The LayR provides a new place to celebrate in Painesville - The News-Herald
After years of traveling to help plan events, Alaija and Dionte Williams now have an event venue of their own in the heart of downtown Painesville.
They recently invited community members to celebrate the grand opening of the LayR Event Venue at 113 Main St. The venue is located in a former bank building at the corner of Main and South St. Clair streets, and its website states that it offers 5,675 square feet of space.
“We want to appeal to people that just want to have a nice time,” Alaija Williams said. “We want to make sure that we provide that environment for people, a nice place to come, gather with family, friends, to celebrate, have fun and just make it a nice celebration.”
The center was decked out with black and gold table settings and balloons for the grand opening, but Williams said that guests can request custom colors and centerpieces for their events.
The event center also offers customized backdrops, balloons, a 360 degree photo booth and a bridal space or VIP area that guests can rent, she said. Other amenities listed on the LayR’s website include uplighting, WiFi, wireless speakers, a bar and a kitchenette.
Some of the amenities are included as part of the center’s introductory price, while others are available as upgrades.
Williams said that the space can currently hold 99 guests. After a sprinkler system is installed, it will be able to hold “up to 250 comfortably seated.” She said that the couple came across the space on Valentine’s Day of this year. They had been looking to move into their own venue after working as traveling event planners, but they were struggling to find a space.
Williams added that the city was “very, very accommodating” in helping them move into the space.
“We are just really excited about all of the opportunities that are present in Painesville,” she said. “The city has been very, very, very, very warm and welcoming. They have literally rolled out the red carpet for us, and they’ve been just exceptional, just very helpful, and we appreciate that so much.” City officials shared in the excitement.
Councilwoman Christine Shoop said that the city has needed an event venue like the LayR “for a long time.”
“We have not had an establishment like this,” said City Council President Jim Fodor. “And again, celebrating is a huge part of being part of a community, and if you’re going to celebrate in a community, you need a venue like this that you can do that in.”
“Definitely very excited about having them locate in the downtown,” said City Manager Doug Lewis. “I think this is a perfect meeting space in that it’s surprising how big the building actually is and how many people it will accommodate, so whether it’s a rehearsal dinner, a small wedding, or some type of shower or event, it seems to be the perfect location.”
“I think it will be very popular once people learn about it, but it’s nice to have it in the downtown because we do have a need,” Lewis added later. “There really isn’t a great meeting place in the area, so this meets that need.”
More information is available at thelayreventvenue.com. The company also has profiles on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.