Sharon Hanks
A Spring Lake couple is breathing new life into the historic former Masonic Temple in downtown Spring Lake. Nine years were spent transforming the empty three-story structure into the charming Seven Steps Up Event & Banquet Center, complete with a loft upstairs for their own living quarters.
Built in 1919 at 116 S. Jackson St., one block south of M-104, owners Gary and Michelle Hanks purchased the vacant red brick building in 2001 with plans initially to renovate the entire building for their home. But when they were unable to obtain approval to rezone the two lower floors from commercial to residential, they opted to restore the building to its original character and open Seven Steps Up for small gatherings, such as wedding receptions, showers, reunions, corporate parties and special events.
The name "Seven Steps Up" comes from the seven steps leading to the front door where guests from a bygone era entered the Masonic Temple's Grand Ballroom. Each floor has about 2,400 sq. feet, with the top floor serving as the couple's living quarters since 2002. The opening is a welcome addition to the Village of Spring Lake, which has suffered the loss of several storefront buildings in the downtown area due to the struggling economy.
Gary Hanks says they spent nearly $400,000 on renovations, with a considerable amount spent on construction to meet current building codes. Other makeovers included the removal of industrial grade carpeting covering original maple hardwood flooring and plaster hiding a fireplace and beautiful Chicago brick walls. Ten large double-hung windows were replaced with more energy efficient ones. He says tax incentives and grants from the Village of Spring Lake helped ease the burden of financing.
The couple, formerly from Amarillo, Texas, has attempted to create a cozy, intimate setting where guests feel like they're being entertained in someone's home rather than a "table and chair" event hall, Hanks says. Guests can enjoy a game of pool, ping pong, darts and Wii games, while casual seating areas with comfy sofas and chairs are available for private conversations. A modern media center, video projector and screen are also available.
Seven Steps Up can accommodate 70 guests for a traditional wedding reception with sit-down dining. For what's called the "strolling, buffet cocktail party," the center can accommodate 150 guests.
Hanks, a former vice president of sales and marketing at Bennett Pump in Spring Lake, served as general contractor throughout the renovation, while his wife maintained her fulltime job as a CPA and position as a band member of Exit 9 Left.
Source: Gary Hanks, co-owner of Seven Steps Up, Village of Spring Lake
Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.
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