Also Serving West Marion and Morgan Counties

COMINGS & GOINGS: BROWNSBURG
The Crown Room fills niche
It's larger, more elegant than some rental spaces

Roy M. Strong (front) and his family -- daughters Sarah Strong (from left, in back) and Stephanie Wagers, and his wife, Judy Strong operate The Crown Room. He said that early on, Judy envisioned the meeting and banquet facility. Rob Goebel, The Star   The Crown Room • Owner: Roy M. Strong. • Location: 900 E. 56th St., Brownsburg. • Services: Rental facility for wedding receptions and rehearsals, banquets, conventions, conferences and board meetings. • Contact: Stephanie Wagers. • Phone: (317) 858-2228. • Fax: (317) 852-4199. • Web site: www.strongcrownroom.com

By Stuart A. Hirsch
January 19, 2005

Brownsburg's newest banquet and meeting facility may look like an office building on the outside, but don't be deceived.

Inside, where it counts, The Crown Room is a cut above the average rental facility.

First, it is larger than most other venues in town.

At 3,400 square feet, it can accommodate 200 people for a seated function with room for a band and dancing.

Second, it exudes elegance, with a grand entrance foyer, reception area and fireplace paneled in cherry wood, and Waterford chandeliers, Palladian mirrored windows and plush carpeting.

It also has a full kitchen for caterers and an integrated sound system.

Businessman Roy M. Strong said he didn't have rental space for weddings and seminars in mind when he built the two-story Strong Building at 900 E. 56th St. two years ago.

He focused on office space, which is rented in the basement and first floor.

A financial planner, Strong owns Roy M. Strong Wealth Advisory Group, which also has offices in the building.

"My wife was telling me from Day One we really needed to convert this to a banquet space," Strong said, while showing off the facility recently. "I wasn't really listening."

He started listening more closely though, especially after hosting an investment seminar at another location that wasn't suited for the purpose.

He said he eventually embraced his wife Judy's vision. The elegant decor of the space largely reflects her taste and influence.

She noted that reception halls often rent in blocks of time, which can put pressure on groups, because another event might have booked the space for a later time.

That won't happen at The Crown Room.

"We're trying to have a place where people can come and be at peace, where they won't feel rushed," Judy Strong said.

The couple's daughter, Stephanie Wagers, is event coordinator and markets the room. Another daughter, Sarah Strong, assists in operating the room.

An open house from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday will feature 30 preferred vendors from a bridal boutique, caterers and event planners showing off their wares to potential clients.

"We're pretty excited because there's nothing quite like this elegance and class" in Brownsburg, she said.