UPDATE: BISSELL Tree House

After months of (semi) patiently waiting today I was able to tour the new BISSELL Tree House at John Ball Zoo. In one word...gorgeous! The architecture is brilliant, the building fits and blends perfectly into its surroundings on the hill above the zoo. It truly gives you an illusion of being in a tree house overlooking downtown Grand Rapids. Oh, did I forget to mention that part? From the front deck you look down on Grand Rapids skyline, it was beautiful during the day I am sure it is magnificent in the evening.

View from the front deck

Although it is called a Tree House you don't climb a rope or ladder to reach it. One of the highlights of this venue is the unique form of transportation to take your guests to the top of the hill. The funicular is three car tram like vehicle that carries thirty people at a time to the unloading station location beside the Tree House. Events may also hire their own shuttles or trolleys to take guests up the back way to the space but who wouldn't want to ride on something called a funicular? 

They are still working out some bugs but here is a quick shot of one of the cars and the unloading area.

One of the things that impressed me most about this space is it's use of natural materials such as wood, stone and concrete. It is one of the reasons that the building feels so natural in its environment.

 Main entryway to event space

 The main entry is in the top left corner of these pictures

A fireplace built into the wall

The Front Deck (facing the Funicular)

The Front Deck of the Tree House is available for your ceremony or cocktail hour. 

This event space has a capacity of 200 and all tables and chairs are included in the rental fee. The space also comes equipped with a professional catering prep and staging area. There are three wonderful caterers on their preferred lists for renters to choose from.

It is a beautiful, unique venue for any type of event and I am thrilled to have it in the Grand Rapids area!

For further information contact the Facility Rentals Department at facilityrental@johnballzoosociety.org or at (616) 260-9221.

BISSELL Tree House

See the update to this post here.

If you are like me and grew up in the Grand Rapids area, John Ball Zoo holds a special place in your heart. Now you can extend that connection by having your wedding reception there. The BISSELL Tree House is currently under construction with plans to open in August!

 (John Ball Zoo Society)

 (John Ball Zoo Society)

The Tree House will feature a ballroom with floor to ceiling windows overlooking downtown Grand Rapids. There is a wrap around covered deck that can be used for dining or cocktails and a spacious reception/entry area. What better ambiance for your guests then watching the lights of downtown with the sounds of the animals in the background? The ballroom has a capacity of 200 for a seating reception and 300 for a standing cocktail event.

If you choose, your guests can ride the new funicular up the hill and arrive at the Tree House. Each of the three cars fit up to ten passengers and the ride takes four minutes to reach the top, talk about arriving in style!

(John Ball Zoo Society)

Red Heels Events is currently offering a large discount on our services for events being held at the BISSELL Tree House in 2012 or 2013! Contact us today to see if your date is still available.


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