St. James 1868, formerly St. James Episcopal Church at 833 W. Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee, is now under construction to open in May. The new event venue and 152-year-old church is going to serve as a unique, if not unorthodox, event space that can be flexible enough to function as a wedding ceremony and reception space, but also house corporate functions, meetings, parties and more.

Because there are two distinct event spaces — The Abbey, or former church, which boasts a seating capacity of 250 guests — and The Hyde, the second-floor parish hall, which can seat 150 people — two events can share the space simultaneously. Each space offers its own outdoor area, and smaller rooms to function as separate meeting rooms or lounges.

The 25,000-square-foot property additionally hired Milwaukee-based Gracious Events as its in-house catering and event designer, so groups needn’t search for a caterer, florist or rental equipment. Sisters Vesna and Marija Madunic own Gracious Events, and operate Firefly, a restaurant and event space in Wauwatosa. The business has been facilitating weddings, and corporate and private events in the area for around 25 years.

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