Construction launches on new $3M Butler County event center

Hanover Reserve Weddings & Events will be a wooden post-and-beam barn located on a private, 45-acre lot at 1905 Millville Oxford Road in Butler County’s Hanover Twp. The 15,000-square-foot project, which will seat 400, is expected to complete construction by February 2021 and is pre-booking events for June 2021. CONTRIBUTED

Hanover Reserve Weddings & Events will be a wooden post-and-beam barn located on a private, 45-acre lot at 1905 Millville Oxford Road in Butler County’s Hanover Twp. The 15,000-square-foot project, which will seat 400, is expected to complete construction by February 2021 and is pre-booking events for June 2021. CONTRIBUTED

Construction recently launched on a new $3 million event center in Butler County.

Hanover Reserve Weddings & Events will be a wooden post-and-beam barn located on a private, 45-acre lot at 1905 Millville Oxford Road in Hanover Twp. The 15,000-square-foot project, which will seat 400, is expected to complete construction by February.

The journey toward creating the center started when three brothers and their wives — Ben and Melanie Barnes, Brad and Anna Barnes and Jason and Jessica Barnes — went looking for the right site for an “event oasis.”

The search for the perfect spot seemed to be impossible until one day when they saw a sign for 45 acres for sale.

MORE: Well-known Hamilton coach changing careers to open new restaurant at The Marcum

"It's right on (U.S.) 27, so it's easily accessible for everyone," said Melanie Barnes. "The way the land's laid out, like actually where we want to the barn to be at, there's a 46-foot drop from the road to where the barn will be, so it will be completely hidden, which just really sold it for us. It really gave people the privacy that they want, but (it's) still conveniently accessible to Oxford, Hamilton, and I-275."

After signing for the site, the couples consulted for a year with friends, family and local business resources to help iron out details that would make Hanover Reserve Weddings & Events "rustic and elegant."

“We paid attention to all of the details, down to the stain color, floor finish and decoration of the suites to really help people get that feel of they have their own private, luxurious space for their event,” Barnes said.

The center will feature bridal and groom suites and a wide-open space gathering space with large wooden beams, crystal chandeliers, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and a wall of windows and glass doors.

MORE: Butler County jobs: Why a used car company will build an auto processing facility here

A covered patio space will encircle the building and feature a fire pit with a large seating area. Toward the back of the building, an extended covered patio will be available for outdoor ceremonies and events.

A pond with an open wooden gazebo will serve as a picturesque spot for a photography sessions or wedding ceremonies.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Miami Regionals played "a huge role" in getting the project launched after Barnes and her sister, Jenna Lopez submitted a 36-page business plan. They worked closely with SBDC Director David Riggs and business adviser Sangmi Kim.

MORE: ‘It feels really good to be out’: Butler County restaurants, salons, tattoo shops celebrated on reopening

“It’s one thing to have a vision, but creating the vision, obtaining the financing, zone changes, permit processes, developing business projections, can be extremely overwhelming,” Barnes said. “Sangmi and Dave are always quick to help in any way they can, providing countless number of resources and answering thousands of questions.”

Access Business Financial in West Chester Twp. and Telhio Credit Union in Hamilton helped coordinate a SBA small business loan.

Hanover Reserve, which can be found at hanoverreserve.com, is pre-booking events for June 2021.

About the Author