After months of preparation, Sally Ward and Meaghan Glenn on Friday proudly showed off Owensboro’s newest party venue — called Market03 — near Welborn Floral Company on Fourth Street in downtown Owensboro.
Glenn and Ward knew the space — formerly a neglected car lot — could be transformed into something fresh and new.
Market03 is now Owensboro’s first open-air rental arena, adjoined with the garage-turned-chic indoor bar and event space.
“It’s different than anything we have in Owensboro,” said Glenn, who will operate as the venue’s manager.
The project began with Ward, Welborn Floral Company’s event designer, who was tired of looking at a dirty, abandoned lot next to the florist.
Ward tracked down the owner, bought the property and began the extensive cleanup process in August. Shortly afterwards, she decided to host a Christmas-themed market on the lot.
“That led us to brainstorm on how we could utilize it more,” Ward said. “The community needed an open-air venue for rentals.”
Glenn offered ideas. While most people saw a parking lot, two garages and an office, Glenn imagined future parties with a loosely Texaco gas station aesthetic.
They painted pinstripes, stars and bold block font in red, black and white. Inside, they added a bar, chandeliers and string lights — and left the aged brick, exposed black steel and vintage car paintings.
“There was no changing what it was, so we decided to embrace it and go full vintage car theme,” Glenn said.
Market03 could house birthdays, engagement parties, bridal showers or even wreath-making workshops. During summer months, the garage doors can remain open for an unconfined, chill vibe.
“It can be casual or upscale,” Glenn said, adding that they tested the glamour potential of the space with an outdoor wedding in October. “We just really want to get people out in the space.”
Glenn also envisions hosting a market day each month for Owensboro’s abundant artists, “kind of like a farmers market but with crafted items,” Glenn explained.
To boost the potential of Market03, the duo added a 40-foot by 100-foot, clear Navi-Trac tent with a 300-person capacity. The tent will be open six months per year from mid-spring to mid-fall.
Market03 will be launching a website and social media in coming months.
For more information on renting the space, contact Glenn at [email protected] or 270-929-1924, or visit the venue’s website.
