Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ridgely.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I fell in love with weddings fifteen years ago while working at a banquet hall in Connecticut. Since then, I have been involved in the planning and execution of events in the non-profit, legal, and wedding industries.
During the summer of 2020, I decided I wanted to own my own business and open an event venue – I had the education and experience and knew several people in the industry from planning my own wedding. I told my husband this (thinking that this was a 5-year goal) and within a week he found that the former Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church in Tremont was for sale and had been sitting vacant for 5 years. After a letter of intent and months of negotiations, what is now The Elliot was purchased in February of 2021. The Elliot has been undergoing renovations since July of 2021 and will be complete this June.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think “smooth” is relative and it depends on who you ask. A project of this size is bound to have its obstacles, but given the circumstances, we’ve been pretty lucky. As The Elliot is a landmark and located in Tremont’s historic district, we needed several approvals from Tremont West Development Corporation, the Cleveland Landmarks Commission, and the Board of Zoning Appeals. We were met with unanimous approvals from each board and an overwhelming wave of support from the community.
The most significant struggle we faced was when the city lost our construction permit application for four months. As a result, the project was delayed and we missed out on summer weddings for 2022. All other obstacles were minor stressors that were easily solved, and the entire process will all be worth it in the end.
We’ve been impressed with The Elliot, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Elliot is a wedding and private event venue opening this summer in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. Formerly the Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, the Elliot is being renovated to provide modern features in a secular space while celebrating its historic architecture. At 10,000+ sq. ft., The Elliot can accommodate events ranging from small community gatherings and private parties to weddings, large corporate events, and galas.
One of Cleveland’s oldest and most culturally rich neighborhoods, Tremont is home to chef-owned and fine-dining restaurants, boutiques, and popular bars. Lincoln Park’s gazebo and the iconic Cleveland sign provide the perfect backdrops for engagement and wedding photos. Conveniently located blocks away from Cleveland’s major highways, The Elliot is just a 5-minute drive to the many hotels downtown and a 15-minute drive to the airport.
The Elliot’s first floor features a grand staircase leading up to a balcony that highlights the iconic rose window and sits opposite the room’s stunning, 8-foot Swarovski crystal chandelier. The barrel-vaulted ceiling provides excellent acoustics and dimmable lights that accent its historical structure. Built into the bell towers, The Ballroom hosts two private suites with original stained glass and operable bells.
Named for the rosehip’s prevalence in the eastern and central European Carpathian Mountains, the Rosehip Room honors the Rusyn immigrants who founded the Holy Ghost church in 1909. Designed for cocktail hours, art shows, corporate meetings, and open mic nights, this basement-turned-speakeasy is equipped with a built-in stage and a 27-foot quartz bar featuring the building’s original stained glass.
The Elliot has three exclusive caterers – A Taste of Excellence, Spice Catering, and Thyme Catering – and a full-service bar, so all you have to do is choose the package that best fits your needs and we’ll take care of the rest.
As a Tremont resident, I am excited to bring this cherished landmark back to life. The Elliot is now booking for July 2022 and on.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
This is cheesy, but life is short! Don’t wait to do the things you want to do.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@theelliotcle.com
- Website: www.theelliotcle.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theelliotcle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theelliotcle
Image Credits
Kayla Lupean
Dimit Architects
