HUNTSVILLE — Though Huntsvillians might not know the name George Steele, they will have no trouble recalling his architecture that built the city.
From the Greek Revival style of the First National Bank to homes in the Twickenham District and more, Steele was a pinnacle participant in crafting downtown Huntsville.
This year, his country estate has reopened its doors as an event space known as The Venue at Oak Place.
At the heart of the eye-catching property is the Steele-Fowler House built by Steele in 1840. The white pillared home is a tribute to the stunning and iconic work from this founding Huntsvillian.
To venue General Manager Lauren Kimbrel, it is clear the house was built to entertain and bring people together in celebrations. There were many celebrations held on the property, such as when Steele hosted multiple weddings on the property for his daughters — a tradition the team at Oak Place is honored to bring into the new age.
“I think George would be very proud of what we are doing,” said Kimbrel. “We have resurrected it back to what it should be.”
And resurrect it they have.
Owners Bill Chapman and Breck Robinson, who played football in the front yard as children, were eager to purchase the property and restore it to its former glory. The Steele-Fowler House is a registered historic landmark, protecting it from any out of character updates in the future and ensuring that the renovations fully honor the history of both the main home and the additional chapel added in the mid-20th century.
As the charm was restored, the team decided that what Huntsville needed was to embrace what the home was always meant to be: an event venue uniquely its own.
The property boasts options for weddings and other events to take place inside the home, on the pillared front steps, under the sprawling oak tree, on the lush lawn, inside the restored chapel, or a mix-and-match that suits your specific vision.
“It is not a rinse and repeat venue,” said Kimbrel. “You have so many options to customize it to fit you and your style.”
One such time was a wine tasting where each room in the home was themed for a different wine and its pairings. Guests strolled from room to room to taste each in its designated space.
Some brides have opted to use only the outside of the home, planning for a stunning white tent wedding with the home as the classic backdrop.
Others saw the potential for a garden party on the lawn, such as during the Spring Fizz that took place in May in support of Rocket City Innovator. The team arranged a whimsical garden of couches and florals and fizz beneath the shaded oak tree in a truly unique display.
Whether it is a couple looking to host their personalized day, a community program looking for a meeting space or a party that is sure to amaze, The Venue at Oak Place is the hub for it all.
“The great thing about this property is that you have the ability to rent a portion of the property or the entire thing, whether you need it for two hours for a lunch-and-learn or for two days for a wedding,” Kimbrel said.
The venue is will host a charity event next month – the Casino Night Masquerade. The Oct. 26 event benefits Thrive Alabama.
Kimbrel said each room will cater to a different casino game, with a VIP poker game available in the upstairs rooms, in addition to other activities throughout the property for all of the glammed-up guests.
The Venue at Oak Place not only honors the history of the Steele-Fowler House, but it makes a space for this founding piece of Huntsville’s history to thrive in the modern day.
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