Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2024-25

OUR GROWTH

C hoosing the perfect venue is crucial for the size, budget, and style. One of the newest trends in the event space involves the restoration of older venues and even some historic buildings and bringing them back to life as they play host to unforgettable weddings and private events. From its humble beginnings as a cotton gin, the historic building on Bains Street in Brookshire, which is now home to The Venue 116, has served as an important part of the heritage of our area since 1936. Already an entrepreneur and successful business owner, Shawn Johnson and her family purchased the building in June of 2023 and have just recently completed a substantial renovation project, refreshing and upgrading everything from the Champagne Suite (bridal area) and Whiskey Lounge (groom’s retreat) to the Seed Room and Gin Rooms (indoor ceremony area and reception hall). Johnson and her team have poured their hearts into preserving the soul of this beautiful building. “We honored its history while infusing it with modern comforts, ensuring that its essence remains as timeless and enchanting as ever. Now, as we unveil Venue 116, my heart brims with gratitude and joy, for this journey has been guided by passion and dedication. Witnessing our vision materialize is truly a magical moment, made possible only by the blessings and guidance of God. Venue 116 transcends mere bricks and mortar; it is a sanctuary where hearts converge, dreams take flight, and memories unfurl in splendor. I extend a heartfelt invitation to step into our world and encounter the divine beauty and grace of Venue 116 firsthand.” Complete with its fresh new look, the full-service venue caters to weddings, parties, and corporate events. The Venue 116 takes a client-first approach, offering custom and even all-inclusive packages to take the stress out of planning your event. If you venture a little further southwest to the quiet town of Wallis, you will find another remarkable restoration story. After driving by the historic “Coca Cola” building that had sat empty for nearly 30 years, Natalie & Adam DeJong were inspired by its potential. The building, located on Commerce Street and built by owner F.D. Brandt in 1910, originally served as the general store but was later divided in two to make room for a pharmacy which complimented the historic Memories Making success of any event, and the Fulshear-Katy area has many amazing options to suit virtually any

doctor’s office across the street. With the dream of creating a stunning event venue, the DeJongs started restoring the building in June 2022, taking special care to preserve many of the original architectural details, including the hardwood floors, beadboard ceiling, doors, and shutter windows. “We’re excited to be a part of something so historic and beautiful as the Brandt building,” explains Natalie DeJong owner of Brandt 1910. “We have really enjoyed getting to know the people of Wallis and are beyond excited to bring the building back to life for everyone to enjoy!” Brandt 1910 opened its doors in May 2023, just in time to host the first of many historic weddings. If modern luxury is more your style, Hollis Event Co. offers a chic new venue with high ceilings and industrial-sized glass overhead doors, adding lots of natural light. The space features a fireplace, beautiful wainscoting, and imported Egyptian double doors, as well as crisp white walls that provide a clean canvas to create that perfect event. Event planners are invited to utilize the farmhouse tables and velvet chairs to comfortably seat up to 80 guests. As a resident of nearby Sealy, Texas, Hollis saw Fulshear as a natural fit for Hollis Event Co. “After successfully establishing my make-up/travel bag brand, I recognized a growing need within our community for a versatile event space that could accommodate a variety of occasions. With a passion for fostering connections and creating memorable experiences, opening Hollis Event Co. felt like a natural extension of my entrepreneurial journey. I am thrilled to offer a space where individuals can celebrate life’s milestones, foster creativity, and make lasting memories,” Hollis indicates. “Our dedication to personalized service ensures that each event at Hollis Event Co. is tailored to exceed our client’s expectations, leaving them with cherished memories for years to come.” Some of the other unique and historic venues in and around the Fulshear-Katy area include the Hemi Hideout, a Texas-sized man-cave filled with 24 classic Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars and over 600 vintage neon signs, as well as a 1950s-style diner and soda fountain, and Beckendorff Farms, a historic property presented by one of the Katy area’s most prominent families.

40 FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2024-25 ISSUE