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

A La Carte

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.

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Included Features

Haymarket Plaza

$3,000

A public alley stretching roughly 350ft with decorative concrete, fun lighting, and 3D projection with integrated sound system. The Haymarket Plaza add-on allows you to extend your event outdoors for an exciting private indoor/outdoor experience for you and your guests.

Includes

  • Permit & Licensing Application & Fee
  • Private use of Plaza
  • Haymarket Plaza layout design creation
  • Visual art design & coordination

Atrium

$100/per hour

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.

*only available on weekends or on weekdays after 5PM*

Includes

  • Private use of Atrium
  • Utilization of tv’s for slideshows or videos
  • Additional restrooms
  • Designer Atrium tables & chairs by Herman Miller

Parking Lot Package

$6/per space

Ensuring convenient and hassle-free parking right by the venue’s doorstep. No need to worry about distant parking lots or lengthy walks. This enhancement guarantees that your guests can arrive and depart with ease, focusing on celebrating your special day without any parking-related stress.

Includes

  • Private parking for you and guests
  • Close proximity to venue
  • Easily accessible to enter and exit

Parking Garage Upgrade

$10/per space

This premium offering provides the convenience of parking within a secure covered structure located in close proximity to the venue. Your guests can enjoy peace of mind while experiencing the comfort of covered parking. Let us enhance your event experience by ensuring that parking is not only hassle-free but also provides an added layer of security and comfort.

Includes

  • Covered parking spaces, great for rain or snow
  • Secured parking monitored by building security
  • Close proximity to venue

Custom Visual Design Package

$150/per hour

This offering goes beyond traditional visuals, offering advanced customization that includes meticulously crafted photo collages, intricate slideshows, and even captivating abstract video designs. Our team will collaborate closely with you to bring your unique vision to life, creating a mesmerizing visual journey that adds a touch of artistry to your special day. Let us help make your special day visually memorable and truly one-of-a-kind.

Includes

  • Covered parking spaces, great for rain or snow
  • Secured parking monitored by building security
  • Close proximity to venue

Private Lounge

$1,000

Our private lounge is a luxurious space where you and your guests can relax and unwind before or during the event with personalized access code for entry. Lounge access includes light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Includes

  • Private room with personalized access code
  • Fully stocked wet bar & light snacks
  • 65″ TV
  • Getting ready area with soft seating, plentiful mirrors, and personal item storage

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.

Includes

  • Choice of select Water Street Coffee blend
  • Popular coffee additions: sugar & creamer
  • Unlimited refills for all guests

Beverage Service

$4/per person

Offering a selection of beverages such as water, sparkling water, and Coca-Cola products. This thoughtful enhancement ensures your guests have a variety of refreshment options to enjoy during your gathering. Allow us to cater to your guests’ thirst, enhancing their overall experience while you focus on celebrating and connecting.

Includes

  • Water, flat and sparkling, and Coca-Cola products
  • Unlimited refills for all guests
  • Conveniently kept cold throughout your event

Full Beverage Service

$6/per person

Encompassing a comprehensive range of refreshments including water, juice, and the distinct flavors of locally cherished Water Street Coffee. This package offers a diverse array of beverages to satisfy every palate, ensuring your guests remain refreshed and invigorated throughout the occasion. Let us provide a thoughtfully curated beverage experience that complements the festivities and adds a touch of local charm to your event.

Includes

  • Choice of select Water Street Coffee blend
  • Popular coffee additions: sugar & creamer
  • Variety of water and Coca-Cola product options
  • Unlimited refills for all guests

Custom Colored Up-Lighting

$400

Elevate your venue’s ambiance by selecting custom colors that perfectly align with your them and vision. Let us transform your space into a captivating and visually stunning setting that leaves a lasting impression on you and your guests. Infuse your celebration with a vibrant atmosphere as our illuminated bar becomes a focal point, radiating sophistication and style.

Includes

  • Choice of custom colored lighting to match your theme
  • Customizable LED bar lighting
  • Disco ball to glamorize and enhance your dance floor experience

Preferred Vendors

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

RENTAL VENDORS

CATERING VENDORS

BAR VENDORS

CALLIGRAPGY, SIGNS & INVITATION VENDORS

CAKE & DESSERT VENDORS

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS

EVENT PLANNERS