One of the Port City’s newest event spaces, Warehouse 1856, 15 S. Water St. downtown, is now booking events.

Located inside what is often referred to as the old Jacobi Warehouse (pictured below), the newly remodeled 5,500-square-foot space can accommodate parties of up to 150 guests for a seated affair, or around 200 people for cocktails. 

Co-owner Ray Baca said he envisions hosting primarily wedding parties, as well as corporate events, holiday parties and fundraisers.

“I really hope to connect with philanthropic organizations and give back by accommodating fundraising events,” Baca said.

Baca, who has worked as a wedding photographer in the Port City for over 20 years, will operate the business along with partners Kathryn Jeffreys and Chris Maher, co-owners of Tavern Law. 

"We bring a marriage of talents to the table given our backgrounds,” Baca said.

Despite numerous setbacks in the face of Hurricane Florence, Baca said the space was designed to be as true to the building as possible. It features tall ceilings and exposed brick and beams, giving it a modern warehouse feel. It also offers a 600-foot deck with views of the Cape Fear River.

“We are beyond excited to finally open our doors after almost a year of renovations,” Jeffreys said. “We faced many obstacles thorough out the process as it proved to be a much bigger job than we anticipated, but we are so happy that we were finally able to breathe new life back into the building and can’t wait to share it with our close-knit community.”

Baca said he also believes in allowing customers to work with any caterer or event planner they choose. 

“Three things I never like to say are, can’t, don’t and won’t,” Baca said. 

The venue will host grand opening event Oct. 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit the event's Facebook post.

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