Make your celebration extra special, with Gilman’s new event hall

Whether it’s a wedding reception, anniversary party or business meeting, Gilman has a lack of space available to host larger gatherings. Or, one could say, had a lack of space.

Through the partnership of Dee and Steve “Bones” Bornheimer, Teresa Madlon, Angel Brost and Kevin Lechleitner, Celebrations Hall at 235 East Main Street is now open. If the location sounds familiar, that’s because it was the home of the Gilman Market for many years. When that closed about a year and a half ago, that set Dee to thinking about utilizing that space as an event center, but she and Bones had already purchased the old bowling alley for just such a purpose.

Finally, the idea got the best of her and she called up the partners who had expressed interest in the venture, to see if they wanted to go for it. When they all agreed, Dee went full speed ahead.

“I already had the vision, it was just changing buildings,” said Dee.

Since the market building already had electrical and heating in place, that helped get the ball rolling and the partners closed on the property on Labor Day weekend of last year. Dee and Bones are already the owners of Grand Central Station, as well as Grand Gilman Theater, so they knew what needed to be done to make the new venture a reality.

A reserve liquor license was applied for and received, for the hall that seats 220 people and renovations continue to the space. When ripping up the old linoleum and tile, a surprise was discovered, with the original hardwood floors below. A little elbow grease and some refinishing, and the redone wood adds an old-time feel to the building.

“It’s character,” said Madlon. They didn’t stop the “rescue” efforts there and have uncovered brick walls, for a rustic feel and a couple of milkhouse glass windows that were blocked off. Most of the work was done by the partners, who are grateful to everyone who has helped in any way and with moving heavy equipment out of the building.

In the front entryway was where the checkouts were in the grocery store, while the stage in the long part of the side building was filled with the fresh produce area. When thinking about what an event center needs, the partners gave attention to every detail, installing a bridal changing room and a place to hang coats/bags as you walk into the dining area.

There’s also a full bar, made of reclaimed bowling alley lanes (which took a dozen people just to move across the street), while the furnishings were purchased from online sales or auctions. Even the buffet area has a salad bar-type set-up, with chafing dishes that can be used for hot or cold foods.

“The only things we bought, brand new, up to this point, were the dishes and the silverware,” said Madlon.

People are welcome to bring in their own food or the hall can cater the event, including the popular broasted chicken that is well-known at Grand Central Station.

Even though they’re just getting going, with the open house March 23, along with afternoon events, free live music at night, and a fire department pancake feed that day, Dee has big plans for the event center, such as having Santa for the kids to visit at Christmas, a Valentine’s Day dance and an appearance from the Easter Bunny. She also wants to have some game competitions, along with BINGO and anything else that gives people something to do.

“It doesn’t just have to be a party,” said Dee.

However, there are other needs in Gilman, which the Celebrations Hall is working to fill.

“We plan on opening the deli and making doughnuts,” said Madlon.

With a full kitchen already in place, they may offer a lunch special of hot ham and rolls, so people don’t have to eat a cold sandwich or call ahead for an order. In addition, a coffee bar will be installed, as well as a candy bar for kids, a gift shop, tanning beds and one more thing.

“We’re also going to put a flower shop in here,” said Madlon, adding that there is a three-bedroom apartment over the hall. “Once we’re done here and moving, then, we’re going to start on the apartment, because they need A bright entryway decorated with vintage items lends an old-fashioned air to the hall, with a changing room just off the opening to the dining hall. There are also two bathrooms, one of which is handicapped accessible.

rentals, housing here in town.”

The hall can be rented by the hour or the weekend, with rates and reservations available by calling Dee, at 715-864-0434.

“I like Gilman, and we want to make Main Street look like it’s alive again,” said Dee.

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