HASTINGS, Fla. — A long-silent landmark in the heart of Hastings has been brought back to life, and the community turned out in force to celebrate its next chapter on Tuesday, March 31. The grand opening reception of The Venue marked not only the unveiling of a beautifully restored event space, but also a powerful moment of renewal for a town rich in history and pride.
Once known as the old Ford Stanton Building, the structure dates back more than a century.
As Hastings Main Street Director Sallie O’Hara shared during the celebration, “The building, actually, was built in 1925 and became the Ford Stanton Company in 1929. And it operated from the ’50s, well into the ’80s and ’90s. And after that, it was abandoned and sat dormant for a while, until it was found by Jena and Allyn Dennis.”
That discovery set in motion a years-long transformation. “They purchased the property, and they invested in the transformation of the building, and it is now a new business,” O’Hara said, noting the couple has spent roughly three years bringing their vision to life.
For O’Hara, the impact of The Venue reaches far beyond its walls. “Oh, my goodness. It’ll be a shot in the arm for economic impact,” she said. “We’ll have weddings and events, and right now we’ll use The Venue for our Cabbage, Potato and Bacon Festival, set for April 25-26.”
The space is already slated to host an upcoming community tradition, including the much-anticipated Great Potato Ball on April 25. “Right here,” O’Hara said with a smile, gesturing to the exquisite interior.
Despite the large turnout for the grand opening, O’Hara wasn’t surprised.
“We’ve been advertising, and everybody’s chomping at the bit to see it,” she said. “They do want us to preserve it. They did want us to retain its character. So that’s what we’ve been trying to do.”
That balance of preservation and progress was evident throughout the building, where true historic charm meets modern functionality—an intentional choice by owners Jena and Allyn Dennis.
Standing before a crowd of supporters, Jena Dennis reflected on the journey that brought The Venue to life.
“My husband, Allyn, and I are totally honored to stand before you today at this very special event,” she said. “To look around this room and see so many familiar faces, people who have walked alongside us on the journey over the past two years, means more than we can fully put into words.”
Dennis emphasized that the project was never just about restoring a building—it was about building something meaningful for the community.
“This moment is incredibly special for our family, but it’s also so much bigger than just us,” she said. “The Venue in Hastings is a result of countless hours, conversations, and the dedication of so many people who believed in this vision, sometimes even before it really existed.”
She acknowledged the challenges along the way, from long days to unexpected setbacks, but said perseverance and faith carried them through. “There were moments where we had to trust the process and keep moving forward,” she said. “We are so deeply grateful to each and every one of you for the role you played.”
Dennis also credited the many professionals who contributed their expertise to the project. “There are so many individuals—contractors, subcontractors, craftsmen, designers, planners, and partners—who brought their talent and dedication into every detail of this space,” she said.
More than a restoration, The Venue is envisioned as a lasting legacy. “This building means so much to our family. It’s not just a project—it’s something we hope will be a lasting legacy for generations,” Dennis said. “But even more than that, our hope is for what this space can become in this community.”
That vision includes hosting weddings, private events, charity functions, concerts, theater performances, and art showcases.
“The mission for The Venue is to make this a true gathering place,” she said. “Each time you visit, you’ll see something new as we continue to bring enhancements to the space.”
While the grand opening offered a glimpse of what’s to come, Dennis hinted that more improvements are already underway. “Today, you’re getting just a glimpse of what’s to come,” she said. “The next time you come, something will be different.”
She closed her remarks with a heartfelt toast.
“Today is about gratitude, celebration, and community,” Dennis said. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us, for supporting us, and for being here to share this moment. We are so excited for what’s ahead and honored to open our doors to all of you.”
As guests raised their glasses, it was clear that The Venue represents more than a new business—it is a symbol of Hastings’ resilience, growth, and commitment to honoring its past while embracing its future.
