The Waldo Astoria…does that name sound familiar? Longtime Waldo residents may remember the dinner playhouse at 73rd and Washington, which originally opened around 1924 as the Waldo Theater. That building is long gone…but the name, Waldo Astoria, now refers to a new event space in Waldo.

The newly opened Waldo Astoria is different: it’s an event space, it’s an overnight guest house; it can be a live music venue; it can be a special private retreat space; there are so many possibilities! So let’s dive in and learn about this new spot you may be visiting sometime soon.

Owners Traci and George Ismert, along with partner Joe Hendrickson, have operated businesses along the short block of W. 80th Terrace for several years. The Ismerts renovate and build homes through their company Old Glory Neighborhood Improvement Company, Inc, and Joe operates Hendrickson Tree Care Company. Formerly a airplane parts business, the building across the street from them came up for sale and the Ismerts decided to purchase it. After a full renovation with Joe’s help, they decided to operate it as a multipurpose venue. Honoring part of Waldo’s history, they named their new venture the Waldo Astoria.

The renovated building is divided into two distinct areas. The front part is similar to a house, with a living room, dining room, full kitchen and sleeping accommodations for up to 16 people. Head downstairs to the back of the property and find a large, open space featuring a long bar, high ceilings, and a double garage door that opens to a fenced yard with a concrete pad for a live band. This space can host up to 100 guests, depending on the room set up. And if you book this space for a private event, you can choose your own licensed caterer and bring in alcohol for serving. There is plenty of free parking outside. You can rent just the guest house or the event area; they will not book two different parties at the same time in the different spaces.

Waldo Astoria would be a perfect spot for a wedding, graduation party, family reunion, corporate retreat, holiday party, seminar — so many possibilities! The Ismerts and and Joe are also hosting events open to the public-the next one is a live music event on June 30, a benefit for the Veterans Community Project.

Be sure to follow their Instagram page for updates. If you would like a tour of Waldo Astoria, contact them through their website.