Chic Spotlight: Garage on York
A new venue in historic Newport features a beautiful space for events and creative productions, as well as a staff with decades of experience. Click for a peek inside.
Cincy Chic: What is Garage on York?
Laura Chenault, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Garage on York: Garage on York is a 3,000-square-foot, open, versatile space available for rent by the half-day, full-day, or week. Its modern/industrial vibe has been designed to accommodate: professional photo shoots, video, and commercial productions; corporate events, off-site meetings, brainstorming sessions; and professional development workshops. Garage on York offers a blank “palette” and flexible space ideal for production companies and creative agencies to work from.
Cincy Chic: Who’s behind Garage on York?
Chenault: Ron & Monica Pies (creators of studio821 in Newport) & Laura Chenault (creator/owner of the former Pallet23 in Northside) teamed up to create the Garage on York concept. Although Ron and Monica own the business, they lean on their partner, Laura Chenault, (who brings her 20+ years of experience) to manage day to day operations bringing in her past clients and marketing to new ones.
Cincy Chic: What the inspiration behind it all?
Chenault: Ron always says, “The space itself was inspiring to build from. It’s not often one gets to create from a large open 2-story space which happens to have designers coming and going right next door.”
As it turns out, Ron, Monica, and myself all came together as a team from various studio backgrounds. Ron and Monica have a background in hourly/daily rentals of creative portrait photography studios and I came from a studio rental for production teams, agencies, and creative off-sites. Together we formed our own team and strategically put a plan together. I was inspired to fill an industry need while being able to raise the bar after seeing opportunity with this project and Ron and Monica were inspired to add to what they already offered close by. Inspiration turned to execution and the final results surpassed their expectations. As we were recreating the space we were also developing our business plan. It’s all come together at the end with the guidance of so many.
Cincy Chic: What does Garage on York provide to its users?
Chenault: Garage on York offers an open, flexible footprint that allows users the freedom and flexibility to work in many different ways. We do not require preferred vendors or caterers, so clients can better control their costs. We also offer room darkening ability to control light; 20-ft ceilings; a kitchen; conference room; green room; open loft for talent holding or client lounge; a 12×13-foot garage door off the front; and can accommodate groups of up to 50 guests sitting down or 80 guests open-house style.
Cincy Chic: What makes Garage on York unique?
Chenault: Production companies and their clients can pull right up and unload with ease which starts each project off well. The location is simple to get to and our parking is onsite and free. Garage on York is adjoined by a collaborative Italian kitchen design showroom. Garage On York manages the shoots/corporate events (5 custom kitchen vignettes) there as another rental option or lounge for creative agencies and their clients. Our studio821 partner also has a variety of shoot spaces available to choose from close by. We have confidence that we can accommodate the needs of most of our clients with the highest of expectations.
Our managing partner has years of production industry experience so when an agency has specific needs we already speak the language and can ask the right questions to ensure your project is properly prepared for on our end.
We offer designer finishes, which for a garage is like no other. There are many spaces to choose from but if you want an inspiring atmosphere that is unique, memorable and functionable… Garage on York is it.
Cincy Chic: Is there anything new on the horizon?
Chenault: Garage on York is expanding into the property’s recently vacated back space – There is a lot more info coming in the next few weeks but what we can reveal right now as we prepare to grow: We’ll be adding approximately 3,000 square feet attached to the back of our existing space; 13-foot ceiling; entry off parking lot; kitchenette; and some other details we will share soon! In the meantime we are working to launch a variety of catering packages from local partners in January 2020 for clients who prefer these details be handled for them.
Cincy Chic: Where is Garage on York located?
Chenault: We’re located at 706 York Street in Newport, Kentucky, a newly added local historic district in the heart of Newport.
Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more and follow along?
Chenault: Readers can visit www.garageonyork.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
