5-14-2024 12:32am

A New Venue Comes to Warren County, Ohio

Beth Callahan Editor

Venue at THE Historical Lockup Waynesville, Ohio

WAYNESVILLE, OH -- Finding a venue with charm and quaintness for a special occasion, where the guest list is 50 or under can be challenging… until now. Introduced earlier this past April, Venue at THE Historic Lockup in the Village of Waynesville has been created to meet that special need.

What once housed the town’s first fire station, mayor’s court and jail has been refurbished into an elegant, climate-controller venue that features an intimate gathering area that is just under 1,000 square feet. The project was lead by David Nation, a member of the Friends Home Museum.

Nation, who holds a Bachelor of Science from The Art Institute of Pittsburg and attended The David Curtis School of Floral Design, was able to capture the building’s past by weaving historical pieces into the renovation.

A portion of the old jail cell bars is used as decor hanging high on the wall in the kitchen, while the original hardwood floors have been restored to preserve the important details of where the first fire truck “Old Faithful” was parked, explained Mark Schutzler, member of the Friends Home Museum and Nation’s partner.

Along with the open space that can accommodate 50 guests, there is a kitchenette and bathroom with a large hanging chandelier.

The Lockup’s venue rates have been set to include the space, tables and chairs. Currently the rates are:

Monday – Thursday: $75/hour (2 hour minimum) or full day $250
Friday – Sunday: $300 Full Day Only, no hourly options

For decorations such as center pieces, flatware, plates, glasses and etc, The Lockup has an a la carte rental options menu.

The building, which gets its name Lockup from the iron cage jail cell that was added in 1886 to the fire station, which was built in 1881 is located at 260 Chapman Street. To learn more visit www.friendshomemuseum.org/lockup or email lockupvenue@friendshomemuseum.org call 937.723.0326.