Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Case.
Hi Chelsea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband Evan and I, prior to being engaged, toured an old abandoned building in downtown Muskegon and immediately fell in love with its old, but beautiful bones.
It took about two years to renovate and restore the space, and we turned it into a quaint, beautiful wedding venue with a large loft style apartment above that serves as a short term rental, and bridal space.
We were the first wedding at the Claymore, and it was half done at the time!
We tested out the space and it passed with flying colors. We’ve gone through two wedding seasons and the space has served many couples’ special days and we couldn’t be more humbled or proud.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was not an easy task, restoring and renovating the building. We learned a lot about working together, and how city politics and codes work in a downtown business district. There were quite a few surprise expenses that made the process very stressful and there were times we questioned why we ever decided to engage in such a project. We also went through some personal losses at this time, and found ourselves working through the grief. It was cathartic, at times, breathing life and beauty into a once sad place, and serving others at the same time.
We give full credit to God as he led us there to redeem this beautiful space, and we are grateful to be its custodians as it helps people start their marriages and celebrate life’s milestones.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My husband Evan, and I, feel it is our mission to restore old spaces into their former glory. We love buildings and homes that have been abandoned or neglected, that retain some of the old character from a hundred plus years ago. It is every so satisfying to do these old places justice. We see them as works as art. Once they are gone, they are gone forever.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was and still am a very independent spirit. I was a very curious kid, growing up on acreage in the middle of Michigan. I would often walk the woods with my dog and get into all sorts of adventures – climbing trees, collecting mushrooms, and learning about the birds. I had an optimistic attitude that if I wanted to get something done, I would find a way to do it. My husband and I are both like that, and you have to be, with these old houses and buildings.
Pricing:
- $2,500 Friday/Sunday Weddings
- $3,000 Saturday Wedding
- $5,000 Weekend Wedding/Weekend Stay
- $150 an hour small parties
Contact Info:
- Website: https://claymoremuskegon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claymoremuskegon/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Claymore-100088979187685/
