Honor Its Past While Celebrating Your Future
Honor Its Past While Celebrating Your FutureThe Venue CU is a modern industrial wedding venue located in Champaign, IL. Its position in downtown Champaign reinforces its urban, contemporary atmosphere. It maintains a sense of its past, however, due to the team’s dedication to a historically accurate restoration. Couples can be delighted by the old-world charm of the restored brick and reclaimed wood while they celebrate their love for one another. The talented team behind The Venue CU has over 50 years of combined experience in the event management and hospitality industry. This ownership team includes Greg Bugbee, who owns another wedding and event company that has been in operation for over 30 years. He has managed events in three states and offers his invaluable insight to couples interested in this venue. This experienced team also features Dan Church and Casey Gold, who both have years of managerial experience and a talent for leadership. The buildings that house this venue are listed on the National Register for Historic Places, due to their significant role in shaping the surrounding communities. In 1898 the space was, in part, occupied by Vriner’s Confectionary. The original tiles of this establishment can be viewed in what is now the entryway. From 1906, the adjoining space was known as the Varsity Theater and was the first place in the area to show motion pictures. The building was renovated in 1943 to include more modern equipment and air conditioning. The cinema’s original tin ceiling, from its beginnings in 1906, is also on display today. The Venue CU has over 10,000 square feet of space available for events, sure to satisfy the needs of any couple. The team behind this venue is proud of its versatility, as they believe that it can help to create a happy day for everyone. The largest event space is known as the Varsity Ballroom, and it can hold seated banquets of 275 guests. Exposed red brick walls hint at the building’s past, while custom, contemporary light fixtures are a nod towards its future. The adjoining Main Street Lounge is accessible through a generously sized entrance and offers a 1930's style bar for cocktail receptions. The Lounge can also be converted for smaller gatherings of up to 100 guests.