The Montgomery unveils $1 million event center
by Brandice J. O'Brien
The $1 million Montgomery Event Center, created in the 8,000-square-foot basement of the 76-year-old building at 500 W. Main St., will house wedding guests, partiers and business conference attendees.
Designed by ADG Architects and developed by Richard Tanenbaum, the event center offers a sophisticated atmosphere with framed pictures of early 20th century Oklahoma City and a plasma screen to welcome guests when they step off the elevator.
"It's the most unique event center in the city right now," said Brenda Stevens, director of the facility. "The ambience is like no one else offers. It's old-world."
The facility also features several amenities including state-of-the-art sound system, audio visuals including built-in screens, projectors and wireless Internet.
The event center can hold up to 500 people in its main room or can be sectioned off into three smaller rooms depending on the size needed. When divided, the center room holds up to 200 people and the two side rooms will each fit up to 150 people.
Prices range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the number of guests, size of the room needed, length of function and time of day.
The facility is sure to compete with Meinders Hall of Mirrors, the Petroleum Club and Coles Gardens, said Charles Dodson, vice president of the multifamily division at Gardner Tanenbaum Group, who oversees The Montgomery, The Classen and Lincoln at Central Park.
Approximately 40 events are booked through December and as far out as August 2006.
The Montgomery was originally constructed as a Montgomery Ward department store in 1929.
The six-floor 128,000-square-foot building opened as a mixed-use property last October, after eight months of construction. The building houses approximately 50 apartment units and seven retail businesses including Celebrity Valet Corp., Express Personnel and Trattoria il Centro, a restaurant expected to open next month.
Brandice J. O'Brien reports on real estate, technology, manufacturing, entertainment, tourism and media. You may reach her by phone at 278-2846 or by e-mail at
brandice.obrien@journalrecord.com.