Utilize the main floor musuem for your cocktail hour. Suggest the rental of high top cocktail tables for this area along with a moveable bar that can be transferred upstairs during main reception.
The high ceilings on the second floor along with large windows may "dressing up" with rental foliage or curtains. The ceilings are just perfect without any coverings.
If renting chair covers, be aware that they have a wide ballroom chair style. Large covers still may not cover the chair legs completely.
Restrooms are only located on the main floor.
Consider covering the trophy cases right outside the elevator on the second floor.
TAMPA BAY VENUES
Set your course for a special event location
Ferguson Law Center
A Modern Venue with a Well-Appointed Interior Securely Located on the Campus of Stetson University
Built in 2008 by the Hillsborough Bar Association, this impressive facility is right off I-275 in Downtown and promises to be a very popular special event site for up to 150 guests.
Two areas can be be utilized indoors for ceremonies: One is the long narrow Atrium for up to 120; another is the Meeting Room which is comfortable for up to 100 people.
The Cohen Hall easily accommodates a nice reception size for up to 160 although it is carpeted and will require a rented dance floor . . . Around $450. The room is equipped with dimmers so its ambiance can be appreciated.
The basic cost for the hall is around $2500. This includes all 72" round guest tables for 10-12 people, long tables, and padded ballroom chairs.
A lavish separate bar area decked out in dark wood furnishings offers a unique mingling area. You are welcome to furnish your own alcohol. We are delighted with the functional kitchen complete with ice machine!
A historical venue with a spacious second level banquet hall
If you want to incorporate Tampa Bay's rich history into your reception or party setting, the Firefighters Museum is the perfect setting.
Not only is it one of the few historic buildings that actually allow guests to roam informative exhibits, it provides a separate pre-reception area from the dining space.
Its location in Downtown Tampa is super convenient to access via I-275's Downtown East exit. On weekends there's plenty of free street parking nearby.
The second level features gorgeous hardwood floors and a separate carpeted space for buffets. Up to 175 guests can be accommodated with a dance floor. The rental of more 60" round guest tables may be required.
COST:
$1825 for the entire building on a Saturday for a four hour event. Each additional hour for upstairs is $200. $500 refundable security deposit.
Off-duty police officer may be required.
How to Make the Most of this Venue:
If you are holding your ceremony in the atrium, rent the meeting room for the social hour or a receiving line until ceremony chairs are place back around tables.
Be prepared to rent a dance floor.
For larger events, keep the buffet in the foyer to save room in Cohen Hall.
Be creative in "hiding" some of the benefactor portraits in the hall.
Ceremony Option
If you are considering the museum for your ceremony and reception, you will have to have pre-set guest tables set aside in the main upstairs ballroom with the ceremony in the center of the room with guest chairs in rows.
Guests would then go to the street level museum area for social hour while chairs are placed around tables for the main reception.
