Love of historical buildings spurs new Ash Grove business

The Tin Ceiling is a newly opened, downtown wedding, event venue on west Main Street
 

When Cassy Ballard and her husband, Shelby, came to Ash Grove, one of the town’s features that most impressed her was its historic buildings.
“We fell in love with the buildings on Main Street over 15 years ago when we moved to Ash Grove from Bois D’ Arc,” she said. “We always knew that eventually we wanted one and wanted to see Main Street really brought back to life with businesses.”
Now, that dream has become a reality. Ballard has opened The Tin Ceiling, a 5,000 square-foot venue for weddings and other events in one of the historic buildings on Main Street in Ash Grove.
The business takes its name from one of the buildings’ original features.
“When we went to look at it the first time, it had a drop-paneled ceiling,” Ballard said. (Shelby) found an old ladder inside and looked above those panels with a flashlight. We found the original tin ceiling and crown molding was intact the
 entire length of the main room. That was when knew we had to have it.”
While the ceiling was largely intact, Ballard said, the building’s floors required some special attention.
“The biggest challenge was by far the floors,” she said “There were years and layers of glued on, painted on, stuck on stuff that had to be removed. Those were tough.”
The effort has been worth it, though. Now, Ballard said, they have a venue unlike any other.
“We are one of the few actually historic buildings that has been restored to as much original as possible while still offering modern amenities,” she said. “We also offer wedding packages that include DJ, photographer, and decor rental so it makes things easy and takes some stress off booking those services separately while also saving our couples money. Our plan is to have a really busy successful venue that offers our clients excellent customer service with a personal touch as well as bringing revenue and visitors to town.”
Not just for weddings
In addition to weddings, the Tin Ceiling can also host other events, such as corporate retreats, reunions, parties, and other occasions. Ballard said the prices on their non-wedding pricing is for up to 50 guests, but they can accommodate more people if needed.
“We can actually accommodate up to 150 for a wedding,” she said. “Smaller event pricing is for up to 50 guests, but we certainly will work with anyone having a larger event. Pricing would just depend on the type of event and amount of time you need the venue.”
Ballard said people who wish to hold a wedding at the Tin Ceiling should be prepared to book the venue up to half-a-year in advance.
“Right now, we are in a unique position since we just opened that we have several openings left in the next few months that we can offer big discounts on,” she said. “I think usual time will be six to 12 months for weddings especially if you want a weekend. Smaller events wouldn’t need booked as far out.”
Ballard also said she is glad she opened the Tin Ceiling in Ash Grove.
“This has been home for us for years now,” she said. “We have raised our family here, love this town so much, and can’t imagine doing it anywhere else. The charm of Main Street and small-town life can’t be beat. We are so thankful to call Ash Grove home.”
The Tin Ceiling is located at 123 W. Main Street in Ash Grove. For more information, or to book an event, call (417)425-0100, go online to their website at www.tinceilingevents.com or visit their Facebook page.