One of Ottawa’s jewels is gaining a new life.
Rob Boyer, Narthex partner and entrepreneur, said the architecture of the old building swept him away.
Loyd Builders Inc., 2126 S. Elm St., Ottawa, was selected to lead the rebirth of the post office. Boyer said it was a natural fit for Loyd Builders to be the lead contractor for the project.
Walker, the owner of the company, said the project is special to him and Ottawa.
The renovations are expected to start in November and be completed by May 2018, Boyer said. The plans for the new space include a 4,000-square-foot, luxury ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 guests, a 1930s Speakeasy style bar and lounge, and suites for a bride and groom.
Fernanda Paiva, a Narthex partner, said they did not want to interfere with the building’s character in the renovation.
Paiva said the building again will be a center piece for Ottawa.
“When we first saw the vacant post office, we saw the potential of what it could become for Ottawa and the community,” she said. “Ottawa is a quaint town with a lot of charm.
Boyer said the original construction of the building had a lot of forethought.
Boyer said an events center was the perfect setting to not disturb its pristine architecture.
The new design will have four major rooms: a ballroom, speakeasy lounge, bride’s room and groom’s space. Narthex hired Clockwork, a Kansas City design company, to design the rooms.
The lounge downstairs will have some flair. The website said the room will have a certain ambience.
The bride’s room will be a place for the women in the wedding to prepare before the ceremony, the site said.
The description said: “The state-of-the-art space is both elegant and highly functional. Amenities include a three-way full-length floor mirror; lighted vanity with styling chairs for hair and make-up; modern, yet comfortable furniture; chandelier and private restroom. Best of all, there is a live-streaming television, allowing the bride and her party to view the ballroom and arriving guests.
“The groom’s room is where the men can relax before the big event. It was described as a place where the groom and his attendants can get ready in style. First-class accommodations include a cable TV, leather couch and comfy chairs, allowing them to relax together before the big hour arrives,” the site said.
“We decided it would be great to have a venue that you could do the [wedding] ceremony, reception and cocktail hour in one building,” Paiva said.
Walker said the anticipation and excitement of the restoration project cannot be measured.