The Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation has taken the upstairs space of a building steeped in Owensboro’s history and transformed it into The Venue at 1010, an industrial event venue designed for community gatherings, weddings, and nonprofit events.
The venue, located at 1010 Allen Street, has previously served as a tobacco processing warehouse, an innovation academy, and even a nightclub.
“We were graciously gifted the entire building, and we wanted to make the upstairs a special place for our community that’s available to rent,” said Julia Hartz Tipmore, director of the Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation. “It’s unlike anything else in our area.”
The Venue at 1010 boasts an open-concept ballroom, “The Study” for breakout sessions or photography, and public restrooms, and future plans include access to a catering room. Rentals include 42 round tables and conference chairs, making it a versatile space for events of all kinds.
The space has a loading dock, a wheelchair-accessible ramp, and an elevator, adding to its accessibility. Wedding coordinators can arrange wedding venue tours. Additional setup and teardown time are available at a rate of $150 per hour.
Tipmore said the venue’s purpose goes beyond hosting events. She said the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization will use proceeds from bookings to support other local nonprofits and fund community-oriented passion projects.
Tipmore emphasized the mission behind the venue, inspired by Issac’s adventurous spirit and love for the simple things.
“We wanted to use the building in a way that felt authentic to us and meaningful,” she said. “We’re offering a unique experience where customers feel like they’re giving back.”
To streamline booking, the foundation partnered with Peerspace to manage its reservations online.
“It’s been an amazing tool to simplify the process. Everything is bookable through Peerspace, where customers can view photos, availability, rates, and ask questions,” Tipmore said.
Beyond the main venue, the Center for Good Works downstairs is also available for smaller events, offering classrooms for workshops and team-building exercises.
Since announcing The Venue at 1010, the foundation has received enthusiastic support, which Tipmore credits as a driving force.
“We are so grateful for the excitement and support we’ve received, and we look forward to what the future holds for the Issac Sterett Adventure Foundation,” she said.
