Rotary Event Center opens in Rockwall

Rockwall Rotary celebrates renovation

ROCKWALL, TX (Aug. 9, 2022) The newly renovated Event Center at Rockwall Rotary Hall is on its way to becoming one of Rockwall’s top event venues. From corporate meetings and private parties to wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners, its open concept and impressive interior makes it suitable for a large range of events.

According to Dana Macalik, a past president of Rockwall Rotary, the Rockwall Rotary Board of Directors decided two years ago to embark on a remodel. The event center (408 S. Goliad) which had been purchased in 1997, was becoming outdated and, like any other establishment, needed some routine maintenance and renovations. But the board of directors was motivated to take their plans a step further. They saw a potential in their beloved building that required more than just a fresh coat of paint and a few repairs. To them, this was an opportunity to introduce an entirely new event space, available to Rockwall County and its surrounding communities.

“It is our goal to be an integral part of our community,” said Macalik. “We believe that is what we were called to do.”

Macalik went on to explain how Rockwall Rotary stands out as one of very few Rotary clubs in the U.S. to actually own its own building. Like the history that has shaped Rotary International as an organization, Rockwall Rotary is furthering the tradition of “service above self and one profits most who serves best” by extending the use of their new building to the public for private parties, corporate events, and wedding receptions.

“Rockwall is becoming quite the mega center for a number of businesses that are relocating,” Macalik continued, “so we’re hoping from a corporate standpoint many of them will want to use the Event Center for strategic planning meetings, team building events, and things of that matter.”

The Event Center also welcomes members of the community who wish to rent the space for private parties and celebrations. Examples of these might be a special anniversary, a quinceanera or a nonprofit event. The Rotary would also like to extend the use of its building to host wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. Please note, rental only includes use of the space itself; all catering and decorating must be provided by outside vendors.

The Rockwall Rotary Foundation Board, led by Stan Lowrance, selected Z Constructors, owned by Matt Zahm, as its general contractor. As a result, the newly renovated event center features a completely remodeled exterior and interior. “We couldn’t have done it without their dedicated help,” said Lowrance.

Lowrance and fellow Rotary Foundation Board member Ted Hoisington covered much of the groundwork for reconstruction and renovation of the building. From there, Macalik and her fellow members of the affectionately named “lipstick committee” led the interior design, putting all of the finishing touches on the brand new event space. “I believe all of Rockwall can be proud of our new Rotary building,” said Lowrance.

In addition to the remodels, the building was also expanded in square footage to allow room for more guests. The space can now accommodate up to 150 people, while the previous space only accommodated about 100, comfortably.

Perhaps one of the most impressive features of the long-anticipated renovation is its completely updated audio-visual system. The system, implemented by none other than Rockwall Rotary’s 2021-2022 Rotarian of the Year, Erik Oistad, boasts a much-needed departure from the layers of old and almost inoperable equipment used previously.

According to Oistad, a retired electrical engineer, the new audio-visual system was clearly needed. After thorough research and collaboration with the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce, Oistad recommended the Rotary implement ZoomRooms – the newest version of Zoom conferencing. The Rotary building now features a 7’ high 12’ wide jumbo screen in the front of the meeting space, accompanied by several additional monitors placed throughout the meeting room. A new sound system rounds out the facility with crisp audio quality. “There are no ‘bad seats’ in Rotary Hall,” said Oistad.

After several committee meetings and countless hours of planning, Rockwall Rotary was finally able to enjoy the fruits of their labor during an Awards Ceremony and Installation of the Rockwall Rotary Board of Directors on Thursday, June 30. It was an afternoon of new beginnings, as immediate past President Kevin Pate passed the gavel of authority to current President Greg Blair.

During a heartwarming acceptance speech, Blair praised the hard work of his fellow Rotarians over the past year for their many achievements and accomplishments. Many valued members of the Rockwall community looked on as the new board of directors promised “Rockwall Rotary may truly exemplify the highest standards of service above self.”

In light of its newly renovated meeting space and increased square footage, Rockwall Rotary is also anticipating an expansion in members this coming year. Rotary invites interested community members to visit a weekly meeting and consider joining Rockwall Rotary. Meetings are held every Thursday at noon. For more information visit rockwallrotary.org.

Those interested in renting the Event Center for a private event can contact Dana Macalik at 214-679-2401 or visit the official Cain Event Center website for more information: rockwalleventcenter.com.

Story by Amy Busch, contributing writer/reporter, Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photos.