When looking for the perfect place to host an event, consider Convolo in downtown Sioux Falls.
The 1,750-square-foot event space can entertain 75 standing guests and 60 seated.
1. to flock or come together.
Amy Boes was searching for a small-scale venue to celebrate her husband’s 30th birthday, but nothing was quite right.
“We thought downtown could probably use something like this,” said Boes. “There’s not a lot of smaller spaces to choose from.”
“We had fun picking out different items for the space to keep it neutral, yet interesting.”
-Angela Merritt
Angela Merritt, co-owner and Boes’s sister, added, “The East Bank area is really growing. We want to be on the forefront of that growth.”
The sisters decided to open their own venue in this flatiron historic building for anyone looking to host events of any variety, such as showers, rehearsal dinners, reunions, business gatherings, weddings, and styled shoots with vendors.
Angela Merritt (left) and Amy Boes (right)
The space is light and airy from the white ceilings to the light-stained floorboards, a blank canvas to create a perfect backdrop for any event.
The structure was built in 1918 as a bank. Many business changes later, the sisters began transforming the building into a dream event space.
As a nod to their grandma, the sisters chose a bird theme for the venue’s bathroom.
“The ceilings were black, and it was dark and gritty. The floors were in rough shape. We spent October and November renovating,” explained Boes.
They redid the hardwood floors to a lighter stain, painted the ceiling white to open up the space, added a new quartz countertop to the bar, installed custom fluting around the base of the bar, lime washed the walls, and more.
“The landlord has done a good job getting wedding-specific vendors in here. It’ll be a nice little hub of wedding vendors.” -Angela Merritt
“The goal is to cater to all of the different kinds of celebrations that people host,” said Boes.
To do this, they designed the space with classic neutral colors and little touches of character in the details like asymmetrical fixtures, hammered brass dome lights, and gold finishes.
Tables and chairs are included in the rental along with access to wi-fi, a Bose sound system, shared restrooms, and a bar.
“We do have additional items like décor and platters that people can rent out so they can have the most seamless experience possible,” said Boes.
Blast To The Past
Here are just a few of the businesses that once operated out of the building.
+ Books n Brewz Pizzaria
+ Fernson on 8th
+ Breadico
+ Latitude 44
A projector, tiers, and the Convolo Suite are also available for rent if needed for the event type.
The suite will double as a bridal suite or conference room when the furnishing is arranged differently.
For anyone who is hoping to have a microwedding, the suite upstairs offers the space to get ready onsite with other members of the wedding party.
Convolo doesn’t have any catering requirements, so guests can bring in their own beer and wine.
Fact
A few other wedding vendors are setting up shop in the offices above the space—including Danny Eisenhauer, a photographer.
If guests would like a bartender, that can be arranged.
“We have an on-site bartender that we partner with from With a Twist. He’s kind of like a bartender on wheels,” explained Boes.
Convolo’s dried florals are from The Flower Mill.
Among the sisters’ growing list of preferred vendors is catering from the new authentic Brazilian cuisine next door.
“Roots of Brasil next door is opening in the next couple of months, and they would do catering. The former owners of Kaladi’s Bistro and their family are starting it,” said Boes.
She adds that the restaurant will offer many different menu options for catering to Convolo events.
For more information, visit THECONVOLO.COM.
