Approximately seven years ago Rosemary Conder visited “The Gallery at 107” in Owensboro, Kentucky looking for a place to hold her daughter’s wedding reception. The moment she walked through the door she felt a warm radiance, a familiar yet unknown ambience, a sense of wonder, and she knew, even then, that she had a strong connection to this special place.

Years later Rosemary, and her husband Larry, wanted to invest in Downtown Owensboro. “The Gallery at 107” went on the market for sale in June of 2007 and Rosemary immediately felt they should buy it.

“It was an emotional buy,” said Rosemary. “We absolutely love the place.”

Rosemary and Larry renamed the location “THE CROWNE at 107” and wasted no time in beginning to host events, give tours, and promote this unique space throughout the Region.

The Crowne at 107 is located at 107 East Second Street in Downtown Owensboro. It is nestled in the heart of Downtown development, just one block away from the magnificent Ohio River. It rests just a few blocks from the Riverpark Center and The Executive Inn Rivermont, and also is within a short walking distance to all downtown museums, restaurants, and merchants.

When one enters the establishment an immediate sense of elegance and grandeur overwhelms the senses. Rosemary says it best, “You feel welcome. There is a touch of elegance. The Crowne is the perfect place to start your marriage off in a comfortable and intimate setting that feels like home.”

Cut glass doors open into the main gallery as visitors are welcomed by a bronze harpist, feminine and passionate, yet delicate, enticing the visitor to venture further. An antique, custom oak train station ticket counter from Atlanta, Georgia serves as the point of departure. The journey has begun!

There is an eclectic mix of antiques and art throughout the entire building but most noticeable in the main gallery. Pieces range from Renaissance era bronze statues to a six feet tall paper maché artistic giraffe. There is a vast array of antique rugs and furniture that adorns the main gallery. It truly is a feast for the senses and impossible to appreciate the enormity of the collection during any single visit.

The main gallery can accommodate receptions and dinners for parties ranging in size from 10 to 75 people. It is an intimate atmosphere, filled with unique conversation pieces. There truly is wonder to be found wherever you look!

Further into The Crowne, there is an arch entryway into the kitchen. Custom, hand-painted musings accentuate the arch that leads into the full-service kitchen / catering area. The kitchen has all modern amenities including: double microwave, double ovens, a rear service entrance for catering, restroom facilities, and more.

The kitchen also contains the control center for a state-of-the-art sound system to fill the main gallery with your choice of music. That sounds wonderful, literally! However, as Karen Carpenter said, “We’ve only just begun!”

A bronze flapper statuette gracefully rests on the baluster of the staircase, encouraging one to continue the magical journey upward. The stairs lead to the bar area, situated on a floor level between the main level and the upper level. The loft-like bar room features a stained glass ceiling and an antique oak bar.

The room challenges one’s mind. For example, there is a bar table held up by a 2-headed elephant. On top of the table is a map of the world. There is an autographed picture of Muhammad Ali, a collection of presidential campaign buttons, and much more. There are no boundaries here! Still there is more!

A short climb up another staircase leads to the Second Street Theatre. Yes, I said the Second Street Theatre! A stone lion, a sentry guarding the entrance to the magic of the movies, keeps a watchful eye as visitors pass into yet another dimension of The Crowne at 107. A paper maché monkey ensures only ticket holders enter as they pass through the red velvet curtains and into the Theatre.

The Theatre room consists of a raised lounge area, complete with a sofa, antique bar stools and more. There are actual theatre seats gradually escalating up from the 15 foot screen at the bottom of the room.

A quick glance around and one notices an abundance of art and memorabilia. Pieces that stand out include a record jacket signed by Judy Garland, an original movie poster of Clark Gable, and a signed Leroy Neman of Marilyn Monroe. WOW!

There is room for approximately thirty people in the Theatre. The high-tech projection/video/surround sound/audio system plays DVDs, hooks into computers for PowerPoint, and more. The lights even dim as the curtains open up to showcase the screen and the movie begins.

This is the PERFECT room to show your videos, pic to videos, and share in life moments as a couple prepares to spend their life together. The experience of simply being in this room is amazing.

Now, believe it or not, there is still more. After your guests leave, after your dinner, your social gathering, and sharing of videos, there is yet another special part of The Crowne we have yet to visit.

Hidden behind the Second Street Theatre on the upper level of The Crowne is a luxurious bridal suite! An intimate hideaway, nestled behind the theatre is the ultimate “icing on the cake” and a perfect end to a perfect evening.

Sixteen feet high ceilings adorn this grand, yet romantic area. A four poster cherry canopy bed, custom built for Reba McIntyre, fashioned after an antique from an English Castle is the centerpiece of this room! Now THAT is a bed! The walls are custom, hand painted and accented.

The modern suite is complete with a restroom and shower/bath, a full service kitchenette, and a washer/dryer. The large windows offer a view of Downtown Owensboro and a glimpse of the world outside. However, couples can relax inside and enjoy the intimate magic of The Crowne.

Larry and Rosemary Conder invite couples to tour the facility as they make their wedding plans. They want them to have a peaceful and relaxing start to one of the most exciting times of their lives. Rosemary stated, “Weddings are so stressful. We want to help them regroup, relax, and enjoy this special time.”

For an extra special wedding experience visit Rosemary and Larry’s full-service salon, SWANK SALON, also located in Owensboro, Kentucky! And, keep your eyes and ears open for the CREAM COFFEE HOUSE, adjoined to The Crowne at 107, which is scheduled to open in spring of 2008. Rosemary and Larry Conder are making things happen in Downtown Owensboro!