LORETTO — A longtime Loretto establishment has gotten a makeover and now offers a new site for smaller events and celebrations.

State Street Venue is now available to rent, owner Merry Kay Wright said.

Wright, along with her husband Rob and two sons, Jesse Jacobson of Norway and Ryan Jacobson of Crystal Falls, purchased the former bar building at 1649 State St. in Loretto in July 2022.

“After 30 years of living next door, I never dreamed I would own it — but here we are,” said Wright, who said the purchase came after she retired from FedEx to care for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“My boys decided mom needed something more to do and Ryan said, ‘Let’s buy the bar next door,'” she said.

For many decades the old building was the local watering hole under such names as the Chiocci’s Roma Bar, Last Lap and Kuhn’s Bar.

Wright is unsure of the bar’s 70-plus-year history but believes the last owner closed its doors to the public about eight years ago. At the time of purchase, the building was only being used for storage. “The old antique bar was already removed and sold to somebody in Chicago by the previous owner,” Wright said. “It was wide open — just the snack bar left.”

Although a lot of cleanup would be needed, she said it just “felt comfortable” as soon as she walked in.

Wright discovered a new clock still in its box and decided to make that the focal point for her colors and decor in the space.

After her mother passed in December 2022, she started to paint the interior. “It was my therapy. I did it for mom — she use to ask to come down here all the time,” she said.

Over the winter she continued to “freshen it up,” and last April she had a celebration of life for her mother, the first gathering in the venue.

Wright and her family hosted several other events, noting it was a perfect time to work out some of the kinks.

MMR Contracting began exterior work in September. “It was in rough shape — they really transformed this building,” she said, noting they also made their building sign that features the logo created by her son, Ryan.

They continue to work on the upper level, which has two apartments. “The back one is almost ready to go and is spoken for,” she said. “The front apartment has been abandon for so long that it needs to be completely gutted.”

Wright added they plan to split up the five-bedroom, two-bath apartment into two spaces. “We are talking about making one an Airbnb to accommodate guests, especially during the winter months for snowmobilers that come in,” she said.

It’s still a work in progress, she said, as they will continue to do more upgrades and additions, including construction of a deck that will extend from the patio doors to the back yard, as well as a fence.

“That’s going to be big when that is finished,” Wright said.

They also plan to redo the entrance to allow for wheelchair access.

State Street Venue officially opened for business this month as a place to host parties at an affordable price, Wright said. They are currently offering a special rental fee of $100.

The venue can accommodate anything from smaller-scale weddings, anniversary celebrations, baby and bridal showers, graduations, family reunions, birthday parties, meetings or event a celebration of life.

Those booking a “celebration of life” at the venue will receive a $50 discount. “It’s a tough time — anything we can do to make it a little easier,” she said.

Renters are responsible for cleanup, but a $50 deposit will be refunded if completed.

It’s also a great space for non-profits or organizations to plan fundraisers such as craft shows, bake sales or dinners, she said.

They currently provide 10 tables with 100 chairs for seating in the two large open spaces, but notes it could fit 150 comfortably.

The venue is able to work with a company if additional tables and chairs are needed. “Renters are also welcome to bring in their own,” she said, adding if there’s enough demand they will purchase more in the future.

The prep kitchen offers plenty of refrigeration, serving dishes and utensils, along with a serving station that includes a food warmer.

Because they do not have a food license, all dishes need to be brought in. Wright has contacted a local catering service and/or licensed bartender if needed.

“We will do anything we can do to help,” she said.

Ice is available for purchase at the venue.

The venue also has a sound system, and large-screen TV to use for showing photos, video or other media.

Wright made special mention that renters are allowed to bring in alcohol, but they are responsible for providing their own insurance for the day of their event.

If available, decorating can be done the night before the event, she added.

This summer, they hope to purchase a tent for the backyard and a small bounce house for kids events.

Ample parking is available next to the venue. Wright hopes to use the large space for flea markets during the warmer months as well.

The public is invited to the new venue’s grand opening celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. They will serve chili, hot dogs and chili dogs, along with water, lemonade, iced tea and coffee.

“This place has so many memories, especially for local residents — I encourage them to stop on Saturday,” Wright said. “After years of looking out my living room window and seeing the shambles of a run down bar — we are happy to bring it back to life.”

Bookings are starting to come in — those interested is encouraged to contact the venue for availability.

Wright said those unable to make the open house who would like to see the space before renting can contact her for an appointment. For an appointment or to book, Wright can be reached at 906-221-1688 or go to the State Street Venue LLC Facebook page.