Hidden Gems: Meet Melanie Kennedy of The Grand LV

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Kennedy

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Kind of a funny story..

We had no intentions of opening an event venue. I was a hairstylist and co-owner of Luminous Hair Spa at the time. My husband actually wanted to open a tap house and we were scouting locations for that. When we came to see the building that is now The Grand LV, we instantly knew that it had to be a venue. The top floor was the most surprising to us and that space is what made the decision very easy for us. We could see the potential it held and our dream for that space is to host live music. It is about 7000 sq. ft. and it was originally a gymnasium on one side, with a bandshell and banquet room on the other side, and it can be opened up as one large space. We believe that the top floor could potentially host up to 1000 people.

The building had been sitting empty for over a decade and there had been some roof leaks, so there was quite a bit of damage to the original plaster molding, but it could be beautifully restored. Upon realizing what would need to be done in order to make that space usable and bring it up to modern building code, we had to change course a little, so we decided to start our renovations in the lower level space instead. We were able to flip that area in about four months, and then we moved to the main floor and started restoration there.

The word got out pretty quickly that there was a new venue in Niles and we immediately started filling our calendar and booking weddings even before renovations were completed. I was amazed by the level of trust that couples put in us that we would have the space ready for their wedding day before even being able to view the finished space!

The business took off and I quit my “day job” at the salon to focus all of my energy here. I really enjoy being able to host community events here – we frequently host ‘Small Shops’ and artisan markets, and family friendly events like Princess, Easter Bunny meet & greets.

Finishing the top floor is still on our bucket list with the right investor.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This business has not been without challenge, of course. In 2019 we welcomed as a tenant on our main floor and during the build-out, we also had a full calendar of events. That meant construction Monday-Thursday, clean-up all the dust and debris that was created every Friday so it was ready for the weekend’s events, and then do it all over again the following week. Yikes!

We completed our main floor renovations in the fall of 2019 and we were finally ready to run business as usual without any construction work being done simultaneously! The spring and summer of 2020 was completely booked with weddings and events, and then… COVID.

To say that there were struggles would be an understatement. We were overwhelmed with cancellations and requests for refunds that drained all of our working capital. We were positive that we would be forced to file bankruptcy and close. My husband and I sat in the bridal suite together and I cried, looking around at all that we had invested, trying to determine what I would take with me before we closed. Then we prayed. We asked for God’s will to be worked out, and He preserved us.

It is nothing short of a miracle that we are still in business.

We were approached by a church that was looking for a space to hold weekly services very shortly after that, and with their lease in place, our over-head was covered. Covid restrictions couldn’t affect that.

We then pivoted to leasing space to small businesses and ‘Small Shops’ was born. We hosted vendor markets on the weekends and used the building for retail for most of 2020 and that got us through to the other side.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Grand LV?
The Grand LV, is located in downtown Niles, MI. Renovated in 2019, this charming venue was built in 1928. With plenty of history and character, this space offers everything needed to create your perfect event; from small birthday parties with bounce houses included, to corporate events, wedding ceremonies & receptions, and everything in between.

Most notably, we offer freedom for our guests to bring in their own food & beverages or use a caterer of choice.

Dependable service is at the foundation of every Grand LV event. Local, dedicated and detail-oriented venue owners ensure the success of your special occasion by providing personalized attention to each celebration or event.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I believe all the credit and honor goes to God. We have also experienced wonderful support from the community. We heard one phrase over and over again when we first opened and that was “Niles needed this”. Hearing that has always given me a sense that we were meant to take on this project. We were led here to do this and it was certainly not in our plans.

Receiving guidance and support from other venue owners along the way was very surprising, but we definitely welcomed that! Collaborating with local, small business owners has been my favorite part of this journey. I feel incredibly blessed to meet so many talented and driven individuals who put their hearts into doing what they love.

Collaboration > Competition.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thegrandlv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandlv.fifty5/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theGLV/