The first step in planning an event sure to be relished during the celebration and recalled for years to come is to reserve a memorable space. Empire of the Seed offers three historic Lake Charles properties: Cash & Carry at 801 Enterprise Boulevard, Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank (CMNB) at 844 Ryan St. and The Paramount Room, adjacent to the CMNB building. 

The character of these historic sites sets them apart from other Lake Area event venues. Properties with history have the charm, ambiance and integrity of ages past that is full of vibrant memories. Each venue has been carefully restored to accentuate its old-fashioned craftsmanship and timeless materials. Each is maintained to careful historic registry standards. 

“The beauty of the buildings requires no embellishment,” said Ashley Gatte, event-leasing agent. “If someone wants to spend time and money to add decorations, we welcome that. But unlike sites that require an exhausting amount of time, money and energy to make them suitable for the significance of the event, it’s not necessary with these sites. The buildings are on the National Historic Register and prime examples of adaptive reuse. They are classic.”

The Paramount Room

For company events, a New Year’s Eve bash, graduation party or other celebration par excellence, consider The Paramount Room, named as a tribute to one of city’s most elegant theaters and Empire of the Seed’s newest property. 

The 2,400-square-foot venue located at 844 Ryan St. in downtown Lake Charles (adjacent to the Calcasieu Marine building) combines an industrial, rustic and classic elegance vibe reminiscent of prohibition-era speakeasies. The room’s capacity is 150. However, four French doors open to an enormous fenced and landscaped courtyard alive with the vibe of downtown Lake Charles. The speaker system is state-of-the art, Sonos®. The venue contains access to a commercial kitchen. 

 

The Cash & Carry building

 

Gatte said the Cash & Carry building continues to be a popular choice for weddings, receptions and fundraisers, especially with the current trend for rustic backdrops. 

“The size is right for any large company gathering, Gatte said. The interior can be dressed up or down with little fanfare. It’s a space that immediately puts guests at ease -— regardless of the event — with its spaciousness, exposed ceiling, wood beams and brick.” 

Once on the Calcasieu Historic Preservation Society’s Endangered Buildings list, the Cash & Carry building is a faithfully restored, 9,600 square-foot warehouse built in the 1930s. The property offers a main hall that is 80-feet-by-98-feet, a warming kitchen, large parking lot, chairs, tables and built-in bar. 

 

The Calcasieu Marine National Bank

 

The Calcasieu Marine National Bank, built in 1928, is one of a group of buildings in Lake Charles designed by the noted New Orleans architectural firm of Favrot and Livaudais. Other work of this prominent firm includes the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, Lake Charles City Hall and Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

“This is a stunning space,” said Gatte. “I have had people tell me the Great Gatsby/Art Deco style – magnificent, but simple and elegant – adds a timeless dimension not found at other venues.”

 

Empire of the Seed

 

Empire of the Seed — the company of Rick and Donna Richard — has demonstrated with more than mere words, its desire to preserve architectural and other aspects of the city’s past and infuse downtown Lake Charles with a vitality of diverse culture, creative enterprise and old-fashioned community connections. 

 

Downtown eateries: creative and delicious

 

They are pleased to have eatery tenants who appreciate dining attractions in inspired settings. Pops and Rockets, 104 West Pujo Street, serves gourmet frozen pops and ice cream inspired by 1980s music titles. Next door is Botsky’s, “a high quality purveyor of hot dogs and sausages paired with fresh and outlandish toppings.” The food earned the owner the award, “Louisiana Travel Promotion Restauranteur of the Year.”  Find them also at 104 W. Pujo.  The name of 1910 (restaurant and wine bar) comes from the city’s great fire that destroyed downtown buildings. It’s located at 949 Ryan Street in the Empire of the Seed Phoenix Building, named as a nod to the city’s resurrection. The architectural style is similar to historic New Orleans brick double galleries with wrought iron banisters. 1910 offers filets grilled to perfection, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list. The Villa Restaurant, in the historic Noble building, combines rustic Italian flavors with a modern Louisiana gusto in a soothing, beautifully restored, romantic atmosphere.  Amanda Cusey, Head Chef at The Villa, received “Top Chef of Acadiana 2017” as published in Acadiana Profile magazine.

In addition to Empire of the Seed’s eatery tenants and restored historic event properties, it is also responsible for consulting projects involving energy and business development in both Southwest Louisiana and the nation at large.

For a closer look at each event venue, including amenities, pricing and other details, go to www.empireoftheseed.com or call 337-310-0405. 

The Calcasieu Marine National Bank, 844 Ryan St., is illuminated with stars during a recent evening event. 

Grey Area Photography

A long table is adorned with candles and flowers for an event at the Historic Cash & Carry building, 801 Enterprise Boulevard. 

Grey Area Photography

The Paramount Room is Empire of the Seed’s newest property. The 2,400-square-foot venue located at 844 Ryan St. in downtown Lake Charles (adjacent to the Calcasieu Marine building), combines an industrial, rustic and classic elegance vibe reminiscent of prohibition-era speakeasies. 

Grey Area Photography