The Pigford Building in Meridian will soon be home to a multi-purpose event space called “The Venue.”

    Workers have been busy renovating the circa-1914 building located at the corner of 22nd Avenue and Ninth Street, changing it into an event space for banquets, weddings and other social activities, said Elic Purvis, the proprietor.

    “There’s really not anything in Meridian that has this atmosphere, where people can feel like their event is individual, ” Purvis said. “We’re hoping that will give it its own brand.”

    The building, located at 818 22nd Ave., is also known as Pythian Castle Hall. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Purvis hopes to recognize that history by featuring exposed brick walls and “keeping the industrial feel,” he said.

     “We hope it’s something that’s going to be monumental to the town” he said. “That’s what we’re looking for, to bring downtown back to what it was like in the ’60s and ’70s.”

    The business will feature a full kitchen for catering staff. Purvis is in the process of contracting with photographers and and other vendors to provide services to those who rent the facility.

     “It’s going to be fully inclusive,” he said.

    Long-term plans include expanding upstairs.

    Purvis hopes the business, which will open in late November or early December, will contribute to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Meridian.

    “It could not have been a more appropriate time,” he said of the ongoing effort to improve the downtown area. “We’re hoping to be a part of it.”

    Meridian Main Street Director Karen Rooney shares Purvis’ enthusiasm.

    “Downtowns are not benign, they’re not neutral,” Rooney said. “They’re either going to be a plus or a negative. If it’s a decaying downtown, it’s a cancer that spreads. If it’s a growing downtown, it can actually support the entire county.”