awning will be added next spring.
“We’re in the process of adding a full-service kitchen,” Tyson said. “We will be a full-service event planning agency. Not only will we know which florists to use, we’ll also have the rooms, the linens, and the dishes.
“We plan to do some awesome things in the community,” she added, “like being a work-based learning site for Job Corps.” Tyson expects to employ a couple of chefs and five to twenty wait staff.
Tyson said the businesses in the area have been supportive of the renovation. Several have made inquiries into reserving the facility for employee appreciation parties and other corporate events. The conference center is scheduled to open by the end of the year, and parties have already been booked for 2007.
Source: Jessica Ann Tyson, Parties by Jessica Ann
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