The Brick Cottage Event Center
Article by Michelle Howe Photography by Justin Fox
The Brick Cottage Event Center, located at 626 1st St SW in Cedar Rapids, is a perfect place for a cozy wedding, off-site corporate meetings, and intimate social events. The area is known as the “Gateway to Kingston Village” according to local historians.
The Brick Cottage, formerly known as the Hadley home, is believed to be the oldest brick residential building on the west side of town. The concept for the event center was started in 2012. The owners wanted a place where people are able to bring in their own food, use caterers, or use their services. They realized at that time, this was not available within the city. Brick Cottage offers seating for 25 to 30 people within the building. With a lush green space that is available for food trucks and tents. It also offers thirteen private parking spaces. An additional eight to ten street-spaces are available in front of the buildings. This rental space also offers audio and visual equipment for all of your technical needs. Many more special details are available to assist you with your event, when booking this space. To make reservations, visit brickcottageevents.com.
Owners Gary and Nancy Neurohr began the renovations to this building in 2012 keeping the historic significance in mind as this home was built in the 1860’s during the Civil War era. Floors were sanded, roofs and porches were repaired, the bathroom was updated, and painting was done. The catwalk area in the event room has been decorated with items of historic reference as well as a few fun pieces of modern art. The main room originally had four small rooms; these were taken out to enlarge the space with the catwalk remaining to support the double-stacked brick walls. The wood panels above the entrance space are recycled doors and were also used in the addition. You’ll also see all the original beams and flooring from when this home was built.
The addition to the home, added in 1870, has had an island, sink, and counters added for a food prep area. The counter bases are from recycled doors, and the counter tops are from the Habitat store. Cedar pallets were taken apart to create the overhead area in the addition, to compliment the catwalk. You’ll notice several pieces of artwork by Donna and Ben Caplinger can be found throughout the building, to offer a quaint and personal feel. All of the artwork is for sale.
A visit inside this charming cottage is a gift from the past and will create an adventurous and charming backdrop for an event to remember.