Downtown Copperas Cove location has new event space

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

 

The Venue, located at 105 W. Ave. D, is now open for business and ready for parties of up to 200.

 

Lorrie Burch, who operates the downtown event space with her husband, Leon, said they were visiting family in Birmingham, Ala. last summer for her mother-in-law’s birthday.

 

The party event space had great character and it so impressed the Burches that they came home to Killeen and determined to open an event space like the one in Birmingham.

 

“We looked around Killeen because we live in Killeen, and there are already some event spaces, but there is nothing like this space in Copperas Cove,” Lorrie said.

 

They see the definite need in Copperas Cove for affordable event space, especially for a limited budget.

 

The couple has spent hours repainting the 3,500-square foot classic interior, with its original 15-foot wooden plank ceiling that is a reminder of the old days of Copperas Cove. More than 30 years ago, the location was home to Hickson’s Used Furniture & Appliances, and has been a youth center and a thrift store. It is now ready for party time with chandeliers installed and the ceiling with a fresh coat of paint applied by Leon.

 

Leon is a retired veteran and Lorrie works as a crossing guard for the Killeen Independent School District, but with this new venture, the pair has high hopes to make The Venue the ideal place in town for small to mid-size parties.

 

“We try to work with any budget,” Lorrie said. “You can rent the space hourly, or we have package deals, too.” In fact, the Burches can make the space available from 7 a.m. until midnight for all-day events.

 

In addition to use of the event space, complete with exposed original limestone walls hailing to the Cove of yesteryear, those who rent the space also have access to a small prep kitchen area, complete with work table, sink and refrigerator, along with an ice machine,.

 

“We also have tables, chairs and tablecloths that are available,” Lorrie said. Table covers include classic white, burgundy, Bulldawg blue and gold, and more. A small stage at the front corner of the room is available for use, along with a podium, microphone and amplifier.

 

“The best thing someone can do when they would like to know about the cost,” Lorrie said, “is to tell me your budget and I’ll do my best to work something out for you.”

 

The Burches looked around locally at the different event spaces in Copperas Cove, of which there are few, and Killeen, of which there are more, and tried to come up with prices that are competitive with and hopefully beat other venues.

 

“People are welcome to bring in their own (prepared or catered) food and beverages,” Lorrie said. “They can also bring in alcohol, but if they do, they are required to sign a waiver if they do not have security services.”

 

Lorrie said The Venue subcontracts for security services for events where alcohol is served on site.

 

The Burches charge a cleaning deposit in addition to the rental, but the deposit is refunded if clients clean the space when they’re done with it.

 

“Otherwise, we will be glad to clean it for you and keep the deposit,” Lorrie added.

 

Up next on The Venue’s event roster is a Sweet 16 party and a baby shower. The space is available for showing by appointment only at this time. The Burches can be reached at (254) 462-1108.