Oct. 2023

The Desenberg Event Center officially opened October of 2023.

1987

The final tenant of the Desenberg building before it became the Desenberg Event Center was Huntington National Bank. The bank occupied the building from 1987-2019.

1985

After the building was repurposed again, it became the Schau-Powell sporting goods store. This store remained in business until 1985 when it eventually shut down.

1950's

In the 1950s, the building was repurposed and became Hooker Glass & Paint Store. This store sold home improvement products and supplies such as paint, wallpaper, mirrors, and more.

Early 1900's

In the early 1900s, the building was bought by a wealthy German family. The family would renovate the Desenberg and continue its life as a store until WWI.

1886

The Desenberg building was built in 1886 to house the Desenberg Grocery Company. Legendary Chicago architect Louis Sullivan and his partner Dankmar Alder designed the building which is now the last remaining Sullivan structure in Michigan.

Contact Us

About Us

Availability

Gallery

Monday – Thursday

Experience a delightful social event at our downtown Kalamazoo venue, nestled within the Historic Main Street East Building. Whether you’re planning an intimate rehearsal dinner, a joyful bridal or baby shower, a memorable retirement party, or vibrant celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday gatherings, our space offers the perfect ambiance. Revel in the charm of the city while celebrating life’s moments in this elegantly adaptable venue, designed to make your special occasions truly unforgettable.

Pricing:

1-2 Hours – $500

3-4 Hours – $750

5-8 Hours – $1,000

Over 8 Hours – contact for pricing

Under 40 Guests – (includes parking)

40 or More Guests – (does not include parking)

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Included Features

Integrated Sound

System & Lighting

Play music throughout the venue using a wireless, high-quality sound system. You can play pre-selected playlists or DJ in real-time using your device. Also included is our beautiful pendant house lighting that will enhance any event.

House Tables & Chairs

Our package includes tables and chairs for guests to use during the event. The number of tables and chairs provided will depend on the size of your guest list.

Catering Kitchen Access

Available for use by you or your chosen caterer to plate and serve food for your guests.

Visual

Design Wall

We offer a range of templates to display any of the following: food menus, bar lists, welcome signs, guest greetings, slideshows, photos, seating charts, and use as a whiteboard.

Pre-Event Venue

Layout & Design Meeting

You’ll have the option to choose from a selection of elegant room designs to create the perfect setting for your event. You’ll be able to choose from various styles, colors, and layouts to suit your tastes.

Floorplan

Management Tool

This tool provides access to a collaborative system for you and your vendors. Allowing you to create your preferred seating chart and your vendors to be informed of your guest count and design whereabouts.

Popular Add-Ons

Atrium

The historic Main Street East Atrium is roughly 700 square feet featuring exposed brick and natural wood. At 4 stories tall, the Atrium boasts plentiful natural lighting for an ideal cocktail hour setting or a picturesque extension to your reception space for you and guests.

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Coffee Service

$3/per person

Featuring the locally renowned Water Street Coffee. This enhancement brings the warmth of freshly brewed coffee to your event, delighting your guests with a taste of local flavors. Let us provide a flavorful and aromatic addition to your special day, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energized throughout the celebration.

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Preferred Vendors

** The Desenberg does not require any specific vendor to be used. **

RENTAL VENDORS

CATERING VENDORS

BAR VENDORS

FLORIST VENDORS

CALLIGRAPHY, SIGNS & PRINTS VENDORS

DECORATIONS & EVENT DECORATOR VENDORS

DESSERT VENDORS

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS

ACCOMMODATIONS

EVENT PLANNERS