Richmond, Indiana’s Premier Wedding & Large Event Venue .
Our story
It all began with an idea between friends. We came across the possibility to purchase the building that once housed the Starr Piano Company as well as Gennett Records. This company is responsible for the roots of all the music you enjoy today. It all traces back to Gennett and this building. This headquarters of Gennett signed many of the most influential musician of the 1920’s including Louis Armstrong; Bix Beiderbecke; Jelly Roll Morton; Duke Ellington; Hoagy Carmichael; Gene Autry; and the Grandfather of the Delta Blues, Charley Patton.
When the Great Depression hit, Gennett and Starr took it hard and eventually succumbed to the financial pressure, closing the business. The Starr Showroom took on many different makeovers throughout the many years that followed. Some good, some not so.
We purchased the building with the intent of restoring it to it’s original grandeur. 200.000 pounds of demolition and 2 years of hard work has paid off. This beautiful beacon in Richmond’s downtown stands as an anchor and a symbol of what can be, given love and passion for a project. It’s stunning and is the perfect location for any wedding or event where ‘wow’ is the goal!
Restored with care
Renovating a historically significant building such as the Starr/Gennett building was no easy task. Removing everything we could that was not original was painstaking.
The building, in the 1880’s was first home to Starr Piano and The Bee Hive Grocery. Soon after, Starr grew to use the entire downstairs space. Upstairs included living flats, a dress maker, and a dentist’s office.
The building was only as large as the main hall and there were staircases up the front and back. The area we refer to as the living room in the back was simply a house next door on 10th street. It was not long though that Starr/Gennett grew and in 4 remodels before 1905, the house and the land around it were encompassed by the showroom. Docks were added off the alley to receive pianos from the factory. The dock plate is still in place in our men’s restroom!
“This venue is exactly what Richmond needed! So beautiful and perfect for any event! If you are looking for a venue, look no further! Thank you for pouring your hearts into Downtown Richmond!”
- Lindsey N.