Ground hasn’t yet been broken for the project, but The Hub is already gaining buzz. The Hub will be the new 5,000-square-foot event space alongside the Local Lounge, the new eatery on Clairemont Avenue that inhabits the old Seahorse Inn space. Owner Chase Collins was looking to expand the establishment's kitchen and events capability. In the future, The Hub will be able to host events with as many as 300 attendees, be they weddings, company holiday parties, or networking meet-up events. Adding to the diversity of offerings, the proprietors will also be launching “Live in Eau Claire Health,” making the venue a gathering place for Eau Claire Health Advocates.

Working from a site plan designed by Ayres Associates, The Hub will exist where employee parking for the Local Lounge currently is – the plot of land just north of the existing building. The Eau Claire Plan Commission gave the thumbs up to plans for The Hub in mid-November, and the project will begin when the snow melts and open by June. There are currently July and August weddings fortuitously booked into the as-of-yet-nonexistent space.

Working from a building design and floor plan from Nick Semling of the Construction Hub, the space will be outfitted with two overhead glass garage doors to draw the outdoors in. It will also have a manicured outdoor patio for dining and mingling. Events Coordinator Gretta Hunt will continue booking events into the future space through Events@LiveInEauClaire.com.