Friday 29th March 2024

Development continues on Cave City entertainment venue

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Laborers continue work on Cave City’s newest outdoor entertainment venue called “The Ace Alley Event Center.” Glass Ceiling Enterprises LLC was the recent recipient of a small business revolving loan for the purchase of sound equipment.
(PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LETICIA CLINE)

BY BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News

CAVE CITY — A recent small business revolving loan was given to Glass Ceiling Enterprises to develop an outdoor venue and entertainment area for visitors to Cave City.

The Barren County Economic Authority said the loan was low-cost and provided to the group for their advancement of downtown culture. The space is called “The Ace Alley Event Center.” The space is within walking distance for 1 out of 5 adults living in the city.

“Downtowns are the heart of any community and Broadway St. in Cave City is getting a makeover with several new businesses and investments,” said a news release from a the BCEA.

Leticia Cline is the co-owner of Glass Ceiling Enterprises. She said the original idea was to create a space to help inspire artistic expression in the community.

The vision also included the conversion of a parking lot to a pocket park and event center. The plan includes a patio, food truck and stage for performances.

“The name is a way to honor the past while creating a place for the future,” Cline said. “The Ace theatre was once the heart of Cave City, a place where memories were made. We hope to continue that tradition.”

The company has invested in lighting, a performance area, patio, and attractive awnings to provide shade and comfort for parkgoers, according to the news release.

The funding provided will assist with the purchase of the sound equipment, the BCEA said.

“With Covid, open outdoor spaces are becoming more relevant for people who want to socialize but keep in a space with less risk.” said Maureen Carpenter, President & CEO of the Barren County Economic Authority.  “Placemaking spaces like The Ace Alley Event Center will bring more people to the downtown.”

Funding for the loan fund was provided by a USDA Grant awarded to the Barren County Economic Authority in 2020 through the Rural Business Development Grant program.

The program is available to small businesses located in Barren County, and funds can be used for new business start-ups or small business expansion. To learn more about the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund visit: https://www.barrencoea.com/small-business-resources.

Loan amounts between $5,000 and $20,000 are available to qualifying borrowers.

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