Jenna Rose is trying to transform the way events are being held in the city of Cambridge through her new business, Suite3.
Running a space for people to host events wasn’t always what she had in mind for a business, though. As was the case for many people over the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Rose to pivot.
“During the pandemic I opened a women’s only dance studio on Langs Dr.,” Rose said.
“But it kept getting shut down due to restrictions and it was hard to get traction. That’s when we started renting out the space for smaller events.”
From there, a love for events and hosting was born. But Rose quickly realized that in order to execute her vision of being a go-to event space in the city, she needed to find a bigger venue.
That’s when she came across the old Ray Electric building on Parkhill Road.
“When I found out about Parkhill I immediately messaged our real estate agent and told them I had to see it,” Rose said.
“I told myself not to fall in love, but I did. It features the most beautiful views of Galt.”
Rose admits the space needed some elbow grease and the scope of the work wasn’t small. New windows, refinished floors, HVAC and paint was all on the renovation agenda.
Having gone to school for interior design, she was able to look past all of that.
Luckily for Rose, Forge and Foster Investment Management which owns the property have been easy to work with.
“We kept the original footprint,” she said.
“We had to put a lot of work into it but Forge and Foster have been great partners. When I came to them with various things that needed to be done, they were all for it.”
Once the renovations were complete Suite3 was ready to host their first event, a Henna party. Weddings, birthday parties and baptisms are all possible, Rose says. There is even a bridal suite and makeup room available for those who want to host their special day at the venue.
She hopes the residents of Cambridge see the space as an opportunity to host events and live out their vision.
“It's an affordable experience and we make sure to curate the memory part of it,” she said.
“It’s all about the experience and making sure it’s easy for people. I tell them I’m the best un-invited wedding guest ever.”
There’s also room for Suite3 to grow. Rose would love to expand within the building and create spaces where people can spend the night after an event, especially given the fact that the venue can serve liquor if a special occasion permit is obtained.
“When I look at this space, even though I’m not ready for it yet, I will eventually want more space,” she said.
“This building gives me an opportunity to do that.”
The venue will be hosting a Christmas market on Nov. 26 and 27 that will feature 30 vendors and photos with Santa.
For those who are interested in renting out the space for an event, they can contact [email protected] and visit their website at suite3.ca.
