Spokane Womans Club venue draws more activity, members

The Spokane Womans Club is experiencing what members hope are the first signs of a renaissance for the organization, which has seen its membership decline over the past 30 years. It now is looking to renovate its more than 100-year-old clubhouse on the South Hill, which it also markets as an event center and wedding venue, says Susan Bresnahan, club president.

Today, the 8,000-square-foot brick building is used for member functions and rented to individuals and community groups for activities, classes and events, as well as weddings and receptions. Since the beginning of the year, it also houses a retail space, a small art gallery and a tiny caf on its lower level.

Located at 1428 W. Ninth on the lower South Hill, between Walnut and Cedar streets, the club offers space in its vintage main ballroom, concert hall, and Rose Tea Room for meetings, events, weddings and wedding receptions.

A package deal for the frugal bride includes the use of the entire clubhouse for 10 hours on a Saturday including the use of a large kitchen, setup and take down for up to 125 guests, tables, linens and time for a two-hour wedding rehearsal the night before the big event. The ballroom features a full stage and hardwood floors for dancing. Up to 160 guests can be accommodated for a theater-style wedding without tables. Cost for that bridal package is $1,750.

For smaller weddings or receptions, the concert hall seats 60 in theater style or 50 guests seated at tables, and 100 standing guests. The hall includes an upright piano and small stage, and an efficiency kitchen is available near the space.

Cost for the clubs concert hall is currently $10 an hour for rent during the day, for meetings or luncheons.

Bresnahan says members want to change the image of the club. She says the groups goals are to attract a younger membership to help with its mission of strengthening the community and enhancing the lives of others with volunteer service and leadership development. Bresnahan says new classes, meetings and retail offerings are helping create a new look, and feel for the Womans Club.

We want people to know were not just here having tea parties, Bresnahan says. We do many service projects and we want to engage the community in what were doing.

The club holds meetings in the building once a month, and membership is $50 per full year and $25 for six months. The club offers a discount for qualified nonprofits and club members who want to rent space.

Last August, Bresnahan says membership was at an unprecedented low of 27.

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Spokane Womans Club venue draws more activity, members