JASPER — Thanks to the efforts of local business partners Rauletta Sanchez and Meagan Skampo, the Odd Fellows Hall in Jasper has new life as the Root 52 Rental Venue. 

The building dates back to well over 100 years ago, Sanchez said.

“We have some drawings and pictures from the 1880s,” she said. The building was originally used as a general store and meat market. The second story burned at one point and the building was then converted into a one-story structure. All the brick used in the building exterior was produced in Jasper, Sanchez added. 

Renovations to the historic building include two new bathrooms, paint, and a new ceiling in one part of the main room of the 3,000-square-foot hall. Sanchez said most of the renovation work was done in the kitchen. Food can be prepared in the kitchen or catered in. Alcohol can be brought in but not sold, Sanchez said. 

“We have a little bit of work left to do,” Sanchez said. “We’re doing a little bit at a time.”

Skampo said the venue has been the site of birthday parties, baby showers, graduation parties, holiday parties and other family events. 

“We have class reunions that are actually a year or two booked out right now,” Sanchez said. “That’s how far we are able to book ahead.”

“Saturdays are getting busy fast,” Skampo said.

Sanchez and Skampo are hoping to add community events to the calendar for the Root 52 Rental Venue as well.

“We are looking at having bingo nights, maybe card nights, something like that,” Skampo said. “We’re trying to do some community-oriented things.” 

Owning the Root 52 Rental Venue is “extra” employment for the business partners. Sanchez is an agent for Foundation Realty. Skampo works at Hickman Hospital as an X-ray and mammogram technician. She also owns the Tip Top Restaurant in Adrian. 

The venue can comfortably seat 110 people. Tables and chairs are included in the rental fee, which is $375 for Saturday and $275 for Sunday. Discounted rates are available for weekday rentals. The venue is rented for the entire day. Setup for an event can be done the night before if arrangements are made ahead of time.   

The Root 52 Rental Venue is located at 8452 S. Adrian Highway in Jasper. Parking is available along both sides of M-52, behind the venue, and at the Michigan Agricultural Commodities mill, located across the road on Ogden Street.  

For more information, find Root 52 Rental Venue on Facebook or call 517-403-5169.